Student Experience a Strategic Plan Priority Area

Huntington UFSD’s new strategic plan features four priority areas, including Academic Excellence, The Student Experience, Operations and Family and Community Engagement. These priorities were developed based upon community feedback and initial planning by the Huntington Board of Education and the district’s leadership team.

In the priority area of The Student Experience, the new strategic experience lists the following goal: “We will ensure equity, access and enrichment opportunities for all students through developmentally appropriate practices that meet their diverse needs and foster growth”

“Action Steps” include “activities and opportunities” as follows:

• Research the possibility of providing after school busing for activities and programs.

• Continue to review and research a diverse range of after school activities to meet student interests and needs.

• Research and consider clubs and enrichment activities for primary level students to foster early engagement.

• Seek grants and community sponsorships to fund reduced cost/free field trip opportunities for all students.

• Research upgrades to ensure performing arts spaces are inclusive and equitable.

• Research and build partnerships with local organizations to enhance student learning and extracurricular opportunities.

• Actively pursue grants to fund programs, activities and facilities improvements.

• Research peer-based athletic mentoring possibilities.

• Research and develop programs such as integrated UPK or special classes and partner with community-based organizations to serve pre-schoolers with special needs.

The Action Steps also include “hands-on experiences” as follows:

• Research and explore additional middle and high school courses focused on banking, financial literacy and life skills.

• Integrate additional learning opportunities for project-based learning models that reflect real world problem solving.

• Research additional opportunities and resources for students to engage in music and arts programs.

• Review and research developmentally appropriate play-based learning strategies in early childhood education.

• Increase and research additional opportunities for outdoor learning spaces to support environmental education and hands-on experiences.

• Research how to offer stress management and mindfulness courses/programs to help students develop resilience and coping skills.

• Create a district-wide program promoting student leadership and peer mentorship opportunities.

The Action Steps conclude with “mental health supports” as follows:

• Provide education on the impact of social media on mental health and responsible use strategies.

• Explore budget implications to consider expansion of student support staff and/or resources.

• Establish a mentorship program connecting older students with younger peers for guidance and support.

• Review opportunities to implement yoga and mindfulness practices district-wide to promote emotional regulation and focus.

• Consider opportunities to expand therapy dog and art/music therapy programs to support student and staff well-being.

• Partner with universities to offer clinical social work internships within the district.

• Research a therapeutic program for grades 7-12 and consider partnering with outside organizations.

• Research grant funding to establish a satellite mental health clinic within the district.

• Develop district-wide campaigns and programs to normalize conversations about mental health.

Titled a “Blueprint for Excellence,” the full strategic plan is available on the Huntington UFSD at www.hufsd.edu.