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Stephen Decar Middle School principal highlights community events and improves attendance and discipline
Summary
Principal Mr. Lindsay told the Decatur SD 61 board that family-engagement activities and community partnerships helped increase test scores and reduce referrals at Stephen Decar Middle School; he cited a 14% overall score improvement and several discipline reductions.
Stephen Decar Middle School Principal Mr. Lindsay used the board's district highlights slot to describe a year of community engagement and classroom initiatives that, he said, are improving student outcomes.
He told trustees the school emphasized family engagement ("donuts for dad," bingo nights, a sneaker ball, a future dodgeball tournament), community partnerships and a focus on routines in classrooms. Mr. Lindsay said a trunk-or-treat event with local churches drew about 600 families and that changing half-day activities raised attendance on those days from about 50% to roughly 82%.
Academic and discipline data Mr. Lindsay reported the school's test-scores rose by about 14% year over year; reading improved but did not meet the district's 5% goal, while math increased "almost 7%." He said referrals fell from about 3,500 to a little over 3,100 and that specific infractions ' including skipping and physical confrontations ' declined after adopting new policies and incentives.
Programs and school culture The principal described PBIS-based incentives, universal bell-ringer routines, hands-on science labs, and expanded social-emotional supports including counselors and social workers who intervene before students are sent to the office. He emphasized showing care and empathy to families as central to rebuilding community trust.
What the board heard Board members responded positively to the presentation and watched a short video showcasing school events. Trustees said the presentation reinforced priorities about attendance, behavior and family partnerships and thanked Mr. Lindsay for the report.
Representative quote "Stephen Decar was never broken. It just needed somebody there with the right battery to put the put it back in the clock to get it working again," Mr. Lindsay said.
Next steps Mr. Lindsay said he would share additional assessment results when available and invited board members to visit the school.
