A major topic of discussion was the proposed start date for the upcoming school year, suggested to be September 8th, with an anticipated end in late June. Concerns arose regarding the potential impact of snow days, which were not factored into this schedule, possibly compressing the academic calendar further. An additional consideration was Halloween falling on a weekend, minimizing its effect on the school schedule. This proposal sparked a broader conversation about the academic calendar, with members expressing a preference against starting the school year post-Labor Day. The administration was tasked with gathering community feedback through surveys and presenting multiple calendar options to ensure transparency and involvement in the decision-making process.

Attention was also given to initiatives designed to bolster teacher support and instructional strategies. A focus on aligning instructional rounds with teacher leaders and encouraging peer observations was highlighted as part of the effort to enhance classroom practices. A “coaching menu” was introduced as a resource for teachers, complemented by tracking systems for the ST Math program to engage students. The ongoing implementation of the “Investigating History” curriculum was discussed, with professional development aimed at fostering critical thinking and effective discourse in classrooms.

Supporting teachers through multi-tiered systems of support (MTESS) was also emphasized, particularly in addressing social-emotional learning needs. Specialists provided assistance to school counselors and psychologists, conducting data-driven small group instruction. The importance of strengthening tier one instruction was reaffirmed, with discussions around utilizing tools such as the “RIOT matrix” to collect data and enhance instructional quality before progressing to more intensive interventions.

Family engagement initiatives were discussed, focusing on efforts to involve families in school activities. Suggestions to improve participation in family surveys were made, including offering paper copies during conference nights and using QR codes for ease of access. Events such as “Sunday Night Stories,” where staff members read stories for families, generated excitement and engagement among students. The Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program was refined to focus on creating a positive school culture, with recognition awards for students and staff playing a role.

The meeting also covered updates to school policies, with several minor revisions to existing policies and the introduction of new ones. A notable update was the consolidation of policies related to parent organizations into a comprehensive document. The introduction of a policy specifically addressing parent advisory councils was highlighted as a legal requirement, setting structures for multilanguage learner parent committees.

Towards the end of the meeting, a significant announcement was made regarding a member’s resignation, effective November 1st, due to relocation. An emergency dispensation was requested to appoint a new representative for an upcoming MASC conference, which was quickly resolved with unanimous support for the nominated member.