JFK Elementary highlights literacy gains, community programs and PBIS during school committee visit

JFK Elementary School staff presented academic and community highlights to the Randolph School Committee on Jan. 30, telling members the school has seen measurable literacy gains and restored several in‑person programs.

Dr. Mel Hackett, JFK principal, said the school runs Ignite, a one‑to‑one literacy tutoring program for 30 first‑grade students that delivers 15‑minute virtual sessions using science‑of‑reading approaches. "We have the program called Ignite. It has 30 students in grade 1. They've received 1‑to‑1 individualized tutoring support, and it's virtual for 15 minutes," Hackett said.

The school also partners with SpringBoard Collaborative for after‑school small‑group reading instruction and family engagement; Hackett said SpringBoard sessions meet twice weekly. Staff reported mid‑year gains in oral reading fluency: the percentage of students meeting the benchmark rose from 49% to 71% after implementing coaching and small‑group instruction.

Hackett described a broader instructional program tied to district initiatives, including Randolph's "Focus 5" (safe learning environment; student engagement; checking for understanding; clear objectives and criteria for success; and small‑group instruction). She said coaching and monthly classroom walkthroughs have supported teachers: "Our coaching for our teachers is working, and 1 of the other highlights is that our students in our well below and below sections have seen the most gain. So we're steadily closing that gap."

JFK staff also described social‑emotional supports, a PBIS (positive behavioral interventions and supports) framework that uses morning meetings and common routines in classrooms and the cafeteria, and revived community events such as an annual harvest potluck and a stages dance program for grades 2–5.

Assistant Principal Sheba Basile and Dean Chanel Abernathy joined Hackett for the presentation; committee members asked follow‑up questions about program costs, overlap between in‑school and after‑school supports, and use of i‑Ready and other assessments to track progress.

Hackett said SpringBoard is provided at no cost to families and is financed from the school's budget. When a committee member asked how many Ignite students also attend after‑school SpringBoard, Hackett replied she did not have that overlap count immediately but would provide it to the committee.

The committee praised the school's community engagement work and a student pledge and movement breaks presented at a recent community meeting.