Participants discussed changes and initiatives needed for Deptford Township Schools growth and future needs. Group Consensus   Technology Improvements: 1:1 imitative, wifi, ipads, ebooks, etc.  Stability in leadership; upper administration, direction for district.  Vocational programs. Opportunities for students to try difference fields of interest (courses of study, internships).  Facilities upgrades: air conditioning, roofing.  Facilities expansion: expand MMS to accommodate 6th grade.  Improved communication between school, parents, teachers.  Standardized curriculum between all schools and grad levels.  Continued support of the music/arts programs.  New auditorium in DHS  Smaller class sizes  21st Century skills. College & Career ready.  Expanding school communities (parent involvement, going beyond curriculum)  Increased security to all buildings.  Increased extracurricular activities to include middle and elementary schools.  Include and mainstream special education students in regular education. Move students out of New Sharon.  Community involvement: youth groups, seniors, coat drives, food drives, church groups. Group Consensus   Increase opportunities – bridge gap with businesses to provide career experiences.  Expand Honors, College AP classes.  Improvement of Special Services, Basic Skills.  Hiring practices that include the attainment of full-time, invested, permanent employees.  Communication to parents for available community programs for children age birth to age 3. District orientation for new registers, highlighting available opportunities.  Public recognition of Principal’s List, Honor Roll, Scholarships.  Larger & experienced guidance office.  New and diverse programs to encourage larger enrollment at DHS.  After-school tutoring.  Uniforms  Tougher attendance policy (including elementary).  More students reading at grade level.  More instruments for families who are in need.  Academic marks being met at all schools.  Green initiative (solar panels).  No teaching from a “cart”.  More time for switching classes. “Expectations for the Future” Lower class sizes Expansion @ MMS Air conditioning for all If expanding, include NS & BT in expansion. Move NS to new building Increased graduation rate & test scores 1:1 Technology plan (ipad, computer) for students Continue sports & extra-curricular Cohesive unit between parent & teacher Exercise & support of our mission statement Modernize facilities (boilers, venting, security systems, etc.) Renewable/sustainable computer technology plan Budget forecasting Advanced technology (smartboards) Wireless learning (online books, teacher lessons, etc) Unlimited academic support for children in need of additional learning Getting back to the business of educating our students Effective afterschool programs Offer remedial programs during the school day for Basic Skills Intervention Increase original thinking “Swap out” tech support Increases NJ College program/options Less testing Stability in upper administration Top-notch Administration & leadership Successfully implanted character education. OLWEUS that increases school climate. Reinstate vocational programming @ DHS (cosmetology, cook, auto) More assistive technology for students with disabilities. More technology so that teachers/students have access when needed. Allow teachers flexibility to teach in a way that fosters creativity in problem solving instead of “teaching for the tests” Include the AVID program in middle & elementary school Teacher education’s improvement where needed. Document and follow through when remediation is needed. th Move 6 grade to MMS to free up space in elementary schools Fully aligned curriculum Community Based Instruction (offer more opportunities for students to try different fields)  Increase state standings compared to other schools “Expectations for the Future” Decreased focus on the “test” and more time to tailor lessons and be creative in teaching styles More guidance for students in prep for “real life” More options of lunch food More consistent opportunity for accelerated learning across all elementary schools Continued support of Art & Music programs; especially summer band & art shows More focus on community work & environmental responsibility More guidance interaction with students Website needs to be utilized more MMS – Advanced classes to prepare for high school Volunteer system (PTA) More SAT prep Website works well & all teachers/staff use it daily to communicate and post #1 priority is always the KIDS New auditorium in DHS Aides on all Pre-K, K, & 1st grade buses STEM program – moving in leaps & bounds More students going to DHS Grounds improvement (landscaping) Classrooms for all music & art teachers New wing for MMS New roof on school Bigger instrument budget Better football field Improved building security Main entrance ways in all buildings that are obvious to the community and exude sense of pride All students achieving expectations on standardized testing Type of switching classes in primary level Stronger writing – possibly journalism type classes in DHS & MMS All buildings have improved ADA compliance State of the art science labs Physical education, Math and/or PJ reading family fun nights BSI throughout entire day  Pullout/Resource room Gym floor replaced at Lake Tract New math program that cold tie in more with 21 century skills Enrichment type pull out of push in, maybe a version of LEEP “Expectations for the Future” Better recognition of all staff Community based instruction Unified special education departments (across grades/schools) Bully-free environment: schools, busses, etc. Extracurricular activities for special needs students Multi-school meetings for brainstorming/sharing ideas & strategies Increase percentage of students going to college More senior citizens usage and communication of the district 12 month school year Students staying in Deptford Extensive special education transition program Longer school days Expand on academic/curriculum advancements  Professional development for Instructional Aides Solar School choice needs to go TV studio More academic academies Housing issues addressed Teacher/student ratio at or better then benchmark. Reduced class sizes AVID K-12; STEM K-8 Improved partnership between DHS/Youth athletic programs At risk students/parent program/early intervention Better bus scheduling 10 year school maintenance program Enthusiasm of students/school hub of community More parent participation Parking issues solved at all buildings Stricter attendance policy Counselors in every building, every day Build onto MMS to add 6th grade More college information/updates Post high school education should be a minimum expectation Students thriving and very interested in engineering Elementary instrumental music teacher hired Uniforms Access to reading books for all students ELA program that goes to Grade 12 Growth in partnership with community college “Expectations for the Future” After school tutoring for students with needs More students choosing to go to DHS. They are excited and proud of their high school. Better orientation to the district for new residents GI needs to fence Students, at a much younger age, have keyboarding skills that make them better able to handle using the skills not only for PARCC, but compositions as well. Successfully completed bond referendum for increased classroom space All around school year with 4-5 week sessions off. Cooperative learning groups Updated Social Studies curriculum Summer school returns Cameras at the schools More lunch aides Higher graduation rate Biomedical program More students wanting to learn More languages to learn Better PARCC scores Parent/Teacher positive communications Higher expectations for students New Performing Arts Center at DHS Departmentalize 4th and 5th grades More instruments for families who are in need More and diverse academics at DHS Part-time BSI to full-time BSI More academic targets being met in some schools New DHS Auditorium Winning football team Increased communication with community through “meetings” throughout township Stricter attendance policy Better programs that get the DHS students excited  More students reading on grade level. High graduation rate – by connecting with our parents Everyday Math gone Activity based desks for students and staff Waiting list for our Choice School Snack machines