Middletown School District tackles special education challenges head-on

During a recent Middletown Area School District meeting, student representatives and faculty shared updates on various initiatives, including preparations for homecoming and addressing academic challenges.

Hope Berger, the student council representative, announced plans for homecoming festivities, including a bonfire on October 8 and a dance on October 12. Berger emphasized the importance of spirit week themes and promotional efforts to engage students, highlighting her role in managing social media announcements.

Kylie Hickoff, president of the Key Club, reported on a successful recruitment meeting and outlined upcoming projects, including running the concession stand at the homecoming dance and participating in a community trunk-or-treat event. The club is also planning a fundraiser to support the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program at the high school.

The meeting also recognized Heidi Ebersole, a first-grade teacher at Reed Elementary, as the Middletown Area School District's Teacher of the Year. Principal Ray Meyer praised Ebersole for her dedication to her students and her contributions to teacher training programs.

In addressing academic performance, High School Principal Dave Fry reported that the school has been placed back in Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) status due to challenges faced by special education students in meeting academic achievement targets. However, he noted that the school has successfully improved its graduation rates and is implementing several strategies to enhance support for students, particularly in English Language Arts (ELA). These strategies include restructuring schedules, providing additional instructional support, and revising the ELA curriculum.

Fry acknowledged the hard work of the ELA department in ensuring that students receive the necessary support, despite the challenges posed by the state’s academic standards. He emphasized the importance of addressing individual student needs while preparing them for state assessments.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the need for ongoing evaluation of student performance data to inform instructional strategies and ensure that all students are equipped for success, both academically and in real-world applications.