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Starpoint highlights PBIS and student clubs; students report issues with new 'Securely' hall-pass and cell-phone rules
Summary
The Starpoint board received reports on PBIS activities, a student Compassion and Action Club partnership with local nonprofits and student concerns about a new digital hall-pass system called Securely; students also described initial effects of a state law restricting phones in schools.
The Starpoint board received reports on schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) programs, student extracurriculars and concerns about a new digital hall-pass system during Tuesday's meeting.
Superintendent Maureen described PBIS activity across grade levels, including mini assemblies that review expectations for classrooms, cafeterias, buses and playgrounds, and a planned school store opening in October. "The PBIS program is all about clarifying for students the behavioral expectations in different areas of the building," she said.
Maureen also described the Compassion and Action Club, started by the high school social worker, Mrs. Angeluschi, which has volunteered at Hearts for the Homeless and the Boys and Girls Club of Erie and Niagara County; the district said the program arranged free Boys and Girls Club memberships for participating students.
Student ex officio Fiona gave a separate report on student life, music and activities: she described a chorus trip that "was a life changing experience," fall athletics from modified through varsity, a new senior sunrise event tied to homecoming, and the high school's recent decision to stage the Broadway musical Frozen. "I personally have been very productive in mine now that I don't have my phone," Fiona said when asked about the effect of the new New York State law restricting student cell phone use.
Fiona also raised implementation problems with Securely, a new digital hall-pass system the high school adopted. She said teachers and hall monitors are sometimes out of sync: some classrooms have not set up passes in the morning, yet students are stopped by hall monitors for not carrying a pass. She described specific limitations that affect female students: because the system requires students to select a single destination, it can be burdensome when a student needs to visit a locker and then a restroom during the same outing. "It's difficult when the teachers aren't completely coordinated with the administration," Fiona said, adding that students can be flagged if they leave the classroom multiple times.
A registered dietitian who identified herself as a resident and district alum raised questions about school breakfast offerings and how menu choices can be changed under the district's contract with its food-service vendor. A district official replied that the contracted vendor must meet New York regulations on meal components and price points and suggested the speaker contact the district's wellness committee for follow-up; staff offered to record her contact information and have the wellness committee respond.
No formal action was taken; staff said they would share contact information with the wellness committee and continue to monitor Securely's rollout and coordination with building staff.
