Board hears new middle‑school science curriculum, cursive requirement and student honors
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Summary
Board heard that the district will adopt Activate Learning for grades 6–8 with a soft launch in September, noted a new state cursive requirement for grades 3–5, and recognized students and music/film achievements.
The instruction and curriculum committee reported several initiatives and student accomplishments at the March 25 meeting.
Chair summarized a presentation by Dennis Jarvis on a new middle‑school science curriculum selected to improve scores and coherence across grades 6–8. The board selected Activate Learning after reviewing multiple vendors; the program emphasizes labs, student engagement and scaffolded lessons. Chair said there will be a soft launch in September with professional development over the summer for teachers.
The board also discussed a recently enacted state requirement that students be proficient in cursive handwriting by the end of fifth grade. The district selected a vendor called Sandler to provide workbooks and optional Chromebook materials and to support a parent‑home connection for practice.
Student achievements were highlighted: the robotics team placed third at Robbinsville, several students qualified for international competitions, the symphonic band earned a gold rating, and individual students were recognized for orchestral and film festival honors. The board congratulated students and staff and noted upcoming events and competitions.
