Freshman Academy leader outlines social-emotional learning, literacy and service projects

At the Whitney Point Central School District board meeting, the Freshman Academy chair (referenced in the packet and later as Mrs. Spar) presented an overview of the program that supports ninth-graders’ transition to high school through structured literacy, goal-setting and community service.

The presenter said the program emphasizes daily goal books, weekly reflections and study skills alongside social-emotional learning aligned to New York State goals. "We really work on goal setting," the Freshman Academy chair said, describing a daily routine that helps students form study and work habits.

The presentation highlighted an array of community-service activities used to teach social-emotional skills: painting kindness rocks for a garden, writing thank-you cards to teachers, mentoring younger students at the CA gym, and seasonal projects such as holiday cards for veterans and a drive that assembled nearly 100 care bags later delivered to a Volunteers of America site. The presenter also described a structured drug- and alcohol-prevention program run in partnership with prevention counselors at the district and noted that the program has evolved over several years to better meet students’ needs.

The presenter described a student, Derek Brown, who voluntarily cut tile-sized stones so every Freshman Academy student could paint one for the kindness garden, and who asked that the adults take a photograph with each student who painted his tile. The chair framed that example as emblematic of the program’s goal to build ownership and connection among students.

Board members thanked the presenter and requested the slides for distribution. The presenter said staff can share copies of the slide deck with any board members who request them. The board did not take formal action on the presentation; it was introduced for information and follow-up.