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Board hears curriculum updates; district to adopt new junior‑kindergarten curriculum and approve learning resources
Summary
The district’s curriculum report reviewed an alternative‑education program serving 55 students, presented a play‑based junior‑kindergarten curriculum under 30‑day review, and included board action to approve several instructional licenses and intervention materials listed in the meeting packet.
The Forest Hills Board of Education received a curriculum report at its April 21 meeting that covered an alternative program serving students with school‑avoidance and mental‑health needs, a new junior‑kindergarten curriculum entering a 30‑day review, and multiple instructional resources the board approved in the consent packet.
Sean Kelly presented highlights from a recent curriculum committee meeting. He described an “academy” located in the district’s former transition building behind Northern High School that currently serves 55 students. Kelly said the program has shifted away from a punitive or recovery model toward serving students with school avoidance and mental‑health challenges; he told a story he attributed to the academy describing persistence and incremental success, concluding, “It made a difference to that 1.”
The committee also reviewed a new play‑based junior‑kindergarten curriculum led by Dr. Nell Duke that is posted for a 30‑day review. The presenters described the program as play‑based, organized around eight interdisciplinary units and aligned to national standards; one example unit is “Farm to Table,” which focuses on basic nutrition and food systems, and another unit called “Grama Up” explores ramps and wheels. Teachers and staff will use the review period to assess needed classroom materials and professional development.
Kelly reported junior‑kindergarten and kindergarten screening work: the district screened 67 students on the eastern side of the district during recent sessions; screening results will determine placement into pre‑K versus kindergarten.
As part of the packet and consent agenda, the board approved several instructional and intervention purchases described during the report:
- Albert.io two‑year license (secondary replacement for IXL): amount not to exceed $76,370 (general fund). - Quick Reads intervention for K–8 (Savas): amount not to exceed $73,100 (purchased through the Section 35j grant). - Renewal of IXL for K–8 (two‑year subscription): amount not to exceed $198,000 (general fund).
Kelly said the district will finalize resource selections and proceed with any needed purchases after the 30‑day review and internal readiness checks.
Board discussion that followed focused on subscription lengths and implementation timelines; one board member asked whether Quick Reads is a two‑year subscription, and staff indicated they would confirm the contract length after the meeting.
