School officials launch parent education series to improve middle school attendance

In a recent meeting of the Holliston School Committee, educators and administrators gathered to address pressing issues surrounding student attendance and academic performance, particularly in middle school. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as they discussed the importance of engaging families in understanding why consistent attendance is crucial for student success.

One of the key initiatives highlighted was the launch of a social-emotional wellness group aimed at supporting middle school students. This program will include a three-year series of parent education speakers, designed to foster community dialogue about the challenges faced by today’s youth. The committee emphasized that addressing these issues collaboratively with families is essential for improving attendance rates.

As the discussion shifted to academic performance, the focus turned to the need for differentiation in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics. Concerns were raised about the lingering effects of foundational learning from elementary schools, particularly at Placentino and Miller. Many middle school students are still grappling with basic reading skills, which are critical for their overall learning. The educators noted that while teachers are trained in effective reading strategies, the expectation for students at this level should be to read to learn, rather than learning to read.

In mathematics, the committee expressed optimism about growth and outlined plans for future improvements, pending final decisions on the direction of the program. The data presented indicated that 54% of students were performing at or above grade level in ELA as of September, a promising start to the academic year. However, questions arose regarding the impact of summer learning loss and how it might affect students' readiness for the new school year.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members recognized the importance of continuous assessment and adaptation of teaching strategies to meet the evolving needs of their students. The discussions underscored a commitment to fostering a supportive educational environment that prioritizes both academic achievement and emotional well-being, setting the stage for a collaborative approach to overcoming the challenges ahead.