At the February 3 School Committee meeting there was discussion of the High Rock School Improvement Plan, Literacy Curriculum Recommendation, and a Pollard Middle School Project Update.
Public Comment
- Several parents expressed appreciation to the district staff and teachers for their work on the literacy pilot and selecting an evidenced based and equitable program.
School Committee and Subcommittee Updates
- Thank you to the staff presenting to the finance committee on the school district budget.
- Thank you to the town for their response to the snow day.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
High Rock School Improvement Plan
Dr. Jessica Downey, High Rock Principal, and Ms. Welburn, director of ELA, provided details of the High Rock School Improvement Plan, including updates to the school handbook around student use of technology.
Student Technology Experience
- Data from the student survey centered around access to devices, time spent on devices and security of their personal information and what they post.
- Results show 65.7% of students have at least one other electronic device plus the school issued iPad. Most students spend less than 2 additional hours on personal devices outside of school.
Three main takeaways from student data, particularly 6th grade:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Approach ELA 6-8
NPS Media and Digital Learning
Dr. Downey and Ms. Welburn outlined the school’s approach to AI, including the core values and AI framework for creating a positive learning environment, as aligned with the UDL programing.
To view the complete High Rock School Improvement Plan see pages 58-61 in the packet.
Literacy Program Selection
Dr. Carmen Williams, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Innovation, and Lisa Messina, Literacy Director, presented a review of the multiyear process of choosing a new literacy program. Comparison of ARC and Collaborative Classroom, the two program finalists, is outlined in the packet. Fishtank was eliminated from consideration in December 2025.
After an extensive pilot, discussion with teachers, gathering data, reviews of student work, and a site visit to Reading, MA which implemented ARC 4 years ago, ARC Core -American Reading Company has been chosen as the most promising program to meet the district goals:
- Equity, access, & high levels of literacy for ALL students
- Coherence & Streamlining for Effective Implementation
ARC is a knowledge based program with integrated phonics. Meredith Friend, a Broadmeadow First Grade teacher, outlined her experience with the pilot program of the ARC program and the successes she’s had in her classroom.
School Committee members were thankful for this tremendous undertaking and are excited about the implementation of the new literacy program.
Further discussion included cost, time for training and implementation, grading and other potential challenges.
Pollard Middle School Building Project Update
Dr. Gutekanst presented details from the Facility Assessment Subcommittee with MSBA. An abutters meeting will take place next week.
The FAS is appreciative of the various design considerations for the school, including accessibility and of various site considerations related to stormwater management, noise and solar.
Extensive information is available on the Pollard Project website.
There is a MSBA board vote on Feb. 25 on whether Needham will continue into schematic design for the school.
ACTION ITEMS
Approve Fees for FY27 Revolving Funds: Athletics
Approved 7-0-0
School Committee Comments
Last week there was a Middle and High School jazz celebration.
The next School Committee Meeting will be February 26, 2026.