Hapborough Horsham District outlines comprehensive plan to enhance student achievement and engagement

In a recent meeting of the Hapiro Horsham School Board, educators and administrators gathered to discuss vital initiatives aimed at enhancing student engagement and academic success. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as they outlined plans for the upcoming school year, focusing on increasing physical activity and improving educational outcomes.

One of the key highlights was the proposal to pilot a new program at Hepler Horsham for students aged 2 to 5, aimed at integrating more physical activity into daily routines. The educators emphasized the importance of physical activity for children's development and proposed professional learning opportunities for health and physical education staff to foster innovative teaching methods.

Dr. Thomas, a key speaker at the meeting, addressed concerns regarding administrative activities that might limit students' physical activity time. He explained that the current daily schedule restricts physical education to a mere 45 minutes, which does not suffice for the physical activity needs of students. The team is exploring ways to incorporate more movement into classroom settings, recognizing that social skills can also be developed through collaborative physical activities.

The meeting also featured a comprehensive review of the district's strategic goals, presented by Dr. Ted Domers and Dr. Bree D'Angelo. They outlined three primary goals: enhancing student achievement and growth, creating welcoming school environments, and ensuring post-secondary success. The district aims to exceed state averages in student performance and reduce chronic absenteeism by fostering a sense of belonging among students.

The educators reported promising data from the previous school year, noting that students in the district outperformed state averages in various subjects. However, they acknowledged the challenges posed by chronic absenteeism, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and discussed proactive measures to engage families and address barriers to attendance.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed gratitude for the dedication of teachers and staff, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in achieving these ambitious goals. The district plans to continue refining its strategies and will present further updates in November, aiming for transparency and collaboration with families to enhance the educational experience for all students.