Category Archives: Schools

$1.4m. for MHS field replacement

 

MHS sigh

Attached and below are the analysis of the $1.4m. cost of the replacement MHS field the schools are asking for at the annual town meeting.  I suggest viewing the PDF so the columns of figures line up correctly.

medfield main field costs (1)


FIELD A:
HIGH SCHOOL MULTI-USE SYNTHETIC FIELD AND TRACKMEDFIELD ATHLETIC FIELDS MASTER PLAN

Due to the high level of use of fields in the Town of Medfield and the current condition of the existing field at the High School it is recommended that the existing synthetic turf field with upgraded drainage system and synthetic track be replaced. The synthetic turf fibers are starting to deteriorate, a condition common found in a field with this amount of use and age of the product. The ability of the field to maintain in fill in a stable condition will continue to be reduced in turn reducing the overall safety of the field to the athletes. Concerns over rising Gmax will continue to be an issue in the field. Currently there are multiple areas that flood on the field. This is an indication of a failing base/drainage system. It is recommended that a new drainage system replace the existing to alleviate flooding, additionally it is recommended
that a trench and slot drain are added to the perimeter of the track to assist with drainage.

The synthetic track has clear base issues at the long-jump triple-jump areas. It is highly recommended that the “D-Zone Areas” are built to include synthetic track surfacing which will also assist in the function of the areas when running track meets. The track has been over-sprayed once to date. The track has reached an age in which it should be sprayed again. This should occur during this process. It should be noted that a track can only be sprayed a minimum of three times which should make the track functional for an additional five to six years.

This page lists a summary of the “Order of Magnitude” costs for upgrading the existing synthetic turf field and track at the high school. Provided are three alternates which the town should consider in making its decision in replacing the field.

• Alternate #1: A higher grade of synthetic turf which is a mixture of a monofilament fiber and a slit film fiber reducing the splash of infill during play. This turf will have a face weight and more fiber which will provide a product which will perform well and stand up to the rigers of use. Additionally, it is recommended that a coated sand infill would be used. The coated sand provides an infill system that creates a firm, fast playing surface. The use of coated sand and the current warranties allow for an infill that can be reused for up to two cycles. Lastly, the alternate includes a shock pad. The shock pad provides absorbency within the field structure. This will reduce the overall Gmax in the field. Current warranties include a maximum Gmax for the life of the warranty which ranges between 20-25 years.

• Alternate #2: A standard 2” turf with SBR Rubber and Sand Infill. Included in this alternate is a shock pad.

• Alternate #3: Includes 5 storage units with concrete pads. An allowance for upgraded athletic field equipment.

TOTAL COSTS FOR MULTI-USE FIELD/TRACK
REPLACEMENT

Opinion of Probable Cost – Medfield High School Multi-Use Synthetic Field and Track

Item Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

Base Bid
Site Preparation
Trailer and Temporary Utilities 1 LS $ 8,000.00 $ 8 ,000.00
Construction Entrances 1 LS $ 12,000.00 $ 1 2,000.00
Remove & Dispose Synthetic Turf 75000 SF $ 0.75 $ 5 6,300.00
Silt Sock 1,159 LF $ 3 .00 $ 3 ,500.00
Inlet Protection 2 EA $ 3 00.00 $ 6 00.00
Subtotal $ 8 0,400.00
Multi‐Use Field
Concrete Curb 1150 LF $ 25.00 $ 28,750.00
Trench Drain 1150 LF $ 50.00 $ 57,500.00
F&I Field Drainage 75000 SF $ 1.75 $ 131,250.00
F&I Flat Drain 75000 SF $ 1.20 $ 90,000.00
F&I 8″ Base Stone 75000 SF $ 1.00 $ 75,000.00
F&I 2″ Finishing Stone 75000 SF $ 0.60 $ 45,000.00
Turf Material 75000 SF $ 3.50 $ 262,500.00
Rubber 75000 SF $ 0.56 $ 42,000.00
Sand (E+L) 75000 SF $ 0.17 $ 12,750.00
Football Uprights 1 PR $ 15,000.00 $ 15,000.00
12′ Ball Stopper Netting 400 LF $ 90.00 $ 36,000.00
Subtotal $ 7 95,750.00
Synthetic Track Surfacing
Gravel Base D-Zone 22000 SF $ 1.50 $ 33,000.00
Bituminous Concrete Paving D-Zone 22000 SF $ 2.75 $ 60,500.00
Track Surfacing 22000 SF $ 5.00 $ 110,000.00
Track Re-Surfacing 32000 SF $ 1.50 $ 48,000.00
Line Striping 1 LS $ 4,000.00 $ 4,000.00
Subtotal $ 2 55,500.00
SUBTOTAL OF SITE CONSTRUCTION ITEMS TOTAL $ 1 ,131,650.00
GENERAL CONDITIONS, BOND, CONTRACTOR OH&P $ 1 13,165.00
CONTINGENCY $ 5 6,582.50
SOFT COSTS $ 8 4,873.75
TOTAL $ 1,387,000.00

