5.2.2022 Fall River School Committee Parent & Community Outreach Sub Committee

Fall River Government TV May 3, 2022 YouTube Report Issue

The Fall River School Committee Parent & Community Outreach Sub Committee met on May 2, 2022. The meeting began with a roll call, noting Mr. Harvey and Mr. Rodriguez were present, and a salute to the flag. The committee then reordered its agenda to first discuss the transition to PowerSchool and ParentSquare, followed by attendance, the role of community facilitators, and an upcoming mental health awareness event. Key discussions included an update on the PowerSchool and ParentSquare implementation, which is nearing its July 1st go-live date. This transition involves migrating 20 years of data from the old X2 system, integrating staff attendance with Frontline software, and rolling out new HR and special programs modules. A new SIMS Database Manager with 18 years of PowerSchool experience has been hired to assist with training and transition. ParentSquare, replacing School Messenger and other communication tools, will offer features like single sign-on and two-way translation, with marketing efforts planned to encourage adoption. The committee also reviewed attendance data, noting an average daily attendance of 88.3% and a projected chronic absenteeism rate of 44.7%, an improvement from the previous year. They discussed factors contributing to attendance and strategies for improvement, including addressing transportation issues. Further discussions focused on clarifying the role of community facilitators, a position intended to bridge the gap between home and school, with a revised job description to be presented to the full School Committee for approval. The committee also detailed plans for a "Healthier You" mental health awareness event on May 21st at Durfee High School, featuring workshops and community partners. Other mental health initiatives, such as the MARK bullying prevention program and the "Choose Love" SEL curriculum, were highlighted. The meeting concluded with a public acknowledgment of Staff Appreciation Week before adjourning.

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