Students propose year-round supports and orientation events to ease DDR school consolidations

Student representatives presented May 19 on methods to support students, faculty and families through DDR-driven school consolidations and urged a year-round approach to transition supports.

Dominic Torres, a SuperSAC representative, said consolidation will require communities to adjust to larger, merged campuses and new faculty alignments. Students recounted a field day organized with Andrews High School in partnership with Bobby Joe Hill K–8 and Newman Elementary; activities included games, bonding crafts and campus tours led by teachers so elementary students would be familiar with their new campus.

Presenters recommended a sustained set of transition practices rather than one-time events: pre-fall orientations, field days, “coffee with the principals” to introduce new and familiar leaders, embedded supports throughout the year and ongoing Panorama checks to monitor student adaptation. They proposed measurable goals such as increased student connectivity and smoother transitions between campuses and staff.

Students said supports should be year-round and include multiple engagement opportunities so new campuses build shared memories and relationships rather than rely solely on a single orientation event.

The board recognized the presentations and invited SuperSAC participants to the reception following the meeting.