Opinion of Probable Cost – Medfield High School Multi-Use Synthetic Field and Track
Item Quantity Unit Unit Price Total

 

TOTAL COSTS SAVINGS FOR PHASE I COMBINATION
OF MULTI-USE FIELD/TRACK AND PRACTICE FIELD

Alternate #1: Option A
Base Bid $ 1,387,000.00
Deduct SBR Rubber and Sand $ ( 336,285.00)
Upgraded Turf,Coated Sand Infill, and Shock Pad $ 583,912.50
Alternate #1 Total $ 1,635,000.00

Alternate #2: Option B
Base Bid $ 1,387,000.00
Deduct SBR Rubber and Sand $ ( 336,285.00)
SBR Rubber, Sand, and Shock Pad $ 472,650.00
Alternate #2 Total $ 1,524,000.00

Alternate #3
Equipment & Closeout 1 LS $ 30,000.00 $ 30,000.00
Storage Units with Pads 5 EA $ 12,000.00 $ 60,000.00
Alternate #3 Total $ 90,000.00

New sidewalk rankings

sidewalk

Tonight the BoS will discuss the input from DPW, the schools, and Police on what the town order of priorities should be for new sidewalk construction in town.  These are the recommendations from those three:


The Superintendent of Public Works recommendations, in order of preference,
for new sidewalks is as follows:

1. Metacomet from South Street to Pleasant Street.
2. Adams Street from Dale Street to West Street.
3. Adams Street from West Street to West Mill Street.
4. West Mill Street from Adams Street to Ice House Road.
5. Dale Street near Charlesdale.
6. Ice House road to Copperwood.

school department would request sidewalks at the following streets:

Metacomet St- This would be our first priority
Adams St.- Important for Dale St. students
Green St. to Summer St.- This would finish the area that began last year
Friary St.- This will help with planned adjustments to bus routes

From Police Chief Meaney
Recommended sidewalk construction:

Metacomet Street; Dale street; East Main Street


 

Let the selectmen know today if you have an opinion.

MCPE – blue ribbon for the holidays

MCPE

Blue Ribbon for the Holidays

Are you looking for a way to let your child’s teacher, a school staff member, a coach, a bus driver or an administrator know just how much you and your child appreciate them?

Consider MCPE’s Blue Ribbon Program. It is an easy and thoughtful way to recognize the efforts of a member of our school community during the holiday season. Each person recognized with a donation will receive a card, customized with a thank you note from you, indicating that a donation was made in his or her honor. To thank a school member with this Blue Ribbon recognition, please go to the MCPE website: medfieldcoalition.org.

Blue Ribbon requests submitted by Friday, December 18th will be delivered by December 23rd for the 2015-2016 holiday period.

Thank you for making the success of our schools a community effort!

BoS on 11/24 – all lacrosse!

cropped-medfield-town-house1.jpg

Tuesday November 24, 2015@ 7:00 PM

AGENDA (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

7:00 PM Medfield High School State Championship Boys Lacrosse Team
Presentation of citations

lacrosse LAX

NEW BUSINESS

Vote to sign contract with Waste Water Services, Bridgewater, MA

Other business that may arise

Concussions in Elementary School

This came from HVMA today, and was information I would like to have had when I was coaching girls soccer and basketball, so I am passing it along –


Concussions in Elementary School: What you need to know

boy with soccer ball.concussionImagine you’re seated at work when you receive a call from the school nurse who tells you your son hit his head during recess. Thankfully, he didn’t lose consciousness, so no concussion, right?

