The meeting began with the recognition of nearly 60 students from Collingswood High School’s Senior Leadership Academy. Led by Principal Newman and Mr. Whan, the presentation celebrated students in leadership roles who engage with freshmen, develop lessons, and provide mentorship. The board also acknowledged the fall athletic captains, highlighting the boys and girls soccer teams as 2024 division champions and the girls volleyball team for earning the Burlington County Scholastic League conference sportsmanship award. The board celebrated these achievements alongside the success of teams advancing in state playoffs and student-athletes selected for senior All-Star games.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussions on new testing assessments like DIBELS and MAP. Concerns were raised about the timeline and clarity of the MAP testing rollout, with one teacher expressing frustration over the lack of preparation and resources, saying, “I feel like I’m being asked to do something that I haven’t really been explained.” The teacher highlighted challenges in accessing necessary data and the logistical issues with the testing schedule set to begin on November 4th.

In response to the concerns, Dr. McDowell clarified that school administrators were addressing the technical setup for the testing sessions, reassuring that teachers would not have to manage this independently. The aim was to have all necessary preparations in place by the end of November, allowing teachers to focus on the testing effectively after the Thanksgiving break.

Discussions also revolved around the broader implications of using assessment data over time. By using real-time results from DIBELS and MAP assessments, teachers can make immediate instructional adjustments, which contrasts with the delayed response typical of state testing data. This approach allows for thoughtful grouping of students and tailored assignments, thus enhancing educational strategies and support.

Budget constraints were acknowledged. A music teacher proudly reported a significant rise in elementary instrument enrollment, attributing this success to community support and a scholarship program that enabled over 70 families to access instruments without financial burden.

Amid the positive updates, challenges were noted, particularly with the MAP testing platform. One English teacher described the rollout as a “black box,” indicating unclear guidance on utilizing the data. They recounted a training session that failed to provide the necessary support, feeling more promotional than informative. This raised questions about the support provided to educators during the implementation of new assessment tools.

Further addressing district issues, the meeting included a report on a slight decrease in student enrollment from 2,256 to 2,221 students over the past year. The enrollment report was coupled with updates on safety drills and anti-bullying measures. Community initiatives such as a pajama day fundraiser, a holiday food drive, and student-led community service activities were highlighted as demonstrations of student commitment to service.

The board also noted upcoming events, including an early dismissal on November 27th for Thanksgiving and a new biking policy for elementary students to ensure safe biking to school. In observance of National Native American Heritage Month, resources were curated to honor Native American culture and traditions.

Another highlight was the induction of 41 students into the National Honor Society, reflecting high standards in scholarship, leadership, character, and service. Dr. McDowell emphasized the importance of recognizing these students’ accomplishments and thanked their advisers for supporting their initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a public comment period, where a community member expressed concerns about the decrease in specialist teachers at Atfield, stressing the importance of civic engagement and community voice in district matters. Gratitude was expressed towards a resigning teacher, Miss Moe, for her support at Mark Newbie.