Harpeth Middle School outlines culture and family‑engagement goals in school improvement update

The board heard a school improvement plan update for Harpeth Middle School from Susie Cutter (speaker 8), who said the school focused on building a consistent, relationship‑centered culture to support instruction and student well‑being.

Cutter described steps taken this year: gathering staff and family feedback, forming stronger collaboration systems, monthly staff morale events and a recognition program ("Maverick the Golden Goose") that traveled to classrooms. She said the school implemented a student council that helps design celebrations and gives students voice in decisions, and it hosted parent engagement events such as monthly birthday lunches and breakfast Q&As designed to connect families and staff.

Cutter highlighted efforts to ease the transition from elementary to middle school, including a fourth‑to‑fifth grade orientation night on May 14 and an online preview of student expectations to reduce anxiety for families. She identified student ownership of learning and parental accountability for academics as priorities for the coming year.

Board members asked about grade‑level discipline patterns and parent engagement; Cutter described supports including consistent discipline systems, student leadership roles and targeted parent events.

What happens next: Harpeth will continue family nights, transition events and work on strategies to increase student ownership of learning going into the next school year.