Cheryl Biekert

The meeting featured updates from the Board of Education regarding budgets and the upcoming school calendar. Principals provided reports on mid-year assessments, new intervention groups, and expanding after-school clubs. The organization celebrated its successful non-profit status acquisition and tax-exempt benefits. Discussions also covered financial reports, future fundraising initiatives, and upcoming events including a Special Someone Dance, a Read-a-thon, and a Book Fair. A nomination committee was established to handle future board elections, and various volunteer opportunities were announced.

The committee reviewed the 4-week school menu rotation, noting updates to comfort foods for the spring season, the ongoing Sun Butter shortage, and the addition of a spice bar at the middle school. Discussion regarding Farm to School initiatives included updates on federal and state funding, and ongoing partnerships with local farms for produce. Recent events were reviewed, including a student-choice lunch event and a mood-boosting initiative. Additionally, the committee discussed potential community hikes and park play days, state legislative considerations for universal free school meals, and collaborations between health and family/consumer sciences curricula regarding sleep health and screen time.

This plan establishes a framework for cultivating and sustaining a positive school climate, emphasizing strong relationships, social-emotional learning, and restorative practices. Grounded in Connecticut legislation and school climate standards, the plan aims to create a culturally responsive, equitable, and restorative learning environment. Key initiatives include establishing a District School Climate/PBIS Leadership Team and collecting baseline data using the District Systems Fidelity Inventory (DSFI) to inform and implement strategic actions, ensuring all students feel safe, respected, and supported to reach their full potential.

The Ledyard Middle School School Climate Improvement Plan outlines a strategic approach to enhance the school environment and student outcomes. Mandated by Connecticut General Statutes, the plan is built upon five core goals: strengthening a positive, inclusive, and safe school climate; improving academic achievement in ELA and Math; fostering equitable access to social, emotional, academic, and extracurricular supports; increasing student, family, and community engagement; and providing consistent, research-based social-emotional and behavioral supports through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) practices. These objectives are designed to align with the broader Ledyard Public Schools Strategic Plan 2024-2029, which focuses on Partnerships, Belonging, Achievement, Learning, and Critical Thinking, ultimately aiming to provide students with the experiences, supports, and opportunities necessary for life and success in a diverse and evolving world.

This document outlines the Safe School Climate Plan for Ledyard High School, detailing five school climate improvement goals. These goals focus on sustaining a positive school climate for all students and staff, building and supporting meaningful school-wide relationships to foster strong attendance and engagement, promoting measurable learning with an emphasis on academic, social-emotional, and civic achievement, empowering staff, students, and parents as valued stakeholders through predictable communication practices, and leveraging research-based systems to promote social and civic responsibility. The plan aims to ensure a supportive and inclusive environment, aligning with Connecticut School Climate Standards and the Ledyard Public Schools Strategic Plan beliefs.