Allison Sgambato for Hanover School Committee

04/15/2022

Sign Saturday is TOMORROW! We have 90 sign locations. Who is going to help us reach 100 by the end of today?!? Send a message to sign up or if you want to chat (in person, phone, text or email!)

04/09/2022

-Host a Lawn Sign-
April 16th is your chance to let your family, friends and neighbors know that you are ready to put KIDS FIRST! Be sure to get your lawn on the list if you haven't already!

04/05/2022

Cedar School is hosting an informational night for families on April 12th at 6:00pm that includes a presentation by the founder of Raising Multicultural Kids. This information was shared in the April Cedar newsletter, but did not have extensive detail. Therefore, I reached out directly to the Cedar School administration requesting additional information and advocating for transparency. The administrator that I spoke with is aware that I am sharing this information publicly.

1. Is this event in person, Zoom or hybrid?
- Answer: The event is in person

2. Will families have the opportunity to ask questions?
- Answer: There will be a Q and A!

3. Is there a plan to send out a list of the materials that will be used and sample activities/lessons in advance of the meeting?
- Answer: Unfortunately, no. All materials will be presented by RMK at the meeting as they are intellectual property.

4. Who will be responsible for monitoring the topics discussed in the classroom - are the teachers tasked with reviewing the lesson plan and “over seeing” the presenter?
- Answer: Teachers will have access to the stories and lesson overview ahead of time and will be present during the lesson. RMK will explain further how this works and answer any questions. They will most likely be sharing a video of a typical lesson as they did for the staff training. The leadership team here, including reading specialists, principals, school psych. are also reviewing and monitoring.

5. In our past conversations, we had discussed the booklist being “revamped.” Is this list now ready to be shared, and if so, can you please send me a copy?
- Answer: The list of books that will be featured by RMK for the month of May and June
include:
All The Ways to Be Smart (Davina Bell)
Magic Ramen (Wang)
Mitzvah Pizza (Scheerger)
We Match on the Inside (Bunkowsil)
Cora Cooks Pancit (Doreen Lazo Gilmore)

I believe parents should be able to review a sample lesson plan and/or activities prior to the meeting. This is a necessary piece of information for all families to be able to meaningfully participate. I will follow up on this matter in a clear and respectful manner.

My goals are increasing accountability, communication and updating policies. I am a sound decision maker who is able to clearly, calmly and concisely share information. Our kids need to be put first and I have the experience and expertise to ensure that happens. I want to earn your vote and am ready and willing to work. If you're ready to put Kids First, then elect Sgambato for School Committee!

Kindly,
Allison Sgambato

03/30/2022

The opportunity to vote for meaningful change on the School Committee is in less than 6 weeks. When you check Sgambato for School Committee on the ballot, you are putting our kids one vote closer to having the voice they so desperately need. I am in the trenches each day, living the realities of public education. As a member of the School Committee, I will ensure that all of our kids are gaining academic and social skills in a safe environment by developing strong policies. I will also advocate for more robust meeting agendas, greater transparency and increased accountability.
1. Policy: The last update to the School Committee Policy Manual was in 2020 and addressed face coverings. The manual is intended to be an ever evolving document that is reflective of current needs, updated laws, etc. During the March 23rd School Committee meeting, Chairperson Miller’s response to an Agenda item was to add it to the list of policies needing review. Keeping a list of items to review with no timeline means that we are missing important opportunities. This is to the detriment of our children. Policies are what ensures the children of Hanover are receiving a high quality education that is reflective of our residents' hard earned tax dollars. As a member of the Hanover School Committee, I will advocate for more robust meeting Agendas that lead to productive dialogue from multiple perspectives.
2. Transparency: The March 23rd Agenda indicated that action was required regarding the Transportation Contract Extension. Through the dialogue of the current School Committee it was shared that they did not have copies of the contract to review. The Interim Business Manager stated that the contract was already signed and that it was just a vote based on two options. District administration attended the meeting expecting there would be no questions. In fact, they did not have a copy of the contract or a readily available dollar and/or percentage increase. A School Committee member actively used mental math to come up with an approximate number. Despite all of this, Chairperson Miller asked the committee to entertain a motion regarding the contract extension. Where is our voice? When no one questions these practices, this hinders transparency and places no emphasis on accountability. Chairperson Miller’s evaluation of the Superintendent in June of 2021 indicates that she rated nearly every category as exemplary, including his communication. Based on what has been publicly shared by residents, the upcoming evaluation must adequately address this issue

Hanover residents need a School Committee member who will take personal responsibility and action. By voting Sgambato for School Committee, you are making an active decision to put our kids first! As always, I remain open to listening and understanding the concerns of residents and will work to earn your vote, so please reach out.

Sincerely,
Allison Sgambato

03/24/2022

Last evening I attended the School Committee meeting. For those who prefer just the bottom line, below is a "quick info." sheet. Additionally, as I have done in the past, there is an in depth summary of the items discussed, which can be found via this link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10Va-G01g-d4UZOWicCV-ao1R9GjozK_MVgIbYmvb6ZY/edit?usp=sharing

I want to work hard and earn your vote. Please reach out and let me know how to earn your trust and confidence.

