The discussion on high school sports participation highlighted a concerning trend: several sports, including boys cross country, field hockey, baseball, and softball, experienced significant drops in numbers. The declines have prompted the committee to consider cost-cutting measures, such as eliminating certain coaching positions and reducing stipends for assistant coaches, to manage resources effectively. Proposals were made to implement a minimum participant requirement for sports teams, encouraging coaches to recruit students and ensure teams remain viable.

The committee expressed the need to increase engagement with middle school students by promoting sports opportunities more aggressively. Suggestions included involving high school athletes in middle school presentations and organizing summer and weekend clinics in collaboration with the parks and recreation department. Acknowledging the challenges posed by COVID-19 disruptions, members advocated for proactive outreach during orientation and other school events to inform students about available sports programs. There was a consensus that fostering stronger relationships between students and coaches could help revive interest in athletics.

In addition to sports, the committee focused on various initiatives aimed at improving student engagement and attendance. One notable program, the “Power of Presence” initiative at Ramash Academy, has successfully reduced chronic absenteeism and improved punctuality through creative activities and competitions. The initiative emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students and families, using platforms like Parent Square to enhance communication and support.

These metrics reflect a shift towards student-centered learning, where students take cognitive ownership of their education. Behavior referrals have also decreased notably, illustrating a positive cultural shift within the schools.

Another initiative discussed was the Youth Health Equity Corps, which promotes mental health and substance abuse prevention through peer support. The program, involving high school students as interns, aims to create a comfortable environment for discussing health issues and provides leadership training to engage middle school students. The interns’ efforts have been well-received, fostering open dialogues and building connections between students.

The committee also examined the impact of transportation dynamics on student athletic teams, noting concerns about adult supervision and safety during travel. Discussions included potential collaborations with the parks and recreation department to establish summer league programs and engage younger students in athletic activities. These efforts aim to address the decline in community support for youth programs and rekindle interest in school sports.

Dr. Ryan Huppard presented his strategic project aimed at fostering collaboration among school leaders, emphasizing deeper learning and the value of collaborative problem-solving. His project involved creating a community of practice to support school leaders and enhance student learning outcomes. Dr. Huppard’s research highlights the importance of moving beyond rote memorization to engage students in critical thinking and collaborative projects. His efforts have increased principals’ familiarity with deeper learning principles, and he plans to continue the community of practice following his departure.

Dr. Dianne Kelly introduced the committee to data from the Department of Education, focusing on school climate measures from the vocal survey and MCIA data. While Revere Public Schools generally performed close to state averages in areas such as engagement, safety, and environment, there were concerns about declining scores among Asian subgroups. The data underscored the need to address gaps in student engagement and belonging, particularly at the high school level, where engagement in extracurricular activities lags behind state averages.