Middleborough Schools Embrace Future-Ready Initiatives
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
05/22/2024
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Recording Published:
05/22/2024
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Duration:
160 Minutes
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Towns:
Middleborough
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County:
Plymouth County
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State:
Massachusetts
- Meeting Overview:
In an effort to prepare students for diverse post-graduation paths, the Middleborough School Committee’s recent meeting showcased a series of improvement plans and educational initiatives aimed at enhancing student engagement, academic performance, and career readiness. These plans were highlighted by the presentation of the High School Improvement Plan which focused on creating student pathways in manufacturing and senior internship programs. The Middleborough School Committee also discussed the financial status of the district and strategies for implementing the state-mandated Tiered Focused Monitoring process.
The meeting spotlighted the high school’s improvement strategies, emphasizing the achieved goals of the year. These included the curricular updates, analysis of engagement and assessment practices, and the balance of one-to-one initiative. The principal expounded on the school’s efforts to enrich school culture and ease the transition for students from middle to high school. Notably, initiatives such as the My College and Career Plan, advisory program, stress management programs, and intervention systems were presented. The school’s strategic plan for fine arts and the Future Ready program were also brought to attention, with a focus on creating pathways for students in fields like manufacturing and through senior internship programs.
Additionally, the meeting featured presentations from principals of other schools within the district, each discussing the achievements and goals of their respective school improvement plans. The initiatives ranged from work-study programs for students not planning to attend four-year colleges to the introduction of new schedules designed to empower student learning. Emphasized was the success block, allowing students to take control of their learning during structured times of the day. Moreover, the presentations covered the Positive Behavior Intervention System, expanded opportunities for students, and strategies to measure student achievement.
The committee delved into the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and the use of data to direct interventions for students. The Wind Block schedule’s implementation was noted as a positive step, with additional acclaim for the counseling department’s application of Panorama data. This included initiatives such as anti-bullying training and the promotion of student performances. The district’s efforts to strengthen family and community partnerships, including increased PTA engagement and the dissemination of newsletters, were recognized.
Furthermore, the meeting addressed the district’s financial health, with the director of business and finance presenting an update that included the fiscal year closeout and preliminary discussions for future budgets. There was a projected positive balance for the year, and plans were in place for allocating funds for upcoming fiscal periods. Special projects, such as technology upgrades, were also mentioned. The impending transition to a new accounting system was discussed, with committee members seeking clarification on how this transition would affect budget planning.
Another topic was the Tiered Focused Monitoring process overseen by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The district is currently undergoing a self-assessment. This process involves a review of special education, civil rights practices, and English language learner programs within the district, which will be followed by an on-site visit and interviews. The anticipated draft report from DESE is expected to be received by the district, with a period for response before the final report is issued. The superintendent discussed how the district would integrate any findings or corrective actions from the report into their strategic planning.
The committee also addressed the formation of subcommittees to tackle various district needs and the meeting schedule for the summer and the following year. The decision was to maintain the current practice of two meetings per month on the second and fourth Thursdays. The approval of a fundraiser and the acceptance of a donation to Middleboro High School were among the concluding acts of the meeting.
Mrs. Carolyn Lyons
School Board Officials:
Mr. Richard J. Young, Mr. Ezekiel Lewis, Mr. Christopher Benson, Mrs. Jessica Chartoff, Mr. Allin Frawley, Mrs. Marcy Fregault
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
05/22/2024
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Recording Published:
05/22/2024
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Duration:
160 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Plymouth County
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Towns:
Middleborough
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