Brentwood Union Free School District is gearing up for its eleventh annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, set to take place at the high school on Friday, December 13. This festive event is part of a series of community-focused initiatives that the district is promoting, including a food drive scheduled for Saturday, November 23, at 10 AM, aimed at supporting approximately 1,000 families in need.

During the recent Board of Education meeting, officials highlighted the success of the district's inaugural College and Career Week, which engaged students from kindergarten through grade 12 in various educational activities. The initiative included a scavenger hunt that encouraged students to interact with teachers about their educational backgrounds and career paths. This hands-on approach not only fostered meaningful conversations but also provided students with insights into potential career choices.

A significant achievement during this week was the completion of a career interest profiler by around 8,000 students, utilizing the Naviance platform. This tool helped students identify their interests and align them with possible career paths, facilitating informed discussions with school counselors about future academic choices.

The culmination of College and Career Week will feature a raffle for students who participated in the scavenger hunt, with prizes including gift cards. The district plans to display the results of the career interest profiler to further engage students in their educational journeys.

In addition to these initiatives, the board expressed gratitude for the increased participation in Advanced Placement (AP) exams, which rose from 10 students to 51 AP scholars, thanks to the board's decision to cover exam fees. This move reflects the district's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for its students.

As the district approaches the Thanksgiving holiday, officials emphasized their appreciation for the community's support and the collaborative efforts of teachers and administrators in fostering a positive learning environment. The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 19, where further discussions on district initiatives will continue.