January 2022

Haley Pilot School SPC Meeting

January 19, 2022

Special thanks to Principal Kathleen Sullivan for joining us for a question and answer session. 

1. Update on kitchen?

   1. The hope is that it will be up and running soon. It is built and ready to go. Labor shortage, however, is causing issues with finding enough staff to run the kitchen. 

   2. The goal is to have fresh food cooking throughout the day, and the idea is to have foods representative of many cultures to support the diverse population that makes up The Haley. So far, Mr. Graham has seen lots of fresh and exciting foods such as rice, beans, chicken, veggies, papaya, pineapple, falafel, pasta, mac n cheese, teriyaki dishes, pupusas. The cafeteria staff is very encouraging of students to give things a try. 

   3. So far, the kitchen is staffed with very friendly and loving staff who are focused on making great effort to get to know and connect with students. 

   4. More info can be found here: https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/mywaycafe

   5. In general, there has been some inconsistency with the school menu, mostly due to delivery schedules, shortages of delivery workers, and what foods are available. The cafeteria often has to be flexible in thinking about what food The Haley has available and what can be made into a meal. 

   6. Check out BPS menu here: https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/Page/8761

2. Some of the annual traditions at the Haley

   1. Turkey Trot - coming together as a community and to celebrate the wellness of kids in the PE class - stamina, cheering each other on. Takes place the day before Thanksgiving break

   2. International Dinner - usually held in Feb or March. Will not be able to host this in-person this year. 

   3. A new idea that another school has done - “My Culture is Dope” - a celebration of multiculturalism. 

   4. Various field trips are usual, although many are on hold due to Covid. In general field trips are seen by the Haley as crucial to helping students connect their learning to experience. Right now, walking field trips are allowed, and classes will go to BNC when the weather gets nice. 

3. Can you explain the Haley Governing Board?

   1. Board that makes decisions around The Haley’s policies and budget. 

   2. Consists of equal members of staff and family (4 of each) and up to 6 community members, as well as Principal Sullivan.

   3. The board approves the school contract, manages the money that the district allots to the Haley, writes bylaws that help with management of the Haley, etc.

   4. Families can talk with board representatives to add things to the agenda

   5. Any changes and new ideas for The Haley have to go through the Governing Board

4. There was an article in the paper that the state is no longer requiring contact tracing in school. Has that trickled down to Boston Public Schools?

   1. No, contract tracing is still happening at the Haley. As of right now, the Haley is not shifting. There are some questions about the sustainability of this system with Covid numbers going up, but it is still happening now. 

5. Is there a time when you may need to close a classroom based on Covid numbers?

   1. The Haley continually sends Covid numbers to and consults with the BPHC. The Haley would not make this decision, but the BPHC could make such a decision based on the numbers that are reported. 

6. If you have to close a classroom, what will be the instruction model?

   1. Right now, DESE is saying that there will be no remote learning or live lessons

   2. At this time, when a student has to be out for Covid protocol, the students are provided a laptop and can access Google classroom, Seesaw, and any other learning platform that is used in their classroom. Tasks on these platforms will be associated with the work being done in the classroom.

7. Is MCAS happening?

   1. A request has been submitted for delay or cancellation of MCAS, but it has not been approved at this time. At this point, MCAS is happening as planned. 

8. A special thank you was sent to Ms. Sullivan and Nurse Donovan for guiding the school and parents through this stressful time.  How can parents support? Ms. Sullivan mentioned continuing to support each other as much as we can. Any thanks we can give to teachers is so much appreciated. They are working at a pace that is almost inhuman. Maintaining their own emotional health as well as our children’s emotional health. 

9. Given all of the staffing issues that we are hearing about in the news, how is staffing going at the Haley?

1. People have really stepped up to help each other out. Principal Sullivan is so grateful to have two teachers in each class. People have been flexible and covering for each other, most classes have been covered, and there has not been a need to have strangers in the classrooms. It has not been perfect, but the whole school is trying to be as consistent as possible. The school continues to strive every day to make sure that students are safe and sound. 

2. A parent noted that staff is so good at showing the best of themselves in such a stressful time - thank you!

3. Disco dance parties are magical!

4. Kathleen Sullivan is so grateful for all of the teamwork that exists in the whole school! 

10. How is the pool testing going?

    1. Over 85% of students have consented. 

    2. The testers have been amazing - friendly, familiar to students, move fast and efficiently. 

    3. Original pool test goes out on Tuesday. If a pool comes back positive, each student in the pool receives a rapid and a PCR test. 

11. Do staff also test? Yes

12. The vaccination mandate is coming up on Monday, 1/24. It does affect The Haley on some level. Ms. Sullivan regrets that staff will be put on leave if they are not vaccinated come Monday. If it comes to this, Ms. Sullivan will reluctantly let the community know of any changes.