Park Avenue Elementary updates handbooks and improvement plan; PBIS, arrival routines and early‑literacy supports emphasized

Park Avenue Elementary’s revised student handbook and school improvement plan were approved by the Webster School Committee on June 22 with the expectation that requested revisions will be incorporated before final posting.

The presenter reviewed handbook changes: updated communications protocols, a recess‑before‑lunch pilot with a silent start to calm students returning from recess, updated PBIS language and matrix formatting, clarifications on arrival and carline procedures (including a reminder that parents should wait until signaled by staff before children exit vehicles), and cautionary language around dress code to avoid inadvertently discriminatory provisions. The superintendent and committee discussed emergency procedures, hold‑in‑place protocols, and walkie‑talkie use and asked staff to consider how to balance safety communications and student dignity.

On instructional priorities, Park Avenue’s improvement plan focuses on a draft code of conduct and feedback loops for consistency, strengthened PBIS data systems and action planning, expanded SEL through morning meetings and counselor‑led lessons, and shared instructional expectations to increase inclusive practices. The plan places special emphasis on early‑literacy leverage points (K–4 DIBELS measures such as nonsense‑word fluency and oral reading fluency) and 6–8 week intervention rotations; staff explained intervention groups are progress‑monitored and typically run for 6–8 weeks before review.

The committee asked for measurable targets to be added; presenters agreed to add percentage goals (for climate survey responses, referrals and percent of students at grade level) and to return the plan with those numbers and the finalized implementation timeline.

Vote: the committee approved the handbook and improvement plan with the requested revisions and directed staff to return with specified targets and final text.