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District outlines curriculum review cycle, new world‑language program and small digital‑wellness grant
Summary
Administrators described the district's curriculum evaluation cycle, plans for K–4 world‑language instruction, a $7,500 digital‑wellness grant opportunity, and a new Welcome and Connect initiative for incoming families.
At the Aug. 7 meeting the Chappaqua Central School District provided an overview of summer curriculum work, new elementary world‑language programming, a digital‑wellness grant application and rollout plans for a Welcome and Connect program aimed at new families.
Curriculum office staff described a districtwide curriculum evaluation cycle used to keep courses current with evolving standards and assessments. The cycle is color coded; district staff said phases vary in length and can run through targeted summer work or extend over multiple years. The evaluation process can include collecting student performance data, soliciting feedback from students, teachers and parents, examining student work, and using outside consultants for subject reviews.
Administrators previewed a new K–4 world‑language (sometimes referenced as "Lehi" in district materials) program that will be staffed by two teachers who will rotate among elementary schools on a six‑day cycle so each student receives two short lessons per cycle. Lessons are planned to be short (about 20 minutes) and use a push‑in model with the classroom teacher present, administrators said, to build continuity between specialist lessons and classroom instruction.
The district applied for a $7,500 digital‑wellness grant from a national partnership that includes ISTE and ASCD with support from Pinterest. The grant would fund professional development for a team of educators (six members plus ad hoc participation from administrative staff) and access to national experts to help the district develop digital‑wellness and citizenship curriculum materials.
Yasmin (building coordinators lead) and other staff described the Welcome and Connect initiative for new students and families, which includes new‑family orientation events on Aug. 20, a digital communication hub on the district website, trained student ambassadors and ongoing family engagement plans. Administrators said new‑family orientation schedules and welcome letters will be sent to families and coordinators will staff the Aug. 20 events.
Board members requested that upcoming district performance updates include curriculum evaluation highlights and, where helpful, more granular measures of expected outcomes for pilots and curriculum changes so the community can see how the district is assessing impact.
Less critical details: department chairs and grade‑level leaders conducted summer planning sessions; Tri‑State consultants will visit in the fall for literacy reviews; some pilots include Smithsonian science for grades 6–7 and numeracy briefs in elementary math.
