Middle school proposes protected specials and intervention/enrichment block to reduce conflicts and expand choice

Springfield Township Middle School administrators proposed schedule changes intended to create uninterrupted ensemble time for band and chorus, increase student voice and choice in specials, and establish a protected intervention/enrichment period (often called E&I or WIN) for targeted supports.

Principal Dr. Mangano told the committee that current scheduling can pull students in multiple directions and that embedding band and chorus into the specials rotation would “honor that ensemble time for true uninterrupted practice” while creating a clearer, simpler schedule for students who asked for more voice and choice. Mangano said the change aims to prevent conflicts such as students missing ensemble practice to make up a test or meet with another teacher.

Administrators describe the protected period as a block of time that could be used for targeted intervention or enrichment depending on student needs and would involve “all hands on deck” — teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff and specialists. The middle school has surveyed staff and students, convened focus groups and partnered with the intermediate unit on MTSS work; Mangano said staff are also developing consistent team protocols and common language for data review to make interventions more effective.

Next steps outlined by Mangano and assistant Mrs. Brady include continued staff and student engagement this spring, updates to the middle-school curriculum guide for presentation in April, communicating selection processes to families and building a master schedule in May–July. The administration plans to finalize student schedules in August and present refined recommendations to the Academic Affairs Committee next month.