Hingham School Committee accepts South and East elementary school improvement plan updates

The Hingham School Committee on Sept. 29 accepted updates to the school improvement plans for South Elementary and East Elementary.

Tara Bowning, principal of South School, reported on year-two progress including targeted use of multi-tiered systems of supports (MTSS), schedule adjustments to avoid overlapping intervention blocks, continued emphasis on the core reading program and participation in DESE's Tiered Literacy Academy (which provided an instructional coach). She described a revised PBIS matrix organized around three core expectations — act responsibly, behave respectfully and care for others — and said the school continues to use toolbox lessons, buddy classes and family communications to reinforce social-emotional learning. Tara listed school council members by name and noted ongoing work to expand STEAM activities on early release days.

Jonathan Haas, principal of East Elementary, presented his school's mid-cycle report. Haas described completion of a three-year Inclusive Academy with DESE to support Universal Design for Learning (UDL), work on scheduling to better support MTSS and special-program space needs, targeted monthly action plans tied to MCAS analysis, and a new series called Well‑being Wednesdays that pauses core instruction on some early-release days to focus on social-emotional learning. Haas noted the district guidance and coaching supports used to implement toolbox and second-step lessons for anti-bullying in grades 3–5.

Both principals answered committee and public questions about parent communication, MSBA implications (South), and how the schools will continue to refine schedules and interventions. Committee members moved and seconded motions to accept the updates; both motions passed by voice vote.