Silas St. James

The meeting focused on professional development processes, specifically reviewing survey results and planning the upcoming back-to-school schedule for teachers and staff. Discussion topics included curriculum camp forms, coordination of training sessions, and committee member assignments for upcoming events. The team also addressed the status of new professional development activity forms.

The Professional Development Team meeting focused on establishing school goals for the 2022-2025 period, including increased engagement, skill acquisition, and closing learning gaps. The discussion covered the implementation of Frontline software and support for professional learning communities. Key action items included planning the January 21st professional development session, identifying new PLC facilitators, and designing professional development options for the March 5th session. The team also addressed future planning for professional development themes, such as curriculum implementation, assessment tools, and restorative justice, and identified the need for reviewing staff survey data.

This document outlines a proposal to enhance middle school programming and facilities within the Plainfield School District for Fiscal Year 2026. It addresses concerns regarding student disengagement and traditional programming, advocating for a modern educational approach that includes project-based learning, place-based education, and interdisciplinary instruction. The proposal emphasizes tailoring learning to adolescent brain development and fostering student voice, choice, and identity. Key components include dedicated new facilities such as a STEAM lab, multi-purpose common spaces, and breakout areas, designed to support both academic and social-emotional needs. The plan leverages a significant grant and proposes a bond for capital improvements, with projected costs spanning from Fiscal Year 2026 to Fiscal Year 2031, aiming to provide a unique and attractive learning environment for students and the community.

This plan outlines how the Local Education Agency (LEA) will utilize American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) funds. The primary goals are to safely reopen and sustain school operations, and to address the academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan details the reservation of funds for evidence-based interventions to combat learning loss, permissible uses for remaining funds, and emphasizes transparency, accessibility, and meaningful consultation with diverse stakeholders including students, families, and staff.

The Professional Development Team focused on monitoring building-wide professional development needs, managing individual PD requests, and assessing the effectiveness of the master plan. Key activities included planning for upcoming PD days, coordinating summer curriculum camps, reviewing compliance training status, and discussing budget recommendations for staff development. The team also addressed software integration for competency management, evaluated peer observation processes for paraprofessionals, and coordinated updates for the staff dashboard.