A detailed presentation on the use of assessment data within Haledon Public Schools (HPS) took center stage during the board meeting. Led by an individual serving as both a literacy coach and a superintendent intern, the presentation emphasized the importance of formative assessments in educational practice. Teachers at HPS consistently use various assessment tools, including exit tickets, unit assessments, and standardized tests like the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) and ACCESS assessments for English Language Learners (ELL). These tools help gauge student performance and guide instruction.

The process at HPS involves three stages: data collection, analysis, and action/intervention. Data collection occurs at the start of the academic year to gauge students’ existing knowledge and skills, while analysis identifies trends in student performance. This information is then used to develop actionable strategies and provide teachers with targeted resources to address areas of need. Board members posed questions about the implementation of supplemental materials and the correlation between internal benchmarks and state assessments, highlighting the challenges in predicting state assessment outcomes.

In addition, the board discussed the modest decline in English Language Arts (ELA) scores and considered curriculum adjustments to address these concerns. A new position has been introduced to improve parental engagement, and virtual workshops in multiple languages are scheduled to inform parents about available services. It was noted that only 30 to 40 percent of parents check the real-time portal for academic updates, prompting the need for increased parental involvement.

The Chief School Administrator reported that the construction, including new classrooms, is 99.9% complete, with only the removal of fencing pending. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for December 18. However, the district faces ongoing plumbing challenges, with a recent pipe burst near the cafeteria necessitating a examination of the building’s plumbing infrastructure. Precautionary measures, including weekend custodial checks, are being implemented to prevent further incidents.

The board acknowledged the success of the Maker Series team in accommodating scheduling conflicts and commended the guidance department for its increased conflict resolution efforts, which have nearly doubled from the previous year. The guidance team’s work contributes to a quieter school environment, and the Chief Administrator expressed pride in these developments.

Collaboration with local law enforcement was another focal point of the meeting. The board highlighted the positive relationship between police officers and students, which enhances trust and safety within the community. The Superintendent was acknowledged for encouraging police walkthroughs in schools, further building these connections. School Resource Officers (SROs) play a dual role as both law enforcement and community support, with their presence contributing to a safer school environment.

Other discussions included the importance of maintaining community access to the park associated with the school, even outside school hours. A formal policy detailing park operations and custodial responsibilities is being considered to ensure continuity in park accessibility. The board also discussed implementing a new payment system for after-school care to streamline processes for parents.

The meeting addressed personnel matters, including new hires for aftercare services and the training status of the Rapid Response Team. Additionally, the board discussed curriculum and technology items, with specific attention to partnerships with external organizations like the Jackals baseball team.