Superintendent: As schools open, we focus on inclusion, well-being, and academic rigor
A new year brings opportunities to advance goals and initiatives aligned with the District Strategic Plan.
Happy New Year!
We are very excited to open a new school year. A new year brings many opportunities to advance our work on the goals and initiatives aligned with the District Strategic Plan. This year, there are many in the mix across multiple arenas, all of which are meant to accomplish our vision of all students achieving excellence and finding joy in their learning.
Academically, we are expanding our offerings for students. Acton-Carlisle High School will offer Advanced Placement English courses for the first time, as well as new, engaging English electives. The Grade 8 Civics Project expands each year through partnerships with the League of Women Voters and tangible demonstrations of how civically minded our students are.
The elementary schools will implement the second year of the new literacy program, in which students are challenged in higher-order thinking and text analysis.
“Ultimately, the goal is for all students to feel that they belong in the schools.”
Fostering an inclusive environment will continue to grow this year. We were thrilled to add Unified Bowling at CCHS last year, and this year, Unified Bocce at Acton Middle School, where general and special education children work together. This is complemented by our current offerings in Unified Basketball and Unified Track. Acton PossAbilities, where students produce school merchandise for sale to the public, will reopen. Please stop by 199 Sudbury Road from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. The students would be thrilled to help you.
Cultural climate
Our commitment to anti-hate is a priority. This year, all CCHS students will attend an assembly from The No Hate Tour. Student affinity groups such as the Black Student Union, Jewish Student Union, and many others are flourishing. The group presidents gather to discuss the challenges and hopes for the school climate.
CMS will again host The Playbook Initiative, an anti-bias program. Students are actively engaged in being upstanders and role models, and in addressing issues when they see them. Ultimately, the goal is for all students to feel that they belong in the schools.
Overall, student well-being is critical. CCHS was recently highlighted among the Challenge Success program’s School Spotlights for the changes made to support student mental health, stress, anxiety, and pressure. Student leaders across all of the schools have a voice in planning, events, and activities. Placing student voice at the center guarantees a balance of fun and connection.
We are very appreciative of the many ways Acton supports the schools. That support and engagement make a difference. Best wishes for a great start to a new year.
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