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SC Meeting: March 4, 2025

At the March 4 School Committee meeting, there was discussion of the Eliot & Broadmeadow School Improvement Plans and a Nutrition Services Update.

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Public Comment

  • Several members of the public expressed their thoughts about the literacy curriculum and current pilots and a need for extended care.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Eliot School Improvement Plan: Eliot Principal Dr Karen Rondon-Bourn, teachers and Eliot parents presented the Eliot School Improvement Plan.

    • Demographics: Eliot School serves a diverse student body with 44% students of color, 18% in special education, and 13% low-income students. Higher than District averages. 
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    Goals:

    • Confident Mathematicians: Strengthen Tier 1 math instruction through professional development and data analysis.
    • Lifelong Readers and Writers: Implement Science of Reading strategies and pilot new ELA curricula.
    • Tier 2 and Tier 3 Interventions: Create structures for intervention “Eagle Blocks”  in literacy and math, and train instructional assistants.
    • Community Development: Provide professional development on classroom management and create affinity groups for diverse students.
    • Embrace Diversity: Celebrate non-dominant holidays and traditions, and enhance cultural competency.
    • Family Partnerships: Foster communication with families, piloting Talking Points, a communication tool via app and text and also piloting Dismissal Manager for reporting absences and changes in dismissal instructions. 

    Achievements:

    • Math and ELA: Students met and exceeded targets on the Math and ELA MCAS.
    • Professional Development: Ongoing training for staff in math and literacy instruction.
    • Community Engagement: Successful implementation of Eagle Block intervention groups and various cultural celebrations.

    Looking Ahead 

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    • Survey Feedback: Positive feedback on math and intervention programs, with areas of focus in literacy.
    • Future Plans: Continue work on culturally responsive practices, rigorous curriculum, and support systems for students needing additional help.

    Broadmeadow School Improvement Plan: Broadmeadow Principal Andy Garlick, teachers, parents and students presented the Broadmeadow School Improvement Plan

    Student Population: 502 students; Faculty: 95 members; Special Programs: Includes the Connections Program for Social Emotional intensive learning program

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    Goals and Strategies:

    • Creative Thinkers and Problem Solvers:

    Implement Illustrative Math Curriculum with fidelity

    Provide targeted extension opportunities in literacy and math

    Foster student engagement in problem-solving activities

    • Communicators and Collaborators:

    Enhance relationships through vertical classroom buddies and immersive Spanish language experiences

    Support student discourse skills in literacy and math

    • Socially and Culturally Responsive Contributors:

    Foster an inclusive environment with explicit instruction on identifying and addressing discrimination

    Partner with the PTC for community events and adult education

    • Responsible and Resilient Individuals:

    Promote prosocial skills and anti-bullying strategies

    Support students in developing self-management and executive functioning skills

    • Empowered Learners:

    Encourage student voice and choice in learning

    Provide professional development for teachers on Responsive Classroom practices

    Community Engagement:

    High response rate to the School Council Survey

    Focus on improving communication and family engagement

    Physical Infrastructure:

    Plans to replace HVAC units and enhance outdoor learning spaces

    Collaboration with Parks and Recreation for playground improvements

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    Nutrition Services Update: Nutrition Services Director Emily Murphy and Assistant Director Jen Tuttelman gave an update on the School Meals Program. They also brought sample meals and snacks for the School Committee to taste.

    Sustainability Practices:

    • Stainless Steel Lunch Trays – completed in all , partnered with Re:Dish for cleaning
    • Feedback includes that due to sturdiness, there are less spills and mess and more options
    • Re:Dish estimates 57,344 single waste items removed from waste stream
    • Additional data to come 

    Expanded Offerings

    • Healthy Homemade Recipes, increased to 1-2 scratch recipes per week from 1- 2 a month
    • Local Farm partners

    Program Data

    • Slightly decreased meals per labor hour due to expanded offerings and more scratch cooking
    • 67.5% of students participate in the school lunch program
    • Federal Audit in February, DESE noted overall positive feedback and “above and beyond what they expect”
    • Increased Professional development opportunities for Staff
    • New Healthy Vending Machine for High School

    School Committee thanked the Nutrition Services Staff for their hard work and passion for feeding our community healthy food.

    ACTION ITEMS:

    • Approval of fees for FY26 revolving funds for athletics – Approved unanimously 

    School Committee Comments

    • Thanks to all and encouragement to follow the School Committee on social media
    • Needham High School’s Winter Musical Mamma Mia March 7th, 8th & 9th tickets available here 
    • Diversity movie series, What’s Normal Anyway? registration available via NCE
    • Great Hall Performance Pure Prairie League
    • Week of March 10th NEF Trivia Bee and March 14th Needham Exchange Club Trivia Night  supporting youth programs
    • Needham Community Council Antiques & Collectibles Sale March 6th, 7th & 8th  more information here

    The Next School Committee Meeting will be March 18 at 6:30pm.