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Administrators report gains in attendance, reading and engagement; KIS students showcase Shrek Jr.
Summary
Killingly administrators summarized Problems of Practice improvements — chronic absenteeism fell, math and reading initiatives increased student engagement and retake requests rose at KIS — and KIS theater students presented a behind‑the‑scenes look at Shrek Jr.
Superintendent Susan Nash opened a block of presentations the board described as 'Problems of Practice,' where administrators summarized year‑long instructional work and student outcomes.
Karen Lagace said KHS focused on MTSS Tier 1 supports and reported chronic absenteeism has been "almost cut in half" this year; she also described student mental‑health check‑ins and growth in soft‑skills. Bryant Sheldon, KIS academic lead, said KIS concentrated on a culture‑centered approach to mathematics and reported the number of students requesting test retakes rose from 9 to 39 after implementing common instructional practices and goal setting. Tina Chahanovich described KMS's reading program and noted active ELA engagement increased from 52% to 76% of lessons. Emily Caviggia said KCS doubled the number of kindergarten and first‑grade students reading at or above grade level and reported increased staff understanding of Social Emotional Learning and trauma‑informed practices.
Sally Sherman, Goodyear director, said small‑group instruction and a required Learning Experience Plan—linked to Office of Early Childhood funding—helped 86% of lessons reach Level 3 of 4. Elise Geary, PPS director, said staff self‑awareness around SEL improved after implementing meeting norms and clearer roles, which the administration connected to better student process outcomes.
Earlier in the meeting, KIS students (Andie Fortune, Abby Biggs, Melody Julien, Ivy Drowne, Sybella Fredricks, Madelynn Wheeler, Molly Garland, Lucy Gavis, Avery Main and Dakota St. Jean) presented photos and described set development, marketing and community engagement for a 104‑student production of Shrek Jr., led by teacher Allegra Plantier.
Board members Kevin Napierata and Kelly Martin praised the administration and student presenters for their work.
