On Friday evening we wished our class of 2023 graduates farewell and this week we are busy with end of year celebrations, field days, and final exams. As we move into the summer I would like to provide an update on the work we’ve done this year as a school community and highlight a few areas for continuous improvement.
For the past three years we have been working as a leadership team on our strategic plan for district improvement: NPRS 2025: https://www.north-reading.k12.ma.us/district/pages/nrps-2025.
We have gathered information from all stakeholders, including students, educators, administrators, staff, families, parents, caregivers, and community members about what we value in North Reading and what we believe should be a part of our plan.
The three areas that we identified are Student Support Services; Teaching & Learning; and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Under these larger umbrellas come the strategic objectives, focus areas, and the strategic initiatives for each school year.
Below are some of the highlights of our accomplishments this year:
Student Voice and Awareness
*Developed student voice and encourage students to participate in their own learning;
*Piloted disabilities awareness program at elementary schools;
*Implemented disability awareness activities and events;
*Created and shared inclusive calendar of events;
*Continued discussion with leadership team and include all educators in the conversation about increasing opportunities for student voice and how this looks through an equity lens;
*Offered Family University sessions for additional opportunities for student, family, and community education and information sharing.
Human Resources and Hiring
*Hired Human Resources administrative position to assist with the hiring process and to manage student registrations;
*Reviewed District HR Policies and hiring practices and implement inclusive hiring decisions;
*Received Diversification grant from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education;
*Enhanced relationships with area colleges to offer mentoring programs and improve recruitment and retention.
Data Analysis
*Supported data leaders at each school to develop common practices for data analysis;
School Safety
*Received and implemented year three of a grant for Cybersecurity and identified focus areas for growth in the area of Cybersecurity Preventative Practices;
*Reviewed Safety Protocols with the School Safety Team;
*Instituted Walk-throughs with the North Reading Police Department and updated the School Resource Officer agreement;
*Implemented safety scenarios/exercises at all five schools for staff and students.
Equitable Access
*Lowered tuition for Full Day Kindergarten;
*Reviewed opportunities for Advanced Coursework options for high school students;
*Continued to assist families in connecting the internet at home;
*Updated classroom technology in all elementary classrooms.
Teaching and Learning
*Updated plan for for utilization of all Computer Labs;
*Enhanced all spaces to include digital access (PAC,DLL,Cafeteria, Digital Signage);
*Enhanced Interactive Classroom Technology/Peripherals(Projectors) for elementary classrooms;
*Developed replacement plan for wired & wireless infrastructure;
*Reviewed hardware and software to enhance Network Security;
*Continued roll-out of student devices (1:1 program)
*Reviewed the range of options for student course selection to meet college and career readiness;
*Reviewed Program of Studies to offer advanced courses in the Arts (e.g. 3D design);
*Updated the Elementary report card
https://www.north-reading.k12.ma.us/district/pages/nrps-2025
We extend our sincerest thanks to everyone who has been involved in this process and we look forward to the next steps in continuing this important work for the students of the North Reading Public Schools.
Have a wonderful summer and we look forward to seeing you in the fall!
