Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Presentation Jackson topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Jackson K‑8 highlights rising attendance and small‑group instruction; students speak on growth
Summary
Jackson K‑8 principal Karen Smallwood and assistant principal Jenna Filo presented school demographics, attendance improvements, declines in suspensions, action steps for learning gaps (small groups, PLCs, after‑school tutoring), and student voices describing pride in progress.
Principal Karen Smallwood and Jackson staff told the board on Nov. 10 that the preK–8 school is focusing on small‑group instruction, family engagement and targeted supports to close learning gaps.
"Jackson pre k 8, a place where potential is fostered through unity, skill development, and a heightened pursuit of excellence," Smallwood said as she introduced students and staff who joined the presentation.
Student council member Wesley Santana explained building demographics: "49% of our students are African American, 46% of our students are Hispanic, 3% white and 2% multiracial." A sixth‑grader who spoke about tracking classroom scores said, "When I write down my scores and I see how much I've progressed, I feel proud." The board praised the decision to have students present their work directly.
Staff summarized instruction and intervention plans: use of a new math program at lower grades, structured PLCs to identify and target gaps (for example, ratios and rates), weekly mini lessons on morphology and writing stems, and after‑school tutoring targeted to specific students. The principal reported early attendance near 92% and a reduction in suspensions compared with the prior year.
Jackson identified measurable proficiency goals by grade and subject (for example, specified counts of students needing to reach proficiency in ELA and math by grade) and noted work with the Schools of Innovation Network for leadership and classroom coaching. Teachers and network coaches are doing classroom walkthroughs and modeling lessons to support implementation.
What happens next: school leaders asked the board to continue supporting family engagement events, tutoring and targeted instructional resources; district staff said they would return with updates on progress against the school—s measures.
Provenance: Jackson presentation and student remarks are captured in the transcript from SEG 1107 through SEG 1766.
