There was no privilege of the floor.

Adam Goldberg, Lead School Counselor, reviewed his PowerPoint presentation on the Report on the FRCS School Counseling Department's College Preparatory Program and Class of 2026 Statistics, including the following highlights:

• Competency determination.
• Comprehensive school counseling curriculum and guidance team.
• Web-based system to collect data - SchooLinks.
• Strong relationship with colleges.
  • College essay program opportunity.
  • Instant decision day.
• Support navigating the financial aid process.
• Outstanding learning opportunities for students.
• Class of 2026 statistics student self-reported.
  • Class of 2026 post-secondary.

Mr. Romer praised the successful fall college preparation program for seniors, highlighting that 23 colleges sent representatives to meet with students during ETL block and 14 colleges volunteered to read and provide feedback on student college essays. The program resulted in 101 acceptances given to 54 seniors totaling $987,000 in scholarship money during Instant Decision Day events. 

The committee praised the innovative programs including college essay feedback from multiple college admission representatives and Instant Decision Day events.

Questions were raised about how families are informed about these services. Mr. Goldberg explained that information is shared through newsletters and presentations to students in grades 8-12 during the course selection process in late February. The team plans to expand marketing efforts for next year's program, including creating a more public event with photo opportunities and reaching out to freshman and sophomore classes to inspire them about future college opportunities.

Mr. Goldberg discussed the school's leadership organizations including National Honor Societies and Gay Straight Alliance, explaining how they schedule these groups during ETL Days 1-5 while allowing clubs to meet on days 6-7. 

When asked about student career interests, Mr. Goldberg noted that students tend to gravitate toward science-related fields based on course selection and career day activities. The conversation ended with Ms. Ortiz presenting a draft reporting schedule for FRCS, outlining various deliverables including MCAS data, graduation requirements, and school culture metrics, and seeking feedback on frequency and responsible parties for reporting.

Mr. Goldberg noted that three students applied for the first generation college student scholarship; survey will be conducted to find out which qualified students did not apply for the scholarship. At the committee's suggestion, he will make a couple of calls to Worcester area colleges (e.g., Worcester Polytech) to invite them to participate in future Instant Decision Days.

Ms. Ortiz reviewed her PowerPoint presentation on the academic reporting schedule to align with strategic plan priorities.

Following discussion, it was agreed to shift the three strategic planning reporting areas (school culture, student engagement, academic interventions and behavioral interventions) to be presented together by individual school leaders from each level rather than staff members. 

The committee discussed concerns about enrollment challenges between middle and high school and suggested better communication between grade levels, including potentially pairing younger students with older students as mentors to help bridge the K-12 divide. Fostering better ways to communicate the school's academic programs and successes to families, particularly those in late elementary/early middle school, would be a way to build bridges and connect FRCS families.

The committee  discussed the process and structure for aligning the reporting schedule and the best ways to present the schedule to the Board as an ongoing template.

Tabled to next meeting.