At the November 12 School Committee Meeting there was a presentation of the MA Association of School Superintendents Academic Excellence Awards, discussion of the MetroWest Survey Results, and an update on the Pollard Middle School Renovation Project.
School Committee Comments
- Two School Committee Members: Connie Barr and Michael Greiss were awarded the “Lifetime Achievement Award” by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees for their service on the Needham School Committee.
- The Education Collaborative- (TEC). TEC is a public educational collaborative and a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, proudly serving as the oldest collaborative in Massachusetts. TEC has fostered inter-district collaboration and innovation. Two new communities: Sharon Public Schools and King-Philip Regional School District have been recommended to join the Collaborative.
- 60 community members, including principals, teachers, staff, and school leaders embarked on a day of strategic planning looking at our Portrait of a Needham Graduate and what lies ahead for future students.
Superintendent Comments
- On December 5th at 6pm Needham Public Schools will host Dr. Jill Walsh from Boston University in a presentation titled “Distracted Learning and what parents need to know about phones in school”. Dr. Walsh has been working with students, teens and parents regarding technology usage and social media for years. She will share her research and learning with parents.
- This Saturday, 11/16 at 10am rededication of the Emery-Grover School Administration Operations building. Followed by self-guided tours.
- Also this Saturday at 11:30am all are welcome to participate in a town photo of support for Astronaut Sunita Williams. This will take place at Memorial Field.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Massachusetts Association of School Superintendent Academic Excellence Awards Presentation
These awards are presented annually to high school students who have distinguished themselves in the pursuit of academic excellence during their high school careers.
Two students were selected from our graduating class: Lilly Meyi and Anthony Borrelli
These two students have had exceptional academic careers while in the Needham Public Schools. In addition to a robust academic performance both students also excelled in extracurricular activities and within the community.
2023- Metrowest Adolescent Health Survey Results Presented by: Alison Coubrough-Argentieri, Acting Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services and Denise Domnarski, K-12 Director of Physical Education, Health and Wellness
Participation Rates:
High School Students 1,358 (84.4%)
Middle School Students 1,323 (93.4%)
Participation was a little lower than in previous years.
High School students had 166 questions to complete while the Middle School students had 122 Questions. All surveys were voluntary and completely confidential.
Potential Reasons for the Data:
● Prevention programs (SPAN) and education on substance use might be effective, contributing to the decline in smoking, vaping, and marijuana use.
● The diversion program and accountability projects for substance use infractions in school might be impacting students’ choices positively.
Recommendations for the Future:
● Continuous efforts in substance abuse education and stricter access controls might be impacting students’ choices positively.
● Explore the impact and progress of student behaviors and gather feedback from parent events.
● Utilize data to inform the EVERFI curriculum and ensure it is positively impacting students.
● Conduct a data dive within the department to analyze substance use trends further.
The data suggests that a substantial portion of students experiencing mental health issues have not sought out support from counselors or mental health professionals in school.
Potential Reasons for the Data:
● Established Advisory programming addressing CASEL competencies in grades 6-8.
● Consistent implementation of NHS Advisory SEL Lessons in grades 9-12.
● Impact of students from conflict zones or connected to war-affected areas.
● Availability of mental health resources on NHS and Pollard Counseling Websites, shared through newsletters.
● Need for accessible mental health resources for families less likely to use email.
Recommendations for the Future:
● Expand mental health resources and support for at-risk students.
● Implement evidence-based SEL programs (e.g., RULER, Core Project) in grades 6-12.
● Increase visibility and accessibility of mental health supports for students.
● Incorporate a Gr. 7 Mental Health Unit.
● Partner with Needham Youth and Family Services for Gr. 10 teen Mental Health First Aid
● Ensure family outreach (newsletters, TalkingPoints) is accessible to all NPS students.
● Include Building Based SEL in the District Professional Learning Plan.
Potential Reasons for the Data:
● Parent education sponsored by Needham Youth Services, the Needham Online Coalition, and schools.
● HRS lessons on digital citizenship, responsible use, social media impacts, and cyberbullying are being implemented.
● NHS Advisory lessons focused on technology and social media use are also underway.
Recommendations for the Future:
● Implement digital literacy programs and awareness campaigns on safe technology use.
● Establish a school-wide policy for phone use during class (phones in holders).
● Review and restore technology modules in the 9th Grade Seminar.
● Develop Parent Academy programs to support families in navigating the digital landscape.
● SWAC (Student Wellness Advisory Council) will analyze phone use and provide recommendations based on research and district data.
Potential Reasons for the Data
● Advisory Programs: Available at all school levels.
● Mentors Like Me: Collaboration between high school and Pollard Middle School to connect students of color.
● Pandemic Impact: Students have varied social skills compared to previous years, necessitating more community-focused opportunities for celebration and practice.
Recommendations for the Future
● Community-Building: Prioritize initiatives and mentorship programs to create an inclusive environment.
● High School Leadership Team: Continue focusing on four key areas that enhance students’ sense of belonging.
● Restorative Justice Practices (RJP): Implement RJP from grades 6-12 to strengthen community ties.
● Programming Shift at HRS: Increase community connection and engagement.
● Culturally Responsive Teaching: K-12 department should prioritize this approach.
● Student Feedback: Consider implementing the Panorama student survey for 6th graders.
Please view survey results here:
2023 High School Survey Highlights
2023 High School Full Survey Results
2023 Middle School Survey Highlights
2023 Middle School Full Survey Results
See previous years results here.
Pollard Renovation Project Update Re: Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Feasibility Study Agreement (FSA) Presented by Hank Haff, Director of Needham’s Building Design & Construction Dept
Next Steps:
Module 2: Forming a Team
- Select an Owner’s Project Manager (OPM)
- Designer Selection Process
Module 3: Feasibility Study
- Preliminary Design Program (PDP)
- Preliminary Schematic Report (PSR)
Module 4: Schematic Design
- Schematic Designer partner with OPM & SBC
- Robust Schematic design drawings
Module 5: Funding the Project
Special town meeting affirmative vote would happen. Target date is estimated around October 2026).
Affirmative Proposed 2.5 Override Vote. Target date is estimated around November 2026.
Overall projected cost is $314 million.
To view the Pollard Renovation Update slides in greater detail please find them here beginning on page 55.
More details of the MSBA process can be found on the MSBA Website
More Details of the Needham School Master Plan can be found on the NPS website
School Committee Comments
● October 1, 2024 NPS Enrollment (Beginning on Page 74)
● The Education Cooperative (TEC) Board of Directors Quarterly Report (Beginning on Page 76)
● Massachusetts Organization of Educational Collaboratives 2023-2024 Annual Report (Beginning on Page 77)
The next School Committee Meeting will be Tuesday, November 26th, 2024 at 6:30pm.