Brittany Thompson

The meeting provided various school announcements and updates. Key topics included logistics for an STLP field trip, practice schedules for the archery team, and permission slip deadlines for Best Buddies. Additionally, information regarding a Krispy Kreme fundraiser, a home basketball game, indoor track parent meeting materials, future problem-solving sessions, and upcoming jeans days were communicated. A formal recognition was also awarded to a staff member for assisting a student.

The task force discussed the current student assignment plan, focusing on its history, principles, and identified inequities. The discussion centered on the need for a comprehensive review of the current plan to inform a new proposal for the Board of Education. Key topics included the challenges of measuring adherence to guiding principles like diversity and equity, the lack of sufficient resources for schools, and the importance of incorporating community feedback into the planning process. The committee outlined a roadmap for future meetings and public forums to refine the new student assignment plan before submitting it for a board vote.

The committee met to review the upcoming school calendar and consider a potential delay in the student start date. Discussions focused on adjusting instructional days, teacher preparation time, and accommodating the St. James Fair and other non-instructional breaks within the calendar while adhering to state statutory requirements. Members debated the impact of proposed schedule changes on staff and student attendance, particularly regarding the October schedule and potential long weekends. The committee also touched upon the possibility of utilizing non-traditional instruction days in the event of inclement weather and finalized a recommendation for the Board regarding the school calendar structure.

The town hall meeting focused on the district's plan for reopening schools for in-person instruction. Key discussion topics included safety protocols such as mask requirements, physical distancing on buses and in classrooms, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and the availability of personal protective equipment. The meeting also addressed health management, including temperature screenings, isolation procedures for ill students, and contact tracing. Additionally, it was clarified that families have the option to choose between in-person or continued virtual learning, with information provided regarding instructional platforms, support services for students with disabilities, and extracurricular activity participation.

The meeting focused on non-traditional instruction during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for support, flexibility, and communication for families and staff. Key topics included academic instruction, the use of Google Classroom, the shift toward descriptive feedback and progress-based grading (met or not yet) instead of traditional letter grades, attendance tracking through participation, and upcoming outreach to students receiving special education services. The principal highlighted the importance of grace and patience in balancing work and school commitments during uncertain times.