Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Engagement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Students tell board athletics and activities drive belonging at Springfield Township High School
Summary
High school leaders and four students highlighted participation rates — 516 unique athletes (66% of the student body) and 44 activities — and survey results showing high reported belonging and safety; students credited coaches and clubs with building friendships and readiness for college.
At the April 20 meeting of the Springfield Township SD board, school leaders and students presented participation and well‑being data and described how extracurricular programs drive student engagement and belonging.
"Throughout the course of the school year we have had 516 unique student athletes here at the high school. That is 66% of our entire population," Athletic Director Joe Ferraro told the board, laying out a snapshot of sports participation. Assistant Principal Pierre Lorocco said the district also supports 44 student activities with 438 students participating (about 56% of the high‑school population) and noted 254 students participate in more than one activity.
Administrators pointed to results from a district sense‑of‑belonging survey: roughly 96% of respondents reported a positive sense of belonging, 96% said they have a trusted adult at school, and 98% reported feeling safe. Lorocco and Ferraro framed these measures as part of a deliberate effort to celebrate student achievement, expand recognition programs and provide staff support that keeps students engaged.
Four students joined the presentation and described why they return to activities. "I've met my best friends from playing soccer ... coaches have helped me through everything," said Will McGlaughlin, a varsity captain involved in athletics and student leadership. Ava Culler, vice president of Voices of Excellence, said the group "gives you a sense of family" and that coaches and advisors have been a major reason students continue to participate.
Board members who asked questions suggested the administration explore ways to better highlight students who are involved outside the school day (for example, those with jobs or church commitments) to understand who remains unconnected to district activities. The board thanked the students and administrators for the presentation and for connecting participation data to student supports and recognition programs.
