Student rep survey shows attendance gains, calls for cleanup day and survey tweaks

Caleb, the student representative, told the Northbridge School Committee on Dec. 5 that a 134-response student survey shows positive trends in attendance and school climate while flagging areas for improvement. "These programs have definitely improved the attendance rate," Caleb said, noting Good Citizenship awards and a freshman attendance breakfast donated by Dunkin' Donuts.

Caleb highlighted specific survey findings: a majority of respondents said teachers give enough time to complete assignments, and 84% reported they had not experienced comments in class that made them uncomfortable. He also said responses on whether students had been taught necessary life skills skewed heavily toward "neutral," and he recommended changing future surveys so respondents choose agree or disagree instead of a neutral option.

The report raised maintenance concerns in some school buildings — "there's dust, scuffs on the walls, dirt, trash collecting in these stairwells," Caleb said — and proposed a student cleanup day to assist custodial crews he described as working long hours. Committee members and Caleb discussed the proposal and survey design; members praised the presentation and suggested refinements to future surveys to reduce neutral responses.

The student report also included announcements and recognitions: winter sports have begun; the drama club will present "A Christmas Story" starting Friday at 7 p.m.; and the freshman class received an attendance award. Caleb thanked the Dunkin' Donuts location on Providence Road for donating the breakfast that supported improved attendance.

The committee did not take a formal vote on the cleanup proposal at this meeting. Committee members encouraged following up with targeted next steps, including a revised survey and coordination with staff to pilot a cleanup day after the holidays.