The November School Committee Meeting began with the introduction of the new Executive Director of Social Emotional Learning and Student Support Services, Mary Beth Shea, who started with the district last month. In her Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Sara Ahern spoke about emerging themes she is seeing as she has been visiting schools, meeting with principals, staff, students, families, community members, reviewing reports, and reviewing workplace satisfaction surveys. She is looking to present her full report on her Entry Plan findings at the January School Committee Meeting. Dr. Ahern presented her proposed goals for the 2022-2023 school year to the Committee and the Committee approved those goals.

Assistant Superintendent Kristen Harmon congratulated the high school on their inaugural unified basketball program. They had a successful first season, both on the court and with students and staff filling the stands for their home games.  Ms. Harmon discussed the MCAS results from Spring 2022. 

The School Committee approved two overnight field trips for high school students. 

  • World Languages Department Head, Grace Lytle, requested the Committee approve her AP Spanish Language and Culture Classes field trip to New York City in March 2023. The classes have been researching the UN sustainable goals on four countries in South America. They have set up interviews at the UN in New York City with the four countries they are researching. 
  • BHS/BIS Science Curriculum Coordinator, Jen Caron, requested the Committee approve an overnight field trip to Woods Hole over February vacation in 2023. The students will be in the lab with hands on experience learning about the anatomy and development of marine vertebrates and invertebrates. An anonymous donor is fully funding the 16 students to attend the program at a cost of $22,000.

With Thanksgiving break coming up next week, Barnstable Public Schools would like to wish everyone a safe and relaxing holiday break with friends and family.