Terra Dower

The Bridgeton Public Schools' Restart and Recovery Plan focuses on safely reopening schools in the fall of 2020, addressing conditions for learning, leadership and planning, policy and funding, and continuity of learning. The plan includes establishing health and safety guidelines, outlining procedures for classrooms, transportation, and common areas, and providing academic, social, and behavioral supports. It also details the formation of restart committees and pandemic response teams, scheduling models, and accommodations for special education students and English language learners. The plan emphasizes maintaining a steady flow of resources, ensuring social distancing, and providing technology and connectivity for remote instruction.

The Bridgeton Public Schools' 2021-2022 Curriculum and Instruction Accelerated Learning Plan focuses on improving student achievement by using a three-pronged approach: Assess, Plan, Teach. The assessment phase involves using various benchmark assessments in math and language arts (Imagine Math, ALEKS, Fountas and Pinnell, Achieve 3000, etc.) to gauge student needs. The planning phase outlines the creation of 5-week curriculum plans, flexible grouping strategies based on assessment data, and the implementation of leveled libraries and supplemental online programs. The teaching phase details the instructional strategies to be used, including small group instruction, technology integration (Nearpod, STMath), and specific pedagogical approaches (CGI, Socratic Seminars, socio-dramatic play). The plan also emphasizes parental and community engagement through websites, STEM nights, and a district-wide Parent University. The plan aims to address learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic and accelerate student learning in math, language arts, science, and for English language learners.

The board meeting covered various topics including opening activities, presentations on Bulldogs of the Month and the HIB Monthly Report, approval of textbooks, materials, and curriculum, approval of professional development opportunities for various staff members, approval of student programs and field trips, personnel items such as retirements, resignations, and leaves of absence, and approvals related to certificated and non-certificated staff. Many consent agenda items were approved.