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South Orangetown schools outline RISE progress report, new freshman seminar, cell-phone limits and student programs
Summary
South Orangetown Middle School and Tappan Zee High School presented curriculum and student-engagement updates on Nov. 19, including a pilot advisory, a RISE progress report plan to replace the high-school progress report over time, a stricter cell-phone policy, expanded clubs and CTEC participation, and veteran outreach programs.
At the South Orangetown Central School District Board of Education meeting on Nov. 19, staff from South Orangetown Middle School and Tappan Zee High School presented academic and extracurricular updates, and outlined plans to provide more student-centered feedback through a new RISE progress report.
Presenters said SOMS received a "School to Watch" redesignation and piloted an advisory program emphasizing relationship building. The middle school is running STAR ELA/Math interventions for sixth grade and expanding an outdoor classroom and courtyard revitalization work.
Tappan Zee High School described a new freshman seminar course to support ninth graders with organizational and social skills, and noted expanded extracurricular offerings: a STEM National Honor Society, Pickleball Club and DECA chapter; a maker space with podcasting and creator studios; and increased CTEC enrollment in vocational programs such as cosmetology and auto technology. School leaders also cited participation numbers and data-driven outreach to identify about 254 students not yet connected to extracurriculars.
District leaders described a planned transition from the existing mid-marking progress report to a RISE report that emphasizes character and growth attributes alongside academics. Teachers will provide feedback on a subset of criteria each marking period so students receive a full RISE report by year-end; grades will remain available via PowerSchool. Presenters said the cell-phone policy (phones "off and away" in pouches) has reduced hallway and lunchtime device use and improved student social interaction.
The superintendent and board members praised alignment across K12 work on the profile of a graduate, character education and school improvement goals. Board members asked clarifying questions about implementation, timelines for the RISE report and supports for chronic absenteeism; school staff described targeted attendance task forces and interventions to address missed class periods.
