Children & Youth Workgroup

1. All students will feel connected to their school and communities.

Increase commitment to school and neighborhood attachment by 3% each year, as measured by the EYS. The workgroup will do this by expanding Success Planning (Harvard EdRedesign) and mentoring, increasing community engagement events and attendance, and working toward every student taking part in at least one extracurricular activity.

2. Young people experience supportive, responsive adults so that they are able to successfully co-regulate their behavior and remain engaged in school.

Reduce suspensions by 1% annually by increasing adults’ co-regulation skills. This will happen through social-emotional trainings (such as YMHFA, TCIS, trauma-informed practices and restorative practices) and restorative circles.

3. Students will be literate and on a path to graduation and economic mobility.

Increase the percentage of 3rd grade students testing proficient in ELA by 2% annually. The workgroup will do this through library partnerships and storytimes, Play & Grow, book clubs, Literacy Volunteers, buddy readers and peer tutoring in afterschool programs, and parent education on helping children read.

4. Students will have access to and will receive preventive dental care, supporting their overall health and readiness to learn.

Increase dental services provided to students from 1,027 to 1,200 by June 2027. The workgroup will do this through continued partnership with FLCH, better dental health messaging, piloting toothbrushing programs in schools, consistent scheduling of services, and an updated dental provider list.