Committee recognizes National Merit honorees, hears Step Out program update and approves DECA trips

The Norton School Committee spent part of its meeting on student-focused items: recognition of National Merit commended students, a Step Out program presentation and a request for approval of several DECA trips.

Principal Speaker 11 announced two Norton High students as National Merit commended students and presented certificates. Later, teachers from the Step Out transition program described a post-graduation program for students aged 18 to 22 that focuses on life skills, vocational placements and partnerships with Bridgewater State University's Excel program and local employers. A Step Out student described volunteer and work experiences at Mansfield Shredding and a local pizza restaurant.

DECA advisors and student officers outlined the chapter's growth and competition plans. "We had 75 members last year; this year we have 110," one officer said, describing efforts to expand membership and prepare students for role-play simulations and professional judging. The committee voted to approve the DECA trips as presented.

Committee members and parents praised the programs; a parent speaker said the Step Out and Best Buddies programs have helped their child with anxiety transition to high school, and several committee members commended staff for student-centered initiatives.

The approvals were routine: the committee moved and seconded the DECA field-trip authorization and voted aye. The committee also approved minutes and procedural items earlier in the meeting. No substantive policy changes resulted from the student-program presentations.

(Reporting note: quotes are taken from the committee transcript. Student and staff names are those recorded during the meeting.)