Wethersfield principals outline plans to boost instruction, reduce absenteeism and expand student supports

Leaders from Wethersfield’s elementary schools, Silas Dean Middle School and Wethersfield High School presented school improvement plans on Nov. 25 that emphasize consistent data use, tiered student supports and expanded instructional practices.

Emerson Williams principal Nela Thakur described districtwide elementary goals focused on student achievement, professional development and a district data team that coordinates reteaching and intervention strategies. Ken Craig, principal of Webb Elementary, said kindergarten teachers are engaging in play‑based learning and that the district is working with a recognized state leader to align units and classroom practice.

The district described several practical tactics: fourth‑grade bike‑safety programs and a grant‑funded “all kids bike” initiative intended to increase students’ daily active transportation; expanded MTSS (also called SRBI) teams at each school; and a districtwide data team that meets twice monthly to identify patterns and interventions.

Kayla Evans (student services) said the goal at Silas Dean is to reduce a 12.6% chronic‑absenteeism rate toward pre‑pandemic levels of less than 5% and that staff will train in DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) to support emotional regulation. At the high school, assistant principal Stephanie Hassler said roughly 50 students are currently flagged for MTSS monitoring and that secondary leaders are rolling out tiered interventions including a study‑skills period and parent‑coaching outreach. Secondary attendance rates reported: students with high needs 9.8% last year and all students 5.8% (pre‑pandemic 4.8%).

Academic initiatives include a middle‑school capstone pilot, expanded use of Bridges for math intervention, Agile Mind curriculum in high‑school Algebra and a 9–12 writing continuum for social studies and humanities to strengthen communication and writing skills. High‑school leaders plan to introduce a new Maya Learning platform for career and post‑secondary planning, with parent access, and to expand internship opportunities.

Board members praised the collaborative approach and asked for follow‑up data; several trustees emphasized the link between attendance and academic outcomes and requested continued reporting by the district data team.