District unveils ‘Sawyer experience’ focus on engagement, literacy and career‑connected learning

At the Oct. 14 meeting Doctor Warbach outlined a district‑wide instructional plan branded the “Sawyer experience,” centering on engagement, equity and empowerment across K–12. The presentation prioritized structured literacy (science of reading), a focus on writing, restorative practices training, MTSS alignment and a planned three‑year pilot in performance learning for high‑school teachers and students.

Warbach explained the engagement continuum — from disruptive behaviors to student‑driven learning — and said the district will make the continuum a visible, consistent part of classroom culture. "Imagine if we continue using this continuum, K through 12. We now have consistent language," Warbach said.

The district emphasized that science of reading is not a single curriculum but a body of evidence and structured literacy practice (phonics, phonemic awareness, comprehension, academic vocabulary and writing) and said targeted teacher coaching and administrative classroom presence will be central to improvement. The board also heard that a three‑year performance‑learning pilot has been chosen for the high school; the pilot aims to engage community partners and potentially have students create prototypes and pitch solutions to local manufacturers.

Warbach tied instructional work to mental‑health considerations, saying classroom design that promotes mental health is essential to academic progress. The presentation closed with implementation details: administrators will lead learning, district staff will receive targeted professional development, and the work will continue through the year with specific themes for upcoming months (October: engagement; November: equity; May: empowerment).