Thomas M. Danehy

This informational session outlines the plan for the expansion of Chase High School to include a full high school program. The strategic direction focuses on a comprehensive curriculum, requiring 25 credits for graduation, with academic and honors pathways and an open enrollment model. Key areas include science, mathematics, integrated humanities (English and social studies), STEM electives, and arts and technology courses. The plan also emphasizes competency-based learning in problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and advocacy, dual credit opportunities through partnerships with institutions like Post University and Naugatuck Valley, and an expanded athletics program. The school aims to provide a continuous 6-12 educational experience, fostering strong student-teacher relationships and preparing students for post-secondary education or workforce entry, while upholding high academic and attendance standards.

The meeting covered upcoming events, including the spring musical 'Legally Blonde,' spring recess dates, and an announcement regarding the receipt of the National Award of Excellence by the organization's representative in New York. Key agenda items included scheduling NGSS and SBAs testing windows, Teacher Appreciation Week activities, and the plan for a new evening awards assembly for all students. Discussions also focused on planning for the introduction of the ninth grade next year, including curriculum development, residency verification requirements for state reimbursement, projected student enrollment numbers per grade level, staffing allocation for the new high school courses (noting a need to hire a high school certified math teacher), and updates on the scholarship fund supported by teacher donations. The date for STEAM Night remains unconfirmed and will be distributed later.

The principal provided a report on the state of the school, emphasizing the reiteration of school expectations which focus on respect for self, others, and the community. Acknowledgment was made regarding Teacher Appreciation Week and the challenges of post-COVID teaching. Several student achievements were highlighted, including success in the Science and Engineering Expo, with one student winning first place at the state level, and recognition in the Regional History Day competition. Upcoming events discussed included the Spring Musical 'Curtains,' spring concerts, the Spring Dance, and the National Junior Honor Society induction. Grade-specific updates covered the eighth-grade trip to Holiday Hill and the Washington D.C. trip, as well as the final day of school which includes the promotion ceremony. Significant discussion focused on planned campus renovations costing approximately $40-48 million (part of a $69 million total campus renovation that includes purchase price), primarily for ADA compliance and facility updates, with the intention to expand to a high school program starting in 2024, pending State Department of Education approval. Logistical details for the renovation, including the use of Performing Arts Center as swing space for the cafeteria, were outlined. Continuous improvement efforts, including various learning walks (equity walk, instructional rounds, welcoming walkthrough), were detailed, with a focus on incorporating student voice into future action steps. Finally, the development of the 'Portrait of Graduate Work,' focusing on problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and advocacy, was reviewed, which will necessitate competency demonstration via digital portfolios for grade advancement.

The meeting, titled 'November Family-Teacher Organization Meeting,' focused on structuring the organization and outlining immediate needs for parental involvement. Key discussion points included the process for official incorporation, which involves filing nonprofit documents and developing a web presence. Fundraiser planning was addressed, specifically organizing a current spirit wear fundraiser and proposing a future restaurant week fundraiser tied to conferences. The group discussed structuring school officer roles (President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, etc.) and the feasibility of the principal serving as treasurer to streamline banking procedures. Various avenues for parent support and volunteering were detailed, such as building community, supporting sports boosters and music/drama departments, chaperoning events, and assisting with teacher appreciation meals. Discussions also touched upon logistical challenges related to school renovations, including the temporary relocation of kitchen services and managing student lunch programs under federal guidelines.

Key discussions included the status of building renovations, specifically concerning the Arts building design iterations related to elevator placement and auditorium capacity, which are being submitted for structural engineering review. The meeting also addressed upcoming testing schedules, including participation in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) for selected eighth-grade science students in February, and outlined the high-stakes testing schedule for the current year (SBA in May, NGSS in April). Furthermore, updates were provided on the lottery process for the 2024-2025 school year, sibling preference rules, projected enrollment numbers for grades six through eight, and the planning for an upcoming Open House event. Other topics covered incorporation documents, the closing of first trimester grades, honor roll criteria, and the status of high school planning, which remains in a holding pattern pending renovation decisions.