At the forefront of the meeting was the introduction of a newly formed strategic planning committee by Superintendent Jennifer O’Neal. This committee is tasked with creating a plan that emphasizes community engagement through forums and surveys. The existing strategic plan, “Vision 2026,” aims to develop the whole child, emphasizing academic and social-emotional learning while also focusing on professional development for staff and the skill sets expected of graduates. The committee’s work will involve gathering feedback from stakeholders on current school programs and potential new offerings. Participants expressed interest in expanding technology, STEM, arts, music, and drama programs. The conversation highlighted a shared enthusiasm for diverse programs that cater to various student interests and needs.

The meeting also addressed the importance of building a sense of belonging among students within the Norton Public Schools. Attendees discussed the need for multicultural integration, particularly during cultural events such as Ramadan. It was suggested that schools could benefit from more discussions surrounding cultural awareness to help students better understand and appreciate diversity. Efforts to involve the broader community, such as a part-time library media specialist engaging senior citizens in school activities, were noted as positive steps towards inclusion.

Family engagement emerged as a topic, especially concerning middle and high school students. Participants noted a decline in parental involvement as children grow older, often due to the message that older students should assume more responsibility for their activities. The committee explored ways to rekindle family participation, recognizing that while communication channels such as newsletters and Parent Square are in place, motivating parents to engage consistently remains a challenge. Suggestions included sending physical notices home to ensure parents receive information, as some may overlook digital communications.

A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to enhancing student achievement and the role of self-advocacy. The director of guidance emphasized the importance of students seeking support and advocating for their needs as a vital skill. The committee discussed strategies to bolster student success, particularly with changes to the MCCAST assessment, which is no longer a graduation requirement due to recent legislation. While MCCAST scores remain a performance measure, other assessments in reading, writing, and math, along with targeted interventions, are utilized to support students.

Communication between teachers and families was highlighted as crucial for student success. Challenges were noted, such as students struggling to articulate what they learned during the day, making it difficult for parents to provide support at home. Regular updates through communication tools like Parent Square were suggested as beneficial for keeping families informed about classroom activities and resources to reinforce learning at home. The committee also recognized the importance of preparing students for transitions, such as moving from high school to college, by providing opportunities like shadowing or visiting future schools to ease their adjustment.

The dialogue included a focus on incorporating arts and music into the curriculum. While opportunities exist at the elementary level, there is less emphasis at the middle school level. The committee noted the success of initiatives like drama productions, which serve as a highlight and help familiarize students with their future environment. The importance of fostering critical thinking skills and teaching students how to learn, rather than focusing solely on memorization, was emphasized as essential for preparing students to navigate adulthood.