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Heskett Middle School cites attendance, iReady gains and SEL work amid discipline focus
Summary
Heskett Middle School told the Bedford City School Board it has 606 students, a 91.03% attendance rate, an 8% iReady improvement from fall to winter and a reduction in fights after new SEL and suspension‑intervention work.
Heskett Middle School leaders reported enrollment, attendance and behavioral strides to the Bedford City School Board at the Jan. 16 work session while asking trustees to continue supporting social‑emotional learning and school‑wide positive behavior interventions.
Principal Mrs. Hamm told the board the building serves 606 students and has a 91.03% attendance rate. "We are focusing on moving limited students to basic, basic to proficient, and so on," Hamm said, summarizing the building’s one‑plan academic goals and the emphasis on staff recognition and student supports.
Why it matters: Middle‑school accountability, discipline and social‑emotional learning (SEL) intersect with academic outcomes and district staffing decisions. Heskett leaders described measurable changes they said were linked to SEL, restorative practices and a suspension‑intervention program.
Details and evidence - Enrollment and attendance: Heskett reported 606 students and a 91.03% attendance rate. - Diagnostic gains: The school said iReady results improved 8% from fall to winter in both math and reading. - Discipline and SEL: From quarter 1 to quarter 2, Heskett reported a 35% decrease in physical aggression and fights. The building reported that 92% of students who participated in suspension‑intervention services had not returned for a second fight. - Positive referrals and PBIS: Teachers submitted positive referrals daily; seventh grade submitted 206 positive referrals. PBIS points are used for access to school events and a PBIS store. - Curriculum and programs: Heskett offers advanced ELA and math, geometry, algebra I, pre‑AP courses and electives including ASL, orchestra and African American experience. The school partners with College Now/College Gear Up and holds career day and a high‑school shadowing day for eighth graders.
Board reaction and context Trustees asked how the school would address increases in failure‑to‑comply and disrespect referrals; Hamm said the administration is emphasizing accountability, tightening expectations and using the SEL and restorative teams to reduce repeat incidents. Board members praised the team for calling families with positive referrals as a strategy to build trust.
Ending Hamm and her leadership team asked for continued district support for curriculum implementation and SEL staffing; trustees thanked building leaders for the work and noted upcoming events such as eighth‑grade promotion and a trip to Detroit.
