District chief says expanded extracurriculars aim to boost belonging and retention
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Summary
Chief Botticelli presented a district extracurricular strategy — math league, science clubs, honor societies, musical theatre, debate, model UN and more — and reported current participation counts while board members asked about credits and public recognition of student achievements.
Chief Botticelli (Curriculum and Innovation/CAI) told the board that expanding extracurricular opportunities is intended to foster belonging, improve attendance and build academic and civic skills.
She listed programs with current participation counts: Math League in 34 elementary schools, Science Advisory in 22 schools, Musical Theatre in 23 schools, Junior Honor Society in 31 chapters, 17 high-school honor-society chapters and a first-year Key Club rollout in several high schools. Botticelli also named district and community leaders who run or support the initiatives, including directors and CTE staff.
Program examples included school showcases at local colleges, student-run community service projects, debate and Model UN teams, and CTE-related National Technical Honor Society inductions. Botticelli highlighted that some activities (Key Club, Honor Society) emphasize service and leadership as well as academic recognition.
Board members asked whether extracurricular participation could count as course credit or meet graduation requirements. Botticelli said volunteer work could be used for service-hour requirements but that clubs typically do not substitute for course credit; she suggested staff would need to consult the director of social studies about specific credit conversions.
Trustees urged the district to do more to publicize student awards and suggested a standing board display or website section to highlight student achievements. Members also praised modified-sports options aimed at including more students.
The work session did not include a vote; board members thanked staff and encouraged continued expansion and better public recognition of student accomplishments.