The most notable moment of the meeting was the introduction of Brody, a therapy dog in training, set to become a unique presence in the South Plainfield School District. The initiative aims to provide emotional support to students. Brody, rescued from challenging conditions on a farm, has transformed into a beloved figure within the classroom. His handler, a dedicated teacher at Roosevelt School, shared Brody’s journey from a malnourished state to becoming a symbol of joy and comfort for both students and staff.

In the classroom, Brody will be accommodated in a playpen with acrylic windows.

In addition to Brody’s introduction, the meeting addressed the district’s performance on the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA). The Assistant Superintendent provided an overview, detailing improvements in language arts and mathematics scores across various schools. Notably, Franklin School saw an increase in passing rates from 36% to 57%, while Riley School observed growth from 30% to 65%.

The presentation also covered the district’s Advanced Placement (AP) performance, which exceeded global averages in several subject areas. The district’s AP scores demonstrated remarkable success, particularly in world history, where a 97.67% pass rate was achieved. The introduction of a new human geography class also yielded strong results, and the district achieved a 100% success rate in chemistry. These achievements reflect the district’s effective strategies in preparing students for rigorous assessments and underscore the dedication of teachers in fostering academic excellence.

The meeting further discussed the district’s approach to supporting multilingual learners, whose numbers have more than doubled from 103 in 2023 to 236. The use of online resources and teacher training in sheltered instruction were emphasized as critical components in supporting multilingual learners’ success.

The session also included a reminder for families to submit applications for free and reduced lunch, with the deadline fast approaching. The importance of reapplying to avoid meal charges was stressed, and families were encouraged to apply regardless of uncertainty about eligibility. Assistance is available in multiple languages.