Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Darby Township School says attendance is 95% and suspensions fell about half as staff point to PBIS and outreach
Summary
At the Nov. 20 Southeast Delco School District meeting, Darby Township School leaders reported attendance at roughly 95%, a roughly 50% drop in in- and out-of-school suspensions from last year, and measurable PSSA gains in math and other grades, crediting PBIS, family outreach and targeted diagnostics.
Darby Township School leaders told the Southeast Delco School District board on Nov. 20 that schoolwide attendance is about 95% and disciplinary incidents have dropped sharply, a sign they said of improved school culture.
"We're currently at 95% attendance," a DTS presenter said, noting the rate was up from about 93.6% last year. The presenter said in-school and out-of-school suspensions are down by roughly 50% compared with the same time last year and pointed to the school’s PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) program, family communication and staff-led incentives as the drivers behind the improvements.
Why it matters: higher attendance and fewer suspensions are closely linked to classroom learning time and better assessment outcomes. DTS leaders told the board that the school has seen notable PSSA (state assessment) growth, including substantial math gains in fifth and eighth grades and buildingwide growth in fourth and seventh grades; for ELA the school reported steady results with a goal to continue growth.
The presenter described how DTS uses STAR diagnostics three times a year to track student performance and to target intervention groups. "In math, our advanced numbers almost doubled from this time last year," the presenter said, underscoring the school's focus on data-driven instruction.
Students and staff also highlighted school activities that officials said contribute to climate and attendance: biweekly PBIS rewards for classrooms with strong attendance, family events such as book fairs (the first at DTS since 2019), inclusive programming like a sensory hour during the haunted hallway event, and a Turkey Bowl flag-football tradition that builds school spirit.
Student representatives called out the autism resource night organized by Stephanie Freeman, saying the event grew from one registered family to 16 after targeted outreach and included multiple community presenters and resource materials for families. A DTS staff member said resource packets have been compiled for board members to make available to families who request them.
The presentation did not include a formal proposal or request for board action; the meeting continued without votes because the board lacked a quorum. District leaders said they will keep monitoring attendance and assessment trends and report back at future meetings.
DTS leaders also noted upcoming events: the Academy Park fall play on Dec. 5–6, a Turkey Bowl on Nov. 26, and the student council’s fundraising activities.
The meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.; the board listed a reorganization meeting for Dec. 1 and a business meeting for Dec. 11.
