Elementary principals report steady rollout of MTSS and districtwide SEL; new 'Elevate' group at Miriam to amplify student voice

Administrators from the district’s six elementary schools told the School Committee on Thursday that they continued to expand multi‑tiered systems of support (MTSS) and to implement a districtwide social‑emotional learning curriculum, while also tailoring practices to school contexts.

Administrators described three recurring priorities: strengthening Tier‑1 instruction in literacy and math, broadening Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 interventions through data teams and coaching, and implementing Second Step, the districtwide SEL curriculum. Michael Votto, Allison Warren, Christina Gavin, Larry Walpe, Christy Nealon and Tricia Riley — principals from Blanchard, Gates, Miriam, Douglas, McCarthy‑Town and Conant — presented school‑level examples to the committee.

At Blanchard, the principal described Year‑2 implementation of EL Education language‑arts modules in grades 1–6 and the full rollout of Second Step, including the bullying‑prevention units. "We are on track to fully implement the entire program in all seven grades," a principal said, citing anecdotal improvements in interpersonal behavior and classroom reflection.

Conant and Douglas highlighted new structures for professional learning and newcomer family onboarding. Conant implemented grade‑level professional learning communities during the school day so teachers and specialists can meet about individual students; Douglas reported a recognition system aligned to school values and a structured onboarding tour for families who enroll midyear.

McCarthy‑Town and Miriam described expanded use of SEL screeners (DECA) and restorative practices. Miriam reported forming an “Elevate” group, a volunteer committee of families and staff that worked with an equity coach to survey every student and begin amplifying student experiences to shape school values and next steps. "We're gonna look at that together. We've surveyed every student, and we're gonna dream big for some next steps," the principal at Miriam said.

Principals said the district’s mental‑health staff and instructional coaches will be central to deepening Tier‑1 instruction next year. Several principals asked for more coaching time and more staff to expand Tier‑2 interventions, echoing public comments earlier in the meeting asking for restored assistant hours.

Committee members asked about the day‑to‑day demands of assessment and data collection, and principals described "sweeps" or focused assessment windows that bring principals, coaches and interventionists together to complete universal screenings efficiently. The presentation emphasized that much of the MTSS work happens in routine classroom formative assessments in addition to periodic district‑wide benchmarks.

No policy change or vote was taken on the principals’ update. The presentation will inform the district’s strategic planning and staffing discussions in the months ahead.