TO: Swampscott School Committee
FROM: Superintendent Angelakis
DATE: December 12, 2024
RE: Superintendent’s Report to School Committee
DIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING
I have received Dr. Bacon’s official resignation as she is moving on to new opportunities.
Dr. Bacon has been with us since July 2019, four and a half years. Shortly after her arrival, we all know the pandemic happened in March 2020. She led us through this challenging time with the new instructional model of remote learning. She worked tirelessly with our curriculum leaders and technology department to ensure we were doing our best to meet the needs of all our students. She has raised the bar with data analysis and data-driven instruction. Dr. Bacon has also pursued numerous grants and played a significant role in the creation and success of the various pathways for our students. Dr. Bacon will be missed here at SPS, and we wish her nothing but the best in the future. Dr. Bacon’s last day with us will be January 3rd, 2025.
We had 21 applicants for the Director of Teaching and Learning position, and we were fortunate to have such talented candidates.
Of the 21 applicants, Ms. Coults, Mr. Calichman, and I reviewed them and narrowed the field to the strongest eight candidates.
Ms. Coults will lead the first round of interviews, with building leadership, central office, and teacher representation on the committee.
HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
PROSPECTIVE STUDENT OPEN HOUSE
Mr. Kohut received a great deal of positive feedback from parents and students.
Higher attendance than at last year’s event - approximately 160 attendees.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT DATA
Concerned about the impact the high school schedule might be having on AP coursework and the ability to complete the material, Mr. Kohut examined the data.
2021 school year, 189 test takers, 69% earned 3-5 (meaning college credit)
2022 school year, 182 test takers, 67% earned 3-5
2023 school year, 192 test takers, 70% earned 3-5
2024 school year, 197 test takers, 76% earned 3-5
CONGRATULATIONS
To SHS Chorus members Hadley Husted and Alex Shilo on being selected to perform with this year's Massachusetts Northeastern District Senior Chorus in January. High school singers prepare a short choral work, sight singing, and a scale for a judge and are scored on their performance. The very best singers from the region then work with a nationally known choral conductor for just ten hours of rehearsal to prepare a full concert program. Great job, Alex and Hadley!
SUPERINTENDENT DESIGNEE - MR. CALICHMAN
We have scheduled weekly 1:1 meetings/mentoring sessions.
Mr. Calichman was part of every building and department budget and capital meetings.
He attended the SES RAW Arts Mural dedication in my absence.
He is scheduling his attendance and talks with staff to introduce himself at upcoming elementary and high school faculty meetings.
Mr. Calichman is meeting with building administration and department leaders. (Tech, T & L, Special Education, METCO, and Finance)
Central office leadership is copying him on relevant district—and building-level emails that may impact or be applicable in the future.
He will be a member of the bargaining team.
He is attending biweekly Finance/Human Resource meetings with me.
He has connected with the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association for School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.), so he will be informed when to register for the 3-year MASS New Superintendent’s Induction Program.
NEW
In my absence, Jason is now in charge of the district.
We will be attending the MASS Mid-Winter Conference on January 23rd.
He will conduct finalist interviews with me for the Director of Teaching and Learning position.
He assisted with the Ipswich tour of SES on December 11th.
Mr. Calichman participates in the ongoing Finance/Superintendent budget meetings and generates ideas to contribute to the budget discussions.
Beginning in January, Mr. Calichman will attend all my standing meetings with Student Services, METCO, High School Leadership, Elementary Leadership, Technology, Facilities, and School Committee Chair meetings.
UU CHURCH & SES PARKING
A license agreement has been drafted by our attorney and shared with our counterparts at the UU.
We plan to meet with them next week to review it and move forward with our plan.
AARPA FUNDS
Ms. Wolff - Morgan’s Message to me on Tuesday.
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