The meeting’s most pressing item was the approval of the District Improvement Plan, which aims to align the efforts of the entire Hopkinton Public Schools community. The plan focuses on planning for enrollment growth, meeting every student’s needs, and building a community of respect and collaboration. Ongoing construction projects, including the Elmwood School replacement and the Hopkins School addition, were highlighted as integral parts of this growth strategy. The plan also emphasizes the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) approach to meet students’ varying needs, including universal, additional, and intensive individualized support. Faculty training in co-teaching methodologies and cultural proficiency were also prioritized.

The committee discussed updates to the student handbook, particularly regarding cell phone use and attendance policies. The revised cell phone policy now mandates that phones be stored in lockers or kept off and away during class time to minimize distractions. This policy aims to foster positive interactions between students and staff and reduce instances where teachers need to confiscate phones. The committee expressed a desire for families to review the school’s expectations regarding cell phones, particularly before the school year begins.

The committee also proposed an addition to the attendance policy, stipulating that students must attend at least half of the school day to participate in after-school events. This change aims to clarify expectations and address instances where students would seek to attend enrichment programs without being present during the day.

A update was made to the discipline and suspension language in the handbook to reflect recent legal changes and ensure compliance with upcoming civil rights audits. The new language includes restorative measures and aims to remove outdated sections, making the procedures clearer for staff and students alike. While these updates were made, the practical implementation of these policies at the elementary level is expected to remain consistent with current practices, as restorative practices already form a core part of student interactions.

Another topic addressed was the inappropriate use of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT by students. Misuse of these tools will incur consequences similar to those for plagiarism. The emphasis was placed on restorative practices, including discussions with students about their decisions and providing opportunities for resubmission or reflection, rather than immediate punitive measures.

The committee also tackled issues surrounding vaping, particularly in middle school, with discussions about the school’s response to address the distraction it poses to learning. A new cessation program called “I Decide” was introduced, aimed at helping students struggling with vaping addiction. The committee reflected on a recent webinar that reiterated that suspending students did not effectively address the underlying issues related to vaping.

Parking policies were another significant area of discussion, particularly in light of increased enrollment and limited parking space. The introduction of assigned numbered spaces for seniors was intended to improve organization and reduce conflicts over parking. Concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of parking for both students and staff, especially with ongoing construction projects that have further limited available spots. The committee acknowledged the need for clear communication with families regarding parking policies and expectations, particularly as the school continues to grow.

The meeting also touched on the construction and renovation project at the school site, which involves limited rock removal and the installation of geothermal wells. These activities might pose distractions for some students and challenges for teachers. Concerns about noise from rock removal were acknowledged, with reassurances that safety precautions are in place to manage this effectively. The framing of the new building is projected to start around October to November, with progress anticipated by spring.

The athletic handbook underwent updates, including the introduction of a unified bocce program and a unified basketball team aimed at middle school students. These initiatives are seen as beneficial for eighth-grade students, who typically transition into high school by participating in the high school unified team. The stipend for the bocce coach will be funded through a grant from Special Olympics, which will also supply the necessary equipment.

Finally, the committee discussed the superintendent’s goals for the 2024-2025 school year, which align with the District Improvement Plan. These goals include student achievement, professional practice, and district improvement objectives, with an emphasis on improving literacy outcomes through a “dyslexia action plan.”