Winslow School Board Tackles Academic Improvement, Student Well-Being, and Parental Engagement
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Meeting Date:
01/24/2024
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Recording Published:
01/24/2024
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Duration:
93 Minutes
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Camden County
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Towns:
Chesilhurst, Winslow
- Meeting Overview:
The Winslow School Board recently convened to address a range of issues, with a primary focus on academic improvement, student well-being, and enhancing parental engagement. The Superintendent, Dr. H. Poteat, and board members discussed targeted strategies to bolster graduation rates, reduce chronic absenteeism, and improve benchmark scores, emphasizing the need to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. A remarkable presentation by students in a collaborative technology and design project underscored the success of these educational initiatives, aligning with the district’s mission to foster excellence and innovation.
One notable concerns raised during the meeting was the low parental participation in a recent survey, which board member Joe Thomas highlighted as an issue. The lack of engagement was seen as a potential barrier to effective communication and parent involvement in school activities. In response, board members proposed a range of solutions including informational videos for parents and text messaging systems to ensure up-to-date contact information. The idea of creating a district-wide calendar to improve event coordination and participation was also discussed.
The meeting also delved into the success of the district’s athletic programs, celebrating the girls’ track team’s state championships and national rankings, and recognizing the role of athletics in preparing students for college and future successes. Notably, the board lauded the team’s coach for her leadership in driving the team’s consistent achievements.
The social-emotional and mental health of students was another focal point of the meeting, with reports on tutoring statistics, parent engagement workshops, and initiatives to bolster family-school collaboration. Concerns were voiced regarding underutilization of before and after-school programs and the board stressed the importance of increasing parental awareness and involvement.
A key element of the meeting was the Community Advisory Committee’s (CAC) discussions, which touched upon parent engagement, school safety, and the need for restorative practices. Superintendent Dr. Poteat sought clarification on safety concerns raised during the meeting.
The board approved several reports, including the superintendent’s report and the personnel report, after some adjustments. The deletion of an item under the personnel report was specifically approved. The board also agreed on future event dates, including the “Chat with the Board Members” sessions aimed at facilitating direct communication with the community.
Furthermore, the board addressed logistical challenges faced during meetings, considering moving to a different location to improve audio quality and technology access.
The presence of a reporter from Theon news was acknowledged.
Lastly, the board held a public comment session, emphasizing respectful discourse, and outlining guidelines for citizen comments. The meeting concluded with an executive session, where student discipline matters were discussed at length.
Dr. H. Major Poteat
School Board Officials:
Cheryl Pitts, Joe Thomas, Lorraine Dredden, Rita Martin, Rebecca Nieves, Julie Peterson, John Shaw, Kelly Thomas, Dorothy Carcamo (Assistant Superintendent), Tyra McCoy-Boyle (Business Adm./Board Secretary), Howard C. Long, Jr (Board Solicitor)
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Meeting Type:
School Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
01/24/2024
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Recording Published:
01/24/2024
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Duration:
93 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
New Jersey
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County:
Camden County
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Towns:
Chesilhurst, Winslow
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