Not necessarily.

Elementary-aged students do not lose consciousness as easily as teens or adults do. They also may not yet have the language skills necessary to convey the pain or symptoms they are experiencing. They might simply say they don’t feel “good.” With children participating in contact sports at younger ages it is crucial for parents, coaches, teachers and school nurses to be aware of the signs of a concussion and diligent about any changes in behavior that could signal the need for treatment.

Changes in behavior in children with concussion may include:

  • Appearing dazed or stunned
  • Being unsure of game, score or opponent
  • Moving clumsily
  • Showing behavior or personality changes
  • Having difficulty organizing tasks or shifting between tasks
  • Displaying inappropriate or impulsive behavior
  • Exhibiting greater irritability
  • Behaving more emotional than usual
  • Experiencing fatigue
  • Having difficulty handling a stimulating school environment (lights, noise, etc.)
  • Experiencing other physical symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness)

If you observe any of the above symptoms you should contact a healthcare professional immediately. They can help you set up a plan for treatment and recovery. It is important to work with your healthcare provider as concussions affect people differently. Younger children can experience symptoms lasting anywhere from a few days up to a week. While children often appear to bounce back from everyday injuries, they actually take longer to recover from concussions than adults.

The best treatment for concussions – regardless of age—is rest, both physically as well as mentally, as this helps the brain heal. Restricting strenuous physical activity and getting plenty of sleep are very important for a steady recovery, but rest also involves cognitive rest, which means limiting mental tasks that require concentration or focused thinking. This includes no or limited screen time (phone, TV, computer) as the screen can worsen symptoms. Lighter mental activities, such as listening to audio books or drawing, are usually acceptable. However, it is important to continue monitoring for increased pain or behavioral changes. School work and reading are to be reintroduced gradually, stopping if symptoms reappear. Regardless of a child’s seeming recovery, students need to be evaluated and cleared by a doctor before returning to school or sports.

Because children who play sports are at greater risk for concussion, Harvard Vanguard offers ImPACT testing, a computerized concussion evaluation tool. We perform baseline testing – done before a child has a concussion – for kids 10-19, which can then be used as a point of comparison for tracking recovery if a child experiences a head injury in the future.

– See more at: http://blog.harvardvanguard.org/2015/08/concussions-in-elementary-school-what-you-need-to-know/#sthash.Uwk17zWQ.dpuf

Schools ranked high

WelcomeMed.Allison.300

Jeff Marsden shared this email today –


Hi All,

This is just a follow up to my May email that explained the US News Rankings. Two other sets of rankings come out in the past couple of weeks that I thought I would share with you. It is great to see the hard work of our students and staff paying off.

Newsweek released their HS national rankings and by state. In 2015 Medfield High School was ranked 52nd in the country and #2 in Massachusetts. To put this ranking in perspective, Medfield HS was not ranked in 2012, was ranked #262 in 2013, and was ranked #106 in 2014.

Also, Boston Magazine released their 2015 rankings. Boston Magazine will either rank the district or just the HS. In 2015 they ranked the district 12th out of the top 50. In 2013 they ranked the district 37th out of the top 50. In 2014 they ranked the HS 11th up from 18th in 2012.

I never get too excited about the rankings, but its nice to know we are trending in the right direction.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

On Tue, May 12, 2015 at 5:30 PM, Jeffrey Marsden <jmarsden@email.medfield.net> wrote:

Hi All,

Just an FYI…The US News HS rankings came out today and it has caused issues statewide. They changed the methodology for this year and it has changed the rankings for many districts.

Medfield is ranked 6th in the State for college readiness. This is essentially the metric used for ranking High Schools and is one of the highest rankings ever in Medfield. Only Boston Latin (an exam school) and Hopkinton (also not given an overall ranking) are ahead of us. The others are charter schools. This is great news for our students and teachers.

