By Laurie Hunter — Superintendent
Happy New Year!
The 2023-24 school year ended strong, with successful foundations built for the coming year.
The Concord School Committee and Concord-Carlisle Regional School Committee welcomed three new members: Andrew Herchek (Concord), Brian Waterson (Carlisle), and Julie Viola (Carlisle). In June, three-year successor contracts were reached with the Concord Teachers Association and Concord-Carlisle Teachers Association. We greatly appreciate our strong partnership with the Associations, which allows for a positive adult culture and supportive student climate.
At the elementary schools, goals to reach pre-pandemic achievement levels were reached more quickly than expected. Curriculum efforts include evidence-based literacy practices and furthering progress in closing the achievement gap for students in each subgroup. Willard will welcome almost 40 newcomer children and is developing strengths in English Language Learner support. Thoreau’s campus improvement plan includes improvements to the grounds, expansion of the playground, and replacement of the fields. The METCO program at Alcott builds a strong foundation for students to succeed in middle and high school.
The middle school is thrilled to open the new building, The Ellen Garrison Building at Concord Middle School. Both logistic and academic goals are set for a smooth transition later in the year and to realize the team model. I am furthering our work with The Robbins House and the Stand Up For Ellen group to hold a dedication ceremony. The middle school was honored by The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, which recognized its anti-bias work with an award to celebrate CMS as the first school to implement the Playbook Initiative schoolwide.
Concord-Carlisle High School continues its exemplary academic achievements. U.S. News and World Report named CCHS the top STEM school in the state, ranked 13th nationally. CCHS was 12th among its peer schools in Massachusetts (excluding charter and exam schools) and was recognized on the 2023 Advanced Placement School Honor Roll. This demonstrates what we see daily with students excelling and being recognized through college admissions, state and national honors, and overall success in extracurriculars, athletics, the arts, and more.
As school opens, the School Committees and I will establish our goals for the year. As is true of each School Improvement Plan, our goals will be based on the 2023-28 District Strategic Plan. These priorities stem from four key objectives: ensuring the success of all students, creating a culture focused on student well-being, fostering belonging through equity and anti-racist work, and establishing innovative learning environments. Committing to improvement and high achievement for every student reflects our core values while meeting ongoing mental health and special education needs and prioritizing joy.
Welcome back!
