Dress code complaints about restrictions on leggings as well as complaints about water bottle restrictions figured prominently in student comments during a recent school-wide strategic planning session. But that was far from the whole story, said speakers at the February 21 Jefferson High School Board of Trustees meeting.
“Most of what we talked about was actually educational,” said senior Jacob Rasch. He said the event did a lot to make students feel empowered. Many of the 411 items raised during the planning session focused on career/college preparation and communication, according to a report presented to the board. Students wanted more exposure to career opportunities through job shadowing or internships and college and/ or career fairs.
More assistance with career planning and exploration was also a concern raised. Under the topic of communications, participants cited communication between staff members, between the school board and students or staff, between different social groups, and between parents and the school as needing improvement.
One comment also said bullying is increasing, focused on students of the Jewish faith. Curriculum was another big topic of discussion. Among suggestions for expanding the class offerings were more AP and advanced classes, more language offerings, more job and career-focused classes, and more electives. A perceived lack of consistency and equal treatment in discipline drew several comments, as did suggestions for a wider variety of extracurricular activities.
Suggested changes in the facility, scheduling and technology also arose. One area where nearly all comments were positive was with regard to the four-day week. Another dealt with teaching, with the availability of one-on-one time with teachers cited as a positive. Shortfalls in math teaching, however, were mentioned.
Overall, said school board chair Sabrina Steketee, “It was just the best day.” She added, “I was very impressed how focused the kids were in terms of college and career prep.” She also said some students, including her daughter, said the day was valuable but expressed doubt that anything would come of the exercise. That put her under extra pressure to follow through and she intends to do so, she said. The board agreed to form a committee made up of representatives of different segments of the school to prioritize the work.