"Quick Info." sheet - March 23, 2022 School Committee Meeting

PUBLIC COMMENT
- Two residents who attended in person addressed the School Committee.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 9, 2022: Open Session: Will be ready for Approval by 4/13/22 meeting.

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
- 2022 - 2023 School Calendar Vote: The School Committee voted and approved the first and last days of school for the 2022 - 2023 year. The first day is: 8/31/22 and 9/1/22. The first day of school for students will be 9/6/22. The last day of school, if there are no snow days, is 6/19/23. If the 5 snow days are needed, the last day of school will be 6/26/23.
- 2021 - 2022 Last Day of School Vote: The last day of school for the 2021 - 2022 school year will be June 24, 2022.
- Discussion of Policy IHAM-1 in Regards to the Health Curriculum and Notice to Parents Relative to S*x Education: Members of the Committee shared that they would like more in depth content and communication to parents regarding this subject matter.
**A Parent Night is being held for Parents/Caretakers of HMS Students on Monday, March 28, 2022 specifically regarding this portion of the Health Curriculum.**

REPORT OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT
- Approval of the FY '23 Budget: Total Budget Approved for FY ‘23 is $33,571,915.00. This is a 6.5% increase from FY ‘22.
- Transportation Contract Extension: The School Committee approved the transportation contract being extended for 1 year, with an increase of approximately $35,000.00 - $36,000.00.

REPORT ON TEACHING AND LEARNING
- HHS Program of Studies: Tabled to April 13, 2022.

ACTION ITEMS
- HMS Gettysburg Field Trip Request: The School Committee approved the Gettysburg Field Trip Request for students in the 8th grade at HMS.

NEXT MEETING DATE
- April 13, 2022 at 7:00 pm

Hanover School Committee Meeting March 23, 2022 at 7:00 PM Summary and Notes compiled by: A. Sgambato Below is a summary of the items discussed. For more in depth information, please view the recording (not available at the time of t...

03/23/2022

There is a hybrid School Committee meeting tonight (3/23/22). The start time is 7:00pm and for those who would like to attend in person it is at HHS in the Media Center. For those who wish to attend virtually, the Zoom link is provided at the top of the Agenda (link below!)

03/13/2022

My Sunday morning included coffee and reviewing the School Committee Policy Manual, which can be viewed in its entirety at: https://www.hanoverschools.org/district/policy-manual/pages/school-committee-policy-manual. For those who do not find reviewing local policy manuals riveting, below are two key areas that I would like to discuss.

Section A: FOUNDATIONS AND BASIC COMMITMENTS,
File AB: THE PEOPLE AND THEIR SCHOOL DISTRICT states:
“The School Committee therefore affirms and declares its intent to: 1. Maintain two way communication with citizens of the community. The public will be kept informed of the progress and problems of the school system, citizens will be urged to bring their aspirations and feelings about their public schools to the attention of this body, which they have chosen to represent them in the management of public education.”
Section B: BOARD GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONS
File BBAA: SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBER AUTHORITY AND DUTIES states the following: “Each member of the School Committee shall: 1. Recognize that his/her primary responsibility is to the children of Hanover.”

Why did these two statements have such a profound impact on the start of my day? In some ways, it was validating to read how closely my “why” (shared in a post on 2/11/22) aligned with the expectations of the School Committee. While the primary role of the Committee is policy making (not in the daily operations of the schools), there needs to be a balance as to how these areas intersect. I have been very open and candid in sharing that the children of Hanover are the reason I am seeking election. Parents and caregivers know their kids best. Therefore, we need to respectfully listen and understand different perspectives, experiences and opinions so that our children receive the education they deserve.

Working in public education myself, I am living and breathing the challenges our staff and teachers face. Having “boots on the ground” allows me to personally understand the direct impact of policies, budgeting and the “roll out” of any new initiatives. Educators are working harder than ever and that needs to be recognized. Many of our staff members live here in town and bring a unique perspective as well. They should also be able to feel comfortable voicing their concerns as residents. I want to be a voice for all residents in this community.

My goal is to continue to support all of those who call Hanover home with honest and open communication. Therefore, I encourage anyone who would like to further discuss anything to sign up for a virtual chat. Times are able to be booked with just one simple click at https://calendly.com/sgambato-for-school-committee/familyandcommunityinput
I will soon also be sharing the details of a couple of in person chats as well. If a virtual chat or an in-person meeting is not feasible, I will find a way to be sure we connect.

I want to listen and understand your experiences so I can earn your vote. My reason for seeking election to the School Committee is the children of this town and ensuring the choices of today have a positive impact on tomorrow.

