Nearly two years since the project began, Haddonfield school district Superintendent Chuck Klaus presented the district’s Profile of a Learner at the Jan. 20 board of education meeting.
The profile seeks to identify key traits and competencies in different areas that students learn and carry with them as they move forward in life. Klaus explained that, as students grow, more competencies and traits are added, though some remain the same. Examples of traits include being kind and curious, empathetic and aware of influence.
To develop the list, the district sought input from students, educators, parents, recent alumni, community members and board of education members via a series of virtual small-group forums.
“Learning is not supposed to be a burden,” Klaus noted. “We want our learners to have the trait of seeing education and growth as a joyful process.”
Learning profiles will be implemented in September to start fresh and avoid disrupting the school year. In practice, the process involves visual representations of ideals in the classroom and online that identify and develop initiatives and programs to help embolden traits and competencies using a common language. The traits will be printed on bookmarks as well.
“This is the culmination of what we want our students to be able to be,” Klaus said.
During the meeting, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Gino Priolo announced that the district began its participation in the state’s Test-to-Stay program on Jan. 18. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:15 to 8 a.m, the district offers rapid COVID testing at the Wedgewood Swim Club on Centre Street in Haddonfield for asymptomatic students and staff, including those identified as close contact that would like to test to stay.
Those interested must complete a registration form and RSVP to the testing session at least 24 hours beforehand.
If students test negative, they can remain in school. If they test positive, they are sent home for the day.
The district website notes that additional COVID PCR testing is available every Monday afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m. Registration is also required, and can be done at https://www.smore.com/px98n
In other news:
- Haddonfield Memorial High School Student Lily Cheatham was recognized as one of two students elected to the US Senate Youth Program as a delegate.
- Former Board of Education student representatives Maddie Cush, Cyrus Marwaha and William Kennedy were commended for their service.
- Charles Webb, Audrey DeCristofaro and Charlotte Lucas were sworn in to the board for a year, from this month through January 2023
- Klaus announced that the district wants to potentially lease 79 Grove St. and 95 Grove St. for central-office use and to free up space in school buildings
- The district currently has 590 active COVID cases, about five times more than last year (123 cases) and less than the week before.
- The board approved updating Policy 8550 on the Meal Charges/Outstanding Food Service Bill so students who cannot pay for a school meal will not go without.
The board will hold a work session on Feb 10 and a meeting on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Haddonfield Memorial High School Library. Regular meetings will also be available virtually through livestream.
