By CHRISTIAN MAITRE
Waltham Times Contributing Writer
The Douglas MacArthur Elementary School will use a recently received $10,000 donation to construct a mural at the school.
A muralist-in-residence will design the new mural based on feedback from student art classes. Parents will also have an opportunity to contribute.
The Waltham School Committee at its Dec. 4 meeting unanimously approved MacArthur School Principal Kevin Kmiec’s request to form a community committee to start the process.
Superintendent Marisa Mendonsa expressed her excitement for the project, saying that these types of events foster a sense of community for students and their families.
The $10,000 came from an unnamed family.
Superintendent’s update
In other news from last Wednesday’s School Committee meeting, Mendonsa said a letter went out Dec. 5 informing students that they earned a spot on the superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee; as committee members, students will have the opportunity to discuss the issues and concerns they see in their schools. The first meeting will be held virtually Dec. 10.
Also, Mendonsa reported that 54 new students enrolled in Waltham Public Schools since the start of the school year.
School counseling department update
Ross Wolfson, director of the district’s counseling program, gave an update on the department’s progress and challenges.
He said Waltham High School held a college fair on Oct. 1 featuring more than 60 institutions representing a mix of four-year and two-year colleges, the U.S. military and career-training programs.
He also noted that a survey of 30 different counselors found that 80% of respondents were directly working with students on a consistent basis to develop better behavior standards.
He said one of the department’s challenges is maintaining consistency in counseling programs across the district’s multiple schools.
Instructional and informational technology department update
Sandra Malec, director of educational technology and library media, said the department successfully integrated the 1:1 Chromebook program, which provides each student from first to 12th grade with a district-owned Chromebook for classwork.
Furthermore, Malec said the department is developing guidelines for students and teachers on the use of artificial intelligence.
She also reported that the department received a grant from Worcester Polytechnic Institute for a program that teaches fourth-grade students robotics using Legos.
As for challenges, Malec said there have been issues with keeping library inventory current. She also said she is anticipating challenges with implementing new programs required for administering the 2025 MCAS test.
Memorandum of understanding between Brandeis University and WPS renewed
The school district recently signed an agreement allowing the continued partnership between WPS and Brandeis University’s student engagement.
The department offers students and faculty at WPS training in leadership and community engagement skills.