Central to the discussions was the draft schedule proposed by Superintendent Conor Driscoll for the sixth grade’s move to Smith Academy. The new schedule includes a 7-day rotation that could potentially offer greater continuity for students and more time for core subjects alongside electives and cross-disciplinary work. The committee examined various aspects of this significant change, from daily advisory periods and lunch arrangements to the integration of computer science and skills enrichment into the curriculum. While the full implications of the schedule remain under discussion, the committee highlighted the need for flexibility in reassessing its effectiveness and addressing logistical questions in future sessions.

The potential move sparked a broader conversation about the impact of transitioning sixth graders to a different educational setting. The number of adults that students interact with daily, the rotation of health, art, and physical education classes, and the after-school program were all scrutinized to ensure a balance between academic rigor and the individual needs of students. The committee also reviewed a study on the benefits of looping and fewer transitions, which could influence student outcomes positively.

Concerns were raised regarding literacy services, particularly due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic. The possibility of pullout classes or skills classes to support individual student needs was discussed, along with the coordination of class scheduling with the guidance department. The committee acknowledged the anticipated increase in counseling services’ caseloads due to the grade shift and emphasized the importance of clear communication with parents to support struggling students.

The integration of sixth grade into Smith Academy’s sports programs was another area of debate. While the introduction of sub-varsity teams was seen as a way to enhance student engagement, questions arose about the readiness of sixth graders to participate in JV sports and potential behavioral issues. The athletic director contributed insights on overcoming challenges through skill development and coaching, and the committee considered the availability of middle school sports as an alternative.

Discussions about community dynamics and student interactions underscored the importance of mentorship programs and proactive measures to ensure positive relationships between older and younger students. Although concerns about unsupervised interactions were noted, the committee recognized that such incidents had not been significant historically and focused on the overall cultural implications of adding sixth grade to the school’s dynamics.

The financial health of the district’s programs was scrutinized, with the Aftercare and Food Services programs reporting positive outcomes, while deficits were noted in high school special education transportation. The preschool program’s financial challenges were a particular concern, with the committee exploring strategies to increase enrollment, such as extending deadlines, offering aftercare, and potentially adjusting enrollment age criteria. Despite a positive outlook on the financial side, the potential developmental impact of these changes spurred discussion and calls for innovative thinking.

School choice policies also underwent a detailed review, with the committee considering the number of applicants and potential impacts on class sizes. The debate extended to kindergarten enrollment, where the committee weighed the benefits and drawbacks of mixing preschool and kindergarten classes and the long-term implications for growth and classroom dynamics. Policy revisions were suggested, including the acceptance window and a commitment deadline for applicants, which the committee voted to implement.

As the meeting progressed, the committee cautiously navigated the complexities of school choice slots for various grades, seeking a balance between desired class sizes and the need to accommodate a growing number of applicants. The discussion culminated in a recommendation to increase the number of slots for sixth grade, pending a collective vote.

The committee’s focus then shifted to the proposed cell phone policy, where it was decided that more input was needed from students and staff before a final decision. The meeting concluded with the committee entering an executive session to discuss strategic negotiations, with the intention of returning briefly for a final vote.