In a recent meeting of the Pewaukee School District's Board of Education, educators shared promising updates and future plans aimed at enhancing student well-being and academic performance. The atmosphere was filled with optimism as administrators discussed innovative approaches to fostering friendships among younger students and improving math instruction.

One of the key highlights was the integration of the "Connect and Care" program, which is evolving to better support first and second graders. Instead of assessing friendships just three times a year, teachers will now check in more frequently, allowing students to express their needs for help in building relationships. This shift aims to provide more timely support and is expected to yield valuable data in the coming year.

The meeting also celebrated the success of various school events, including the first STEAM night collaboration between PLE and Horizon, which drew significant participation. Other notable activities included a pumpkin patch event, a music concert for kindergarteners, and a creative book parade, all of which foster community engagement and student enthusiasm.

Looking ahead, the district is addressing recent dips in math performance by restructuring assessment days. Instead of three separate days for data collection, there will be one focused day dedicated to self-reflection and in-depth analysis of math data. This change aims to enhance instructional strategies, with math coaches stepping into classrooms to model effective teaching practices.

Christie, a new member of the team, also presented data from the previous year, highlighting the school’s goal of achieving 70% of students making at least one year’s growth in reading and math, as measured by the STAR assessment. While the school fell short of this target—60.73% in reading and 65.02% in math—there was a slight improvement from the previous year, indicating progress.

As the meeting concluded, the board and educators expressed a shared commitment to continuous improvement, focusing on both academic growth and the social-emotional needs of students. The initiatives discussed reflect a proactive approach to education, ensuring that students not only excel academically but also thrive in their social environments.