29:43A primary focus of the meeting was the partnership between the Holliston School District and local police to enhance student safety. Lieutenant Barrett from the Holliston Police Department detailed the implementation of the Sandy Hook Promise, a program allowing students to report unsafe situations anonymously. Since its introduction, 44 reports have been submitted. Barrett emphasized the program’s significance, noting that it has potentially saved lives. Additionally, the Handle with Care program was discussed, which alerts school staff when a student has experienced trauma, enabling them to offer appropriate support without violating privacy. This initiative has identified 89 instances where students required extra care, highlighting its importance in creating a nurturing environment.

The committee also discussed the integration of mental health resources, specifically the use of Care Solace and Cartwheel to connect students with counseling services. The data showed that anxiety, depression, and behavioral mood challenges were prevalent among students, prompting plans for targeted professional development for staff in these areas.

In addition to safety and mental health, the committee addressed the implementation of educational models like PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) and the RULER approach, which focuses on emotional intelligence. Efforts to create a “crosswalk” for integrating these models into a cohesive approach were discussed, with data from various surveys and assessments being used to guide this process. The committee recognized the need to support educators with professional development that addresses identified skill gaps.

06:42The meeting also highlighted the success of several student-led initiatives. A significant event involved 200 students participating in a simulated obstacle course to raise awareness about substance use, a collaborative effort with local fire and police departments. Students navigated the course wearing goggles that simulated intoxication, providing a practical lesson on the dangers of substance use. This initiative was particularly timely, given the graduation and prom season, and was met with enthusiasm from participants.

50:45Mental health goodie bags were another successful initiative discussed, with nearly 100 bags distributed to support students during exams. These bags included resource cards, affirmation cards, and small gifts to promote mental health awareness. The committee acknowledged the growing demand for such initiatives and expressed a commitment to expanding them in the future.

46:57Data-driven decision-making was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. The committee emphasized the importance of using data to identify student needs and guide professional development. This approach was exemplified by the district’s attendance task force, which successfully reduced chronic absenteeism from 16.7% to a projected 11.2%. The task force’s efforts focused on improving communication and data analysis.

Community engagement was also a priority, with discussions on the need for better communication regarding budget priorities and policy updates. The committee encouraged residents to participate in meetings and volunteer opportunities. A community service day for eighth graders was celebrated, with students participating in various local projects and experiencing positive outcomes from their involvement.

As the meeting concluded, reflections from a student intern underscored the committee’s goals of fostering a safe and supportive school environment. The intern’s insights reinforced the importance of ensuring students feel seen, heard, and valued, aligning with the committee’s ongoing efforts to implement effective programs and initiatives that support student well-being.