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Twinsburg schools present Q2 strategic-plan update; pilot SEL tools, expand metal-detector checks
Summary
District administrators reported on culture and climate initiatives, including a We Thinkers social-emotional curriculum pilot, a book-vending PBIS incentive and a pilot expansion of open-gate metal-detector screening at the high school; the board approved a contract for strategic-plan consulting.
District administrators presented a quarter-two strategic-plan update on culture, climate, communications and safety at the Feb. 5 Twinsburg Board of Education meeting.
Mr. Bandiera, who oversees culture and climate work for the district, said the quarter focuses on multi-tiered systems of support and equity. "Our goal this year really focuses on our MTSS, our multi tiered systems of support, where that we're gonna support a culture of equity, where we're trying to make sure all students feel respected and represented within our district," he said.
Wilcox Primary School Principal Missus Lynn Turner described two new initiatives the school will pilot this spring: volume 1 of the We Thinkers social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum for kindergarten and first grade, and a book vending machine paid for by the Wilcox PTA as part of the school's PBIS (positive behavioral interventions and supports) program. Missus Turner said the We Thinkers materials "use stories, music, games, and interactive activities to help early elementary students learn to develop the skills they need to be flexible social thinkers and problem solvers," and that the resources align with Ohio social emotional learning standards.
The vending machine, Turner said, holds about 260 books and will be stocked and rotated by PTA fundraising; students earn "Tiger tickets" for positive behavior and will be able to exchange a gold coin for a book when their name is drawn.
Mr. Holland, describing student-driven culture work and inclusive recess activities, said the events give students structured opportunities to practice sharing, turn-taking and sportsmanship and help younger students connect with high-school mentors at events the district stages.
On safety, administrators reported the district used a safety-and-security grant to obtain open-gate metal detectors for high-school screenings. The district described the screening process as efficient: students move from the classroom, leave bags behind, pass through the open-gate detector while staff scan bags with handheld units, and return to class. "We were about, around 5 minutes...from when the students were back into their educational environment learning," the presenter said.
Administrators also noted a rise in reported personal communication device (PCD) violations compared with last year; staff said part of the increase reflected more consistent reporting categories rather than a clear jump in infractions.
On the agenda for board action, the board approved a $21,500 contract with Educational Partners Institute LLC to facilitate revision of the district strategic plan and approved adoption of a cybersecurity I course for Twinsburg High School.
