District Shares Approach to Student Well-Being and Behavior Supports

We have heard clearly from families and teachers that we need to strengthen how we support student behavior in our classrooms and schools. We are listening and taking action. Our goal is to create safe, welcoming learning environments where students feel supported, teachers can focus on teaching and every student can learn and thrive.

Over the past year, teachers, administrators, specialists and other school staff have worked together to develop a Schoolwide Behavior Plan that provides a common foundation for supporting all students across every school. This work also strengthens how our instructional, behavioral and social-emotional supports work together.

What this means for students and families:

• Clear, consistent expectations: Students will be explicitly taught behavioral expectations and routines that are appropriate for their developmental and grade-level needs.
• Support built into instruction: Social-emotional learning, student well-being and behavior supports are part of creating classrooms where students feel a sense of belonging and are ready to learn.
• Coordinated support for individual needs: Teachers, paraeducators, interventionists, counselors, social workers, building leaders and district staff will work together to coordinate support for students, including students who receive specialized services.
• Appropriate responses: When concerns arise, staff will use responses that are appropriate to the student, situation and developmental level, including restorative practices when appropriate.
• Protecting teaching and learning: We will address significant disruptions and safety concerns while minimizing lost instructional time and returning students to learning as quickly as possible.

While each school will continue to meet the unique needs of its students and community, families can expect a more consistent districtwide approach to supporting student behavior and well-being. This work will continue throughout the year through collaboration with teachers, building leaders, specialists, students and families. We will listen, evaluate what is working, adjust as we learn and keep you informed about our progress.

When disciplinary action is necessary to address safety concerns or significant disruptions to learning, our goal is to ensure immediate safety, restore conditions that support learning for all students, preserve student dignity and hold students accountable in ways that recognize they are still learning, developing and growing.

This work is supported by our district's student handbooks, which provide clear expectations and guidance for students, families and staff. If you have questions about your school's expectations or Schoolwide Behavior Plan, please contact your school administration.

Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to strengthen the learning environments in which every student can learn, grow and thrive.