Medfield is ranked 14th in the State for Math

Medfield is ranked 27th in the State for English

However, the change in methodology looks at the students deemed ” economically disadvantaged” by US News. That is 2% of our students or 4 kids in the grade level. The scores for our kids in this range did not make the threshold established by US News. Because of this they wont give us an overall ranking. This is frustrating knowing that last year we were a gold medal school and last June officials from AP contacted us because Medfield High School had the highest percentage of students in MA taking Advanced Placement Courses AND the highest average scores in MA on the exams.

Other districts that were not given overall rankings include:

Weston

Lincoln-Sudbury

Hopkinton

Holliston

Lynnfield

Natick

Hamilton -Wenham

Medway

Burlington

Pentucket

Algonquin

and many others typically ranked.

I just wanted you to have the info in case you are asked by residents. We let US News know to expect push back as many high performing districts in MA were not given overall rankings this year.

Thanks,

Jeff

Jeffrey J. Marsden, Ed.D

Superintendent

Medfield Public Schools


 

School impact of The Parc & marginal capacities

The Superintendent of Schools, Jeff Marsden, attended the Medfield State Hospital Master Planning Committee  meeting on Wednesday this week, and one interesting tidbit I picked up was that he is getting reports on the number of school children at The Parc. The school cost impact of that complex will be interesting to see.

Jeff reported that to date there are seven school kids at The Parc out of the thirty-one occupied units, and that three or four of those had moved from within Medfield.

From memory, the developer’s of The Parc estimate that it would add about 41 – 47 school children to our enrollment.

Tidbit #2 was Jeff saying that the schools all have marginal capacity to add more students, with the possible exception of Memorial because of our adding full day kindergarten there.  The enrollment is down from 2,859 in 2003 to 2,637 this year, and is projected to continue dropping to 2,197 by 2025 –  based on the live births factor alone (i.e. – without factoring in construction of any new housing developments).  The kindergarten class this year is 147, versus the MHS classes being around 200 each.

MA schools ranked at top nationally

2015’s States with the Best and Worst School Systems

by Richie Bernardo

2014-Back-to-School-States-with-the-Best-and-Worst-School-Systems-BadgesUnless one is destined for the ranks of wildly successful college dropouts like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, education remains the traditional route to professional and financial success for many Americans. Consider the median incomes for workers aged 25 and older in 2014. Those with a bachelor’s degree earned 65 percent more than those with only a high school diploma, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data reveal that income potential grows — and chances of unemployment shrink — as one’s educational attainment improves.

And with school resuming session, many parents will be seeking the best school districts to secure their children’s academic success. When comparing their options, however, parents should recognize that the amount of available public funding is by no means a determinant of a school system’s quality, as our findings demonstrate, though money is certainly helpful.

Overall Rank

State

“School-System Quality” Rank

“Safety” Rank

1 Massachusetts 2 1
2 Colorado 1 47
3 New Jersey 5 9
4 Wisconsin 4 14
5 Kentucky 10 4
6 Vermont 6 12
7 North Dakota 3 46
8 Minnesota 9 16
9 Connecticut 7 28
10 Illinois 8 32
11 Virginia 11 14
12 Kansas 14 22
13 Iowa 12 39
14 Utah 16 17
15 New Hampshire 15 29
16 Maryland 19 17
17 Nebraska 17 26
18 Wyoming 13 41
19 Maine 20 13
20 Montana 18 32
21 North Carolina 24 6
22 Ohio 23 29
23 Florida 26 20
24 Indiana 22 50
25 Arkansas 21 42
26 Tennessee 28 29
27 Texas 31 19
28 Missouri 27 38
29 Pennsylvania 29 43
30 South Dakota 25 47
31 Washington 32 11
32 Michigan 30 37
33 Oklahoma 34 2
34 New York 33 27
35 Rhode Island 38 10
36 Georgia 35 20
37 Hawaii 36 5
38 Delaware 40 7
39 Alabama 39 36
40 Mississippi 45 8
41 Idaho 42 34
42 New Mexico 44 3
43 California 37 49
44 West Virginia 46 22
45 South Carolina 47 24
46 Oregon 41 45
47 Louisiana 43 44
48 Arizona 48 40
49 Nevada 50 25
50 District of Columbia 49 51
51 Alaska 51 35

David Ruggiero receives 2015 Maguire Award

This from Susan Maritan (personally, I love that marimba band, so my personal congratulations to Mr. R too!!) –


David Ruggiero Selected to Receive Robert C. Maguire Global Perspectives in Education Award

Last week members of the Robert C. Maguire Award Committee met to review the nominations submitted by the Medfield community for MCPE’s Robert C. Maguire Global Perspectives in Education Award.

