The Marshalltown Community School District (CSD) held a live-streamed presentation on December 2, 2024, focusing on various initiatives aimed at enhancing student and staff well-being. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the implementation of a new survey system designed to gather feedback from students regarding their educational experience.

The district introduced a new survey tool, allowing students to provide comments on specific questions for the first time. This initiative aims to better understand student concerns and perspectives, particularly in areas related to social-emotional learning (SEL) and overall school climate. The data committee emphasized the importance of tailoring survey questions to address the district's needs, focusing on well-being and connections with adults in the school environment.

Historically, the district utilized the SABERS (Social Academic Behavior Risk Scale) survey, which featured repetitive questions. The transition to the Panorama survey system allows for more flexibility in question selection, enabling the district to adapt to emerging needs and areas requiring attention.

In addition to student feedback, the meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to support staff wellness. The district is implementing a series of professional development sessions aimed at addressing teacher burnout and enhancing overall staff well-being. These "micro PD sessions" are designed to provide continuous support and resources for educators, fostering a culture of wellness within the school community.

The presentation concluded with a focus on the importance of maintaining momentum in these initiatives, ensuring that both student and staff needs are met effectively. The district plans to continue refining its approach based on feedback and evolving circumstances, with a commitment to fostering a supportive and responsive educational environment.