Jefferson Middle School reports big attendance gains after PBIS, 'pack' structure

At a special meeting of the Caldwell School District board on April 27, Jefferson Middle School principal Karen Cameron told trustees the school has made measurable progress after a difficult reconfiguration year, highlighting a drop in chronic absenteeism from 44% to 19% and notable academic growth.

Cameron said the school adopted a theme — “1 pride, many voices” — and focused on systems to make students feel they belong. “If students don’t feel like they belong, they won’t come to school. They won’t be able to learn at high levels, and they won’t succeed,” Cameron said. She credited the changes to stronger systems, a new vice principal hire and consistent PBIS practices.

Vice principal Sarah Wang described efforts to build school identity and daily routines including “rise and roar” rallies and monthly recognition for students who demonstrate core values. “Those small moments of recognition go a long way in building confidence and reinforcing what it means to be part of a community,” Wang said.

Instructional coach Alyssa outlined curriculum-alignment work and interim assessment use, noting the district’s pacing guides and ISAT-aligned practice have given teachers a single place to find standards and practice materials. Alyssa said IXL data show fifth graders are on track for a year’s expected growth and sixth graders are ahead of that benchmark.

Board members praised the presentation and described strong family engagement at school events. One trustee said the energy observed at a school open night was contagious and reflected the school’s new systems.

Cameron and staff said the improvements are the start of a longer-term plan: strengthen Tier 1 instruction, continue PBIS and keep using targeted intervention cycles they call “level up.” The board did not take formal action on the report; it was presented for information.