In a recent meeting, school officials celebrated impressive academic achievements at Hammond Academy, highlighting the success of Advanced Placement (AP) exam results. Over the past five to six years, the academy has seen a significant number of students excel in various subjects, with an overall passing rate of 72%, surpassing the state average of 65% and the global average of 64%. Notably, the English language exam boasted a remarkable 94.1% passing rate, compared to 61% in the state and 54% globally.

The meeting also addressed ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing student support and academic performance. A focus on \"belonging through dignity\" was emphasized, building on last year's discussions about fostering a sense of belonging among students. The school is continuing its implementation of the Marzano teacher evaluation model and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to track and improve student behavior.

Safety remains a priority, with regular discussions on best practices for emergency situations, including lockdowns and evacuations. Additionally, the school is working on developing curriculum maps across all content areas, a project expected to span three years.

New initiatives include the establishment of the Genders and Sexualities Alliance, aimed at supporting students who may feel marginalized, particularly in light of recent events that highlighted the need for inclusivity. The academy is also focused on refining grading practices to ensure consistency across departments and updating the student handbook's ethics guidelines regarding cheating and plagiarism.

Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence in the classroom is being explored, with teachers learning how to leverage AI to enhance productivity and deepen student learning. The principal expressed a commitment to making Hammond Academy the best workplace for teachers in the area, aiming to create an environment that fosters excellence in education.