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Kennedy and Steuben principals report focus on attendance, growth and community partnerships; two students honored with district awards
Summary
Principals from Kennedy Middle School and Steuben Elementary reviewed winter assessment results, chronic absenteeism goals and building initiatives; the board also presented 'Let Your Light Shine' awards to Royce Cephas and Emery Hamilton, each receiving $500 from Illuminate.
Two principals presented school-level progress and plans as the board recognized student achievement.
Kennedy Middle School principal Erin Goldenstein (self-identified) reported baseline IAR proficiency (ELA 18.1%), winter STAR growth targets and current chronic absenteeism figures (state-era 33.8%; more recent interim 27%). Goldenstein outlined instructional strategies—teacher collaboration (PLC), targeted scaffolds, coaching cycles—and set attendance targets of below 25% this year and under 20% by the end of next year.
Steuben Elementary principal Joya Crosley (self-identified) presented highlights after the January consolidation with Edison, noting a current enrollment near 303 students, magnet-program offerings (Math, bilingual and a new engineering magnet), community partnerships and a reported 90.5% current attendance rate with a goal of 95%. Crosley described an attendance-champion initiative and said chronic absenteeism among targeted students decreased about 50% after interventions.
Earlier in the meeting the board and staff presented the Let Your Light Shine awards, funded by Illuminate. Royce Cephas was recognized for classroom leadership and publishing accomplishments; Holly Greybo, an English teacher at KJHS, and other staff offered praise. Emery Hamilton received the second award and was described by his teacher, Jamie Hamilton, as active in athletics, band and as president of the NAACP Youth Council; both students were granted $500 awards intended to celebrate leadership and service.
