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Haviland Middle School highlights student work, reports drop in chronic absenteeism
Summary
Haviland Middle School leaders presented student projects from the Mid-Hudson 'Big Read,' recognized student leaders and said chronic absenteeism fell to about 13.1% from 14.5% last year, crediting targeted interventions and a school-improvement plan.
The Hyde Park Central School District heard a presentation about Haviland Middle School’s classroom and extracurricular progress at the board meeting on Dec. 12, 2024. Principal Eric Shaw and student presenters described the school’s participation in the Mid-Hudson Library System’s Big Read project and related arts residencies, saying the program helped students learn animation and boosted confidence.
Shaw told the board that the school has focused on reducing chronic absenteeism — defined under the Every Student Succeeds Act as missing more than 10% of school days — and reported a drop from 14.5% last year to roughly 13.1% at the time the data was pulled. He attributed the improvement to targeted school-improvement work, a reconstituted attendance team and tiered supports within the MTSS framework designed to identify and remove barriers to attendance.
Student presenters Patrick Eastman, Gabby and Kenya described the Big Read lessons, animation work and collaborations with local partners; board members praised the students’ presentations. Shaw also described academic gains at Haviland, including increases in ELA and math proficiency at several grade levels and removal of the school from the state’s earlier TSI designation after multi-year improvement efforts.
Board members asked for additional context on the attendance figures and long-term proficiency trends; Shaw said the current numbers reflect a partial-year pull (55 school days at the time of the report) and that rates can change as the year progresses. He emphasized continued work on instructional equity, teacher-led professional development, and family and community engagement as part of the school’s ongoing improvement plan.
The presentation closed with recognition of music and arts accomplishments and an invitation for continued board and community support for student programs. The board did not take formal action on the presentation.