This award, honoring the recently retired Superintendent, is given to a Medfield Public School staff member whose efforts embody Bob’s vision for further developing students’ global understanding and readiness to engage in the expanding global economy. The recipient is someone who inspires students to look beyond the town of Medfield and learn more about the global community through innovative programs and technologies. After reviewing the applications received, the award committee came to a consensus that David Ruggiero, a Medfield music teacher who teaches at Memorial and Dale, was the best candidate.

The members of the Bob Maguire Award Committee were extremely impressed by his passion and commitment to his students, music and the marimba program he started in the schools.

Mr. Ruggiero, fondly known as “Mr. R” by his students, wrote an MCPE grant proposal several years ago to start the Ngoma Dzakanaka Marimba Band. The marimba is an instrument from Zimbabwe, and the title of the band means “beautiful songs”. The grant was funded, and he has been leading the marimba band since its inception in January 2011.

“The introduction of the marimba band exposed our community beyond the usual confines of our music curriculum,” wrote one parent. “By bringing music from Zimbabwe into the schools of Medfield, Mr. R added a whole new dynamic and energy both to student learning and to concerts.  Kids connect to music, and our marimba band students and those who have heard them really connected to the rhythm and beat of the songs. Music, like history, art and language, can enhance the cultural proficiency of our schools and students. Mr. R has given us this gift and this insight.”

The nominator went on to say, “The marimba bands have helped with the Dale Street School fundraising for Zimbabwe and, in so doing, students have seen the connection between their work in school and the music.”

“Music is a powerful tool to build bridges with other cultures, and Mr. R has shown us what is possible. By integrating something diverse and unique into our school communities, he truly serves as a role model for others.”

Mr. Ruggiero will be recognized and presented with the award on Wednesday, May 27th at 7 PM at the Zullo Gallery when the Medfield Coalition for Public Education holds its annual meeting. The public is invited to attend.

The Medfield Coalition for Public Education (MCPE) is an independent, non-profit organization funded to provide system-wide support and academic enrichment for the Medfield Public Schools, with particular attention to academic needs that exceed the parameters of the school budget.

US News rankings

This today from the Superintendent explaining the new US News rankings.


Subject: US News Rankings

Hi All,

 

Just an FYI…The US News HS rankings came out today and it has caused issues statewide. They changed the methodology for this year and it has changed the rankings for many districts.

 

Medfield is ranked 6th in the State for college readiness. This is essentially the metric used for ranking High Schools and is one of the highest rankings ever in Medfield. Only Boston Latin (an exam school) and Hopkinton (also not given an overall ranking) are ahead of us. The others are charter schools. This is great news for our students and teachers.

 

Medfield is ranked 14th in the State for Math

 

Medfield is ranked 27th in the State for English

 

However, the change in methodology looks at the students deemed ” economically disadvantaged” by US News. That is 2% of our students or 4 kids in the grade level. The scores for our kids in this range did not make the threshold established by US News. Because of this they wont give us an overall ranking. This is frustrating knowing that last year we were a gold medal school and last June officials from AP contacted us because Medfield High School had the highest percentage of students in MA taking Advanced Placement Courses AND the highest average scores in MA on the exams.

 

Other districts that were not given overall rankings include:

Weston

Lincoln-Sudbury

Hopkinton

Holliston

Lynnfield

Natick

Hamilton -Wenham

Medway

Burlington

Pentucket

Algonquin

and many others typically ranked.

 

I just wanted you to have the info in case you are asked by residents. We let US News know to expect push back as many high performing districts in MA were not given overall rankings this year.

 

Thanks,

Jeff

 

Jeffrey J. Marsden, Ed.D

Superintendent

Medfield Public Schools

508-359-2302

Follow me on Twitter @JeffreyJMarsden