Adam Bender

The committee meeting focused on a presentation regarding the West Street School, covering its vision, after-school programming, dual language initiatives, and social-emotional learning programs. Key discussion topics included the school's literacy and math initiatives, the implementation of sustainable curriculum, efforts to improve student attendance, and the general culture and climate of the school.

The Southbridge Public Schools Reopening Plan, dated August 14, 2021, outlines strategies for safely returning students to school for the 2021-2022 school year. It prioritizes the health and safety of students and staff and aims to provide the highest quality learning environment. The plan proposes three learning models: full in-person learning for PreK-5 students, a hybrid model for grades 6-12, and an optional full-time remote learning academy. These models are designed to balance safety, educational needs, and family preferences, while implementing strict health and safety protocols, technology integration, and specialized support services.

The Southbridge Public Schools' Reopening Plan outlines a flexible approach for the 2020-2021 school year, offering options for in-person, hybrid, or remote learning. Key priorities include implementing comprehensive safety protocols such as physical distancing, mask mandates, and increased sanitation; providing necessary technology like Chromebooks and Wi-Fi hotspots; adding new staff for health, safety, and technical support; and securing financial resources. The plan is designed to ensure continuous, safe learning while adapting to community health conditions and guidelines.

This document describes Southbridge CARES, an equity-focused initiative developed as a university-school partnership between Clark University's Mosakowski Institute and Southbridge Public Schools. The program implements a multi-tiered approach, including a classroom-based social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum (MAAX), a mental health app (MI PEACE), and a sensory immersion room (SIR), to support students' mental health, academic achievement, and postsecondary readiness. Key impact goals include academic improvement, stronger social-emotional and behavioral health, increased school engagement, and greater college and career readiness, leading to improvements in attendance, GPA, wellness, and college enrollment.

This document outlines recommendations from the Southbridge Local Stakeholder Group (LSG) intended to guide a restructuring plan for Southbridge Public Schools. It focuses on key strategic pillars including closing the achievement gap, improving school climate and culture, supporting student conduct, enhancing leadership and staff development, strengthening English Language Learner (ELL) instruction, and fostering parent and community engagement. The overarching goal is to improve academic outcomes and overall student success within a supportive and inclusive environment.