Syosset schools outline MTSS and 'culture of care' expansion, plan spring rollout of high‑school advisory

District leaders presented an update on the Syosset Central School District’s multi‑tiered system of supports (MTSS) on Wednesday, describing investments in mental‑health staff, evidence‑based interventions and a planned advisory program at the high‑school level.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. LaMelza told the board the district’s work on interventions dates back about 11 years, evolving from RTI into a broader MTSS structure that combines academics, mental‑health services and restorative practices. He said the district has added psychologists and social workers to expand tiered supports.

“We call this our multi tiered system of support,” Dr. LaMelza said, explaining that the district ties academic interventions, social‑emotional learning and positive behavioral supports together so students receive integrated services.

Dr. Jen Eastman, the district psychologist, described classroom and district‑level responses in academics and mental health, including adoption of the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress assessment to track growth over time and to inform interventions. Eastman said the district expanded counseling groups this year and is preparing a secondary‑level advisory program that will begin a spring rollout at the high school.

“We want our teachers to have these tools when they're working with students to, again, meet their needs in the most effective way,” Eastman said, describing interventions such as leveled literacy supports and targeted small‑group counseling.

Carolyn Candela reviewed elementary implementations, including the Sanford Harmony curriculum at tier‑1 classroom level, push‑in SEL lessons, PBIS activities and virtual recognition systems for hybrid learners. Candela shared student feedback on how lessons helped students practice empathy and connection.

A parent who spoke during the audience to the public praised the focus on both 'head and heart' and urged continued attention to academic rigor during transitions into high school. Superintendent Rogers told the board the high school has published an online transition guide and the district has staged multiple parent‑and‑student transition activities for eighth‑ to ninth‑grade students.

District leaders said the MTSS and 'culture of care' work is an iterative process, and they encouraged parents to use the district’s online resource hub for supports and information.