School Committee Discusses Geography of Chelmsford Students' College Applications

7:00 p.m. to 7:09 (0:00 to 9:34)

Minutes from previous meetings were approved and the student representative’s report was given. Members of the School Committee also provided positive updates from schools in town. There were no members of the public to provide comments in the public comment section of the meeting.

7:09 p.m.  to 8:05 p.m. (9:34 to 65:26)

Tom Wright, the School Department’s guidance coordinator, provided an annual update on student guidance activities in the district.

Wright began saying that guidance counselors in the district would focus on developing essential skills to become successful in academic and personal endeavors, following a four-pronged approach recommended by state guidelines.

Over the past year, the guidance department has purchased various books to aid in their efforts, and work has been done to establish uniform curricula for various age groups throughout town based upon state and national models.

Particular initiatives by Elementary schools included the “Zones of Regulation” the “Superflex” program and the “Give Me Five” initiative which focused on body language and listening skills.

In Middle schools, Wright indicated that goals included attending classes at least eight times per year and helping students with SOAR (Set Goals, Ask Questions, Organize and Record Progress) tasks.

High school initiatives included a focus on college readiness and themed events during lunch periods and the career center as well as an analysis on accomplishing tasks.

School Committee members asked questions relating to career guidance, substance abuse assistance for students, guidance counselor caseload.

School Committee chairman Mike Rigney asked whether the national and state models were initially implemented this year, with Wright clarifying that his comments were geared toward identifying that the district has a goal of meeting the national and state models.

Rigney also asked questions wondering if students were being pushed hard enough on possible colleges, with a limited number of colleges being advertised in the Western United States, although he said it was a point of discussion and not a criticism.

Wright indicated that location is less important than asking students where they may be comfortable attending college.

Additional discussion between Rigney, Wright and School Committee member Nick DeSilvio discussed economics related in the placement of students in colleges, with DeSilvio saying that there are college applications made by Chelmsford students to colleges in the Western United States.