Kindly,
Allison Sgambato

Code Finder IndexSection A: Foundations and Basic CommitmentsSection B: School Board Governance and OperationsSection C: General School AdministrationSection D: Fiscal ManagementSection E: Support ServicesSection F: Facilities DevelopmentSection G: PersonnelSection H: NegotiationsSection I: Instruct

03/11/2022

Happy Friday, Hanover! I wanted to take the time to share some important information from the March 9th School Committee meeting.

- Tricia Smith RN BSN NCSN, our Director of Health Services, was recognized by the Massachusetts School Nurse Organization (MSNO) as being the School Nurse Administrator of the year for 2021 - 2022 school year. What a well deserved honor, congratulations Mrs. Smith!

- The appeal regarding components of the ADL Peer Training Manual was denied.

- Mr. Ferron shared that the tentative last day of school is 6/23/22. A draft of the 2022 - 2023 school calendar is posted on the HPS website. The first day of school is 9/6/22. Kindergarten will begin on 9/7/22, followed by Preschool/PreK on 9/8/22.

- Professional Development will be “front loaded” at the beginning of the year. The teachers start on 8/31/22 per the Hanover Teachers Association (HTA) contract. Election Day (11/8/22) will be used as a PD Day. There is already no school for the kids due to the buildings being used as polling locations.

- The independent Special Education Program report was completed and presented by Ms. Dorcey Yearley, who is an Educational Consultant. Ms. Yearly has extensive experience working in the field of Special Education and is highly regarded in the education profession. She provided a thorough and objective review of Hanover’s program. I have shared the basic themes and findings below. I will be discussing these in greater detail over the next few weeks. The report is informative and can be found via the following link:https://www.hanoverschools.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif3221/f/uploads/appendix_c_hanover_special_education_department_final_review-rev.3.9.22.pdf
*Key Themes:
1. Services and programs are functioning well and most parents/staff report feeling confident in the services being delivered to students with disabilities.
2. There is a desire to review and improve procedures and practices related to special education eligibility, transition and specialized programs.
(District administration is aware and has been actively working on both of these concerns!)
*Findings:
1. Organization structure of the department could be improved to provide more consistent practices.
2. A district wide review of the special education process would increase consistency and confidence in the process.
3. The current placement and use of paraprofessionals indicates that there should be a review of the job description and a decision should be made regarding their role.
4. Substantially separate programs are well respected, but there is not a clear alignment across levels.
5. Certain groups of parents feel the need to engage outside resources to support their student(s).

There were several strengths highlighted by Ms. Yearley, such as talented and committed staff along with collegial and collaborative relationships. Overall, HPS is an excellent place to work and staff feel supported and respected.

Finally, Hanover has an exceptional Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) and I would encourage any family to reach out to them. Hearing that your child has a disability and developing a sense of understanding and acceptance is a process. Please know that there are sources of support within our community.

Please reach out with any questions or concerns. I want to earn your vote, so let’s connect and discuss how we can make that happen! Enjoy the weekend!

Kindly,
Allison Sgambato

03/10/2022

Honest and open communication continues to remain at the forefront of my election efforts. There is nothing more critical than voters feeling confident when they enter the polls in May. I take personal responsibility in ensuring that this happens. Therefore, I would like to directly address some issues/concerns that have been raised.

I do not support bullying in any form and have become well versed in the Hanover Bullying Policy. All students have the right to be educated in an environment that celebrates who they are and what makes them unique. This means I support efforts to create a climate of inclusivity for all of our children.

I am not an active member of the “Motherlode” group. On February 3, 2022 I joined the Motherlode Facebook group and chose to leave on February 7, 2022. My intention was to join a variety of groups run by town residents so that I could get a better understanding of specific concerns. This is because I want to truly listen and understand the position of all residents. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that it was not possible to join every single group related to issues of importance to residents. Therefore, I left this specific group in question. I chose to “follow” pages and not join groups because it was a more transparent way for all to see who I am and what I support.

I believe in respectful dialogue to gain an understanding of an individual's perspective. Being able to actively listen to multiple viewpoints does not mean I align with any or all of them. This is a skill that requires practice and a very conscious effort to see the world beyond yourself. We should all model and reinforce this with our kids.

I believe in advocating for children and encourage all families to do so in a respectful manner. My family has strong ties to the law enforcement community and we did send a letter to the Superintendent from a collective group of about 20 families. Therefore, I can not in good conscience share it publicly. If anyone would like to further discuss our one extremely specific concern, I would be happy to arrange a time to meet/talk privately. I will say that the group clearly stated that sharing our concern was not an attempt to detract from the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion. In fact, it actually stated that we recognize the need for it to be done in a developmentally appropriate way that represents ALL groups. The letter was not done in conjunction or tandem with any other group(s) or people. Mr. Ferron addressed our concerns privately and last night clearly shared a very similar statement publicly.

Please reach out if there are any further questions or if I can provide greater clarification. I want to earn your vote in May and ensure that all residents know exactly who they are voting for based on not only credentials and experience but most importantly character. Thank you.

Respectfully,
Allison Sgambato