HHS Pursues SDM School Based Team Goals

Huntington High School’s Shared Decision Making Committee has agreed upon four school based team goals for the 2023/24 school year. The group is already at work on the goals, which all seek to further engage students and parents in the life of the high school.

Huntington High School is led by Principal Brenden Cusack and Assistant Principals Gamal Smith and Patricia Avelli along with more than 100 faculty members, dozens of support staff. The building counts on more than 1,400 students and 2,000 parents for support.

Goal No. 1

Organize and promote a Huntington High School Club Fair and an organizational hub for extracurricular activities.

Action Plan

1. Develop an event in conjunction with student government officers, Principal’s Advisory Council officers and members and club advisors to promote all of the clubs the high school has to offer. This should be created as a sustainable annual event.

2. Additionally, we aim to create a Google Classroom, social media site or other mechanism to help clubs organize their events and activities in one place so students can plan accordingly. This is a similar goal to the Principal’s Advisory Council students and collaboration may be possible.

3. Create a survey to gather feedback regarding the club fair and central site.

Goal No. 2

Recruit additional members of the Huntington High School Shared Decision Making Team, including students and parents as needed.

Action Plan

1. Reach out to students in select classes to determine interest/availability to join shared decision making.

2. Collaboration with students selected for the Principal’s Advisory Council to have students in attendance at SDM

3. Possible inclusion of club representatives at SDM meetings (depending upon availability).

4. Collaborate with PTA to enlist additional parent members as needed.

Goal No. 3

Support the efforts of the Guidance Department and all other academic departments in promoting Advanced Placement, Honors and college level courses for all students.

Action Plan

1. Create signage and collect table information to be shared during lunch periods and in hallways that promote the AP program.

2. Messaging should include the benefits of higher level coursework as well as the philosophy of growth mindset and challenging oneself.

3. Enlisting the help of students and the Video Broadcasting class to create a video journal of AP offerings and positive testimonials.

Goal No. 4

Facilitate communication and mentorship between experienced Huntington High School parents and those who are new to the school and/or district.

Action Plan:

1. Create a survey for parents in order to determine who may be considered mentors and mentees, matching them by comparison of common students’ interests, activities, areas of academic focus, challenges, etc.

2. Enlist the help of experienced parents in Huntington High School PTSA, Huntington Booster Club, Band Parents Association of Huntington, Huntington Robotics Parent Association, community liaison, New World Club mentors and other parent and student groups.