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District highlights world-language gains and a successful Spring for the Arts
Summary
Department chairs reported gains in world-language achievements — dozens qualified for the Seal of Biliteracy and increased dual enrollment — and the Fine & Performing Arts program reported a large Spring for the Arts event with about 2,500–3,000 attendees and retention initiatives.
At the May 18 meeting, department leaders updated the committee on academic programs: the world-language department reported expansion in Seal of Biliteracy qualifiers and rising AP participation, and the fine and performing arts program described a well-attended Spring for the Arts and new retention efforts.
Mike Lesniak, interim department chair for world languages, said 13 graduating seniors earned recognition with a Seal of Biliteracy this year and the district recorded 42 qualifying assessments for the seal. He noted AP participation in Mandarin, French and Spanish is roughly in line with global averages, and dual-enrollment signups increased compared with the prior year. Lesniak also highlighted exchange and experiential learning trips and said the district is studying elementary-implementation models and curricular review steps.
Jim Thomas, fine-arts department chair, reported Spring for the Arts drew an estimated 2,500–3,000 attendees and showcased choruses, bands, ensembles and student artwork across multiple venues on campus. He described initiatives to improve retention (a fifth-to-sixth-grade step-up night, summer band pilot, mentoring and an elementary chorus pilot) and proposed a formal visual-arts pathway and a high-school theater sequence.
Both chairs said instructional review and one-page pathway materials for families are next steps to clarify options for students and improve long-term retention in advanced coursework.
