During a recent government meeting, key updates were shared regarding professional development, summer programming, and home education initiatives within the school district.
The meeting began with a discussion on the upcoming \"Abington Innovates\" professional development sessions, where teachers will have the opportunity to select from 15 to 20 different options tailored to their interests and needs. More details are expected to be released as the event approaches.
Attention then shifted to the distribution of the new green calendar, which includes important dates for the school year. A minor correction was noted regarding the date for the AHS grade 8 family night, which is set for November 7, not November 11 as previously printed. The district plans to update this information on its website and through other communication channels to ensure all families are informed.
The meeting also provided insights into the summer curriculum writing efforts, highlighting updates made across various subjects, including art, music, math, and mental health education. These updates aim to align the curriculum with Massachusetts state frameworks.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on summer programming. The district's general education summer program, funded through federal ESSER grants in previous years, faced challenges this year as it returned to a fee-based model. Despite outreach efforts, enrollment was insufficient to run the high school summer academy, with many students opting for virtual programs offered by neighboring districts. Conversely, the middle school program successfully operated with a small number of participants.
Dr. Robbins provided a recap of the extended school year program, which serves students with disabilities. This program aims to prevent regression over the summer and facilitate smoother transitions for students returning to the district. This year, 113 out of 128 eligible students participated, a notable achievement attributed to improved outreach and strategic eligibility criteria.
Finally, the committee reviewed requests for home education programs for the 2024-2025 school year. All applications were deemed complete and rigorous, with a motion to approve the programs pending minor clerical adjustments.
The meeting concluded with Superintendent Dr. Michelle expressing gratitude for the community's support and optimism for the upcoming school year.