School committee approves Blanchard and Stony Brook middle‑school improvement plans and middle‑school handbook

The Westford School Committee on May 27 approved the 2025‑26 school improvement plans (SIPs) for Blanchard and Stony Brook middle schools and approved updates to the middle‑school handbook.

Administrators described SIP goals that focus on equitable outcomes, sense of belonging and social‑emotional/academic engagement. Strategies highlighted included continued work on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and restorative practices, coordination between the two middle schools, expanded professional development, and continued use of Panorama survey data. Administration also reported operational updates such as new staffing for student centers and additional staff trained in safety/behavior supports.

Handbook changes: The committee approved edits to clarify academic intervention language (removing wording implying distinct reading/math interventionists and replacing with 'academic coaching'), added language borrowed from the high school on AI and academic integrity, and updated free/reduced meal and breakfast language to reflect current practice. Committee members requested consistent translation and contact‑flow language across all district handbooks and asked staff to add a clear parent‑school communication chart for middle‑school families.

Vote and next steps: A motion to approve the Blanchard and Stony Brook school improvement plans passed at the meeting; the middle‑school handbook changes were approved in the same session. Administrators said they will continue outreach on parental communication, translation options and review by School Advisory Councils as needed.

Speakers: Allison (middle‑school administration) and other building leaders presented the SIP and handbook revisions; committee members asked questions about implementation of Yonder pouches (phone storage), student center staffing and parent communications.