WESTFORD CENTER — Middle school administrators gave updates on FY26 improvement goals and outlined proposed FY27 school improvement plans during the May 26 School Committee meeting.
Blanchard Middle School Principal Adam Ingano and Stony Brook Middle School Principal Allison Hammer said next year’s plans will align with the district improvement plan while continuing efforts already underway at both schools for years.
One major FY27 focus will be improving consistency between the two middle schools while maintaining each school’s individual culture. Ingano said the district plans to create a joint scheduling task force to review programming, schedules and student access to academic opportunities and support services across both schools.
“We’re always trying to look for ways to bring something to both schools if we’re having it at one,” Ingano said.
The schools also plan to introduce collaborative data meetings between educators from both buildings. The meetings will help teachers analyze common student data, identify growth trends and create more consistent instructional practices between departments and grade levels.
There will also be continued efforts to strengthen social-emotional learning and student wellness. Staff at both middle schools and Westford Academy have received training in restorative practices aimed at building relationships, addressing conflict and strengthening classroom communities.
Hammer said the schools are also working to reduce what they described as “pressure valves” affecting students, including stress tied to academics and technology use. They noted that Yondr cellphone pouches have helped reduce distractions and students’ fear of missing out during the school day.
The district will continue using Wayfinder learning lessons and surveys next year, with surveys planned at the beginning, middle and end of the school year to identify student needs better.
Efforts to improve communication with families about student progress were also discussed. The district is exploring expanded use of PowerSchool’s grade portal for middle school students and caregivers. Rollout would be gradual and designed to avoid increasing student anxiety.
“We do not want to increase the pressure valve,” Hammmer said. “We’re looking at ways that we can really kind of control that, but also have information that students and families have access to.”
The presentation also included a discussion about the district’s ongoing work surrounding artificial intelligence in schools. Staff members from the middle schools and Westford Academy participated in a state-supported cohort examining responsible AI use in education.
The committee approved the middle school improvement plans and handbook, ending the discussion.
