Kingston High principal highlights higher graduation rate, Yonder rollout and new code-of-conduct language

Dr. Rachel Skorka, building leader at Kingston High School, told the Kingston City School District Board of Education that the school’s overall graduation rate has risen to 87 percent and described several schoolwide initiatives aimed at improving climate and academic outcomes.

Skorka said Kingston High has “just under 1,700 students” and noted increases in students earning college credit and recognized seals. She told the board 115 students earned the “seal of civic readiness,” a new school record, and highlighted students who completed at least 30 college credits through SUNY Ulster and students who earned biliteracy and trilingual seals.

Skorka described a program rollout of Yonder cell‑phone pouches this year and called it “incredibly successful.” She said teacher surveys showed students were more focused and that students ultimately reported being happier without phones in class; staff reported increased socializing in cafeterias and hallways. Multiple board members later praised the change during the meeting.

On disciplinary trends, Skorka said fights were reduced from the prior year to about 60 incidents and out‑of‑school suspensions declined. She said in‑school suspension (ISS) numbers rose in part because Yonder violations were initially handled with one‑day ISS to enforce the new system and that when those days are removed from a year‑over‑year comparison, the school saw improved behavior.

Skorka outlined a shift in responses to student possession of THC vape devices. Rather than automatic out‑of‑school suspension and a superintendent’s hearing, she said the school now uses fewer OSS days and pairs in‑school consequences with counseling and restorative work: “Students meet with our in house counselor, Mister Bailey, and complete some worksheets and a project on vaping,” she said. Skorka said that approach has reduced repeat offenses.

Skorka also summarized the high school’s three building commitments for the year—personal success, belonging and authentic experiences, and student voice—and introduced examples of student work. English teacher Al Needham presented the Agents of Positive Change research project by ninth‑grade honors students, which required local sources and culminated in an on‑campus research conference.

Deirdre Branford, who facilitates the high school’s Code of Conduct committee, described recommended revisions the student‑adult committee developed. Changes include clarifying level‑based outcomes and loss of privileges, adding “intentional misuse or unauthorized use of another person’s property,” specifying “unwanted or unwelcome physical contact,” and new language intended to address deliberate academic dishonesty and “intentional plagiarism, inclusive of artificial intelligence.” Branford said the committee chose deliberately flexible wording because AI practices and tools are evolving quickly.

Board members asked questions about specific programs and supports. Skorka explained the point system used to earn the civic‑engagement seal: a six‑point system that can begin in ninth grade and includes a capstone presentation. She also described cohort team meetings—weekly interdisciplinary meetings that track students over multiple years and include nurses, bilingual staff and an attendance dean.

Skorka acknowledged the loss of a beloved chemistry teacher, Marika Ouz Janums, and noted the school dedicated the year in her memory. She closed by thanking staff and community partners and reiterating the school’s focus on student supports and restorative practices.

Sources: remarks by Dr. Rachel Skorka, Al Needham and Deirdre Branford at the Kingston City School District Board of Education meeting (transcript excerpts cited).