A New School Year Means New Possibilities!

We are off and running on a new school year! Allow me to share some of the key activities we will be engaged in as part of the new 2026-2030 Strategic Plan which is based on the Portrait of a Needham Graduate Competencies. This plan is our roadmap for the next four years, and it's built on four key pillars: Growth, Innovation, Communication, and Infrastructure.

Based on the plan, we will be engaged in the following activities for the '25-'26 school year: 

Pillar 1: Growth

Our primary goal is to ensure that every student grows academically, socially, and personally. This isn't just about grades; it's about fostering well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the world. This year, we will:

• Demonstrate student learning progress toward the Portrait of a Needham Graduate (PONG) competencies, which are the essential skills and dispositions we want all of our students to possess.

• Pilot and select a new evidence-based literacy curriculum to strengthen foundational reading and writing skills.

• Collect and analyze student data to improve social-emotional learning (SEL) instruction and provide targeted interventions for those who need them.

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Pillar 2: Innovation

We believe in enhancing learning through new structures and paradigms. The world is changing rapidly, and our education system must evolve to keep pace.

This year, we will:

• Enhance our Intensive Learning Center (ILC), a special education program to better support inclusive education and ensure all students, regardless of their needs, have access to a high-quality learning environment.

• Expand real-world learning opportunities (e.g., interdisciplinary learning, civics education, and career exploration) that connect classroom knowledge to practical experience.

• Develop a clear framework for the ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) in our schools, preparing students for a future where AI is an integral part of life.

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Pillar 3: Communication

Strong schools are built on strong partnerships. Our goal is to foster greater collaboration with families and the community.

Over the next four years, we will:

• Address chronic absenteeism by identifying barriers and working closely with families to improve student attendance and learning.

• Streamline our registration process to make it easier for new and returning families.

• Launch a new learning management system to enhance instruction and strengthen partnerships between families and teachers.

• Increase family access to information about our curriculum, district projects, and priorities, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

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Pillar 4: Infrastructure

A strong foundation is essential for success. This pillar focuses on the support needed to implement our district plan effectively.

Over the next four years, we will:

• Continue the Pollard Middle School feasibility study by analyzing various design options to create a modern learning space.

• Procure and begin implementing a new financial application to improve operational efficiency.

• Adopt a new teacher evaluation rubric and continue to link professional growth with employee evaluations, helping our educators grow in their careers.

• Diversify our educator workforce to better reflect our student body and successfully negotiate new collective bargaining agreements.

The new school year is a time of renewal and possibility! We are excited to embark on these strategic actions together and build a future where every student thrives. Here's to a year of growth, innovation, and strong community connections!