Students and staff from Harding Middle School presented classroom work and a student leadership project Dec. 1 as the board recognized building programs and individual educators.

Principal Chip Plush introduced sixth‑ to eighth‑grade student Katerra Niazzi as the school's 'Resilient Ranger' and described a schoolwide focus on the E+R=O framework (event + response = outcome). Student presenters Parker Collison, Vivian Baker and Elise explained 'above the line' (disciplined, intentional) versus 'below the line' (impulsive, autopilot) responses and listed six 'R' factor disciplines—press pause, get your mind right, step up, adjust and adapt, make a difference, and build skills—illustrating how classroom lessons are designed to build social‑emotional competencies over time.

Teacher Mrs. Mazzocco explained a classroom video in which students collaborated to retake a test, using peer feedback and reflection to build understanding and confidence. "Our overall objective in terms of the outcome is we want students to have a deeper understanding, improve performance, and increase their confidence," she said.

The board also recognized two staff spotlights: Terry Knapp (Harding Middle School health teacher) and Sean O'Connor (paraprofessional and swim coach) for their longtime service and contributions to student wellbeing and extracurricular programs.

Separately, the education report included routine approvals and agreements: new student clubs (Spanish club; MEMS club), course‑of‑study updates for orchestra and high‑school music, a two‑year BrainPOP site license (at a discounted price versus prior quotes), and an agreement with Purple Communications Inc. for sign‑language interpreting services for students who need specialized communication services.

Administrators said the classroom practices and vendor agreements are intended to support the district’s stated 'Lakewood Ranger' competencies and to provide additional instructional resources.