Hingham School Committee Approves Electric Bus Contract, Innovative Math Program
New Initiatives Aim to Modernize Transportation and Transform Classroom Learning
HINGHAM - December 16 - The Hingham School Committee has taken significant steps towards modernizing the district's transportation and enhancing math education. At its December 16, 2024 meeting, the committee approved a contract for three electric school buses and authorized the implementation of a new math teaching approach called "Building Thinking Classrooms."
Committee members voted to approve a seven-year lease agreement with Highland Fleet for three electric school buses. The superintendent was authorized to sign the contract, pending review by legal counsel.
"I will make a motion to authorize the superintendent to sign the contract for the three electric buses pending review from approval of legal counsel," said member Jen Benham.
The committee also voted to insert an article in the town warrant for the 2025 town meeting regarding the electric buses, signaling a commitment to sustainable transportation options for the district.
In a separate initiative, Hingham High School math teachers Sarah Jacobson and Mallory Lynn presented their implementation of the "Building Thinking Classrooms" approach, which has transformed their classrooms into collaborative learning spaces.
The new method, based on research by Peter Liljedahl, aims to change how students think about mathematics by altering the classroom environment. The renovated classrooms feature whiteboard desks, glass whiteboards on walls, and collaborative seating arrangements.
"Every piece of the wall is now a writing surface where students can discuss," Jacobson explained. "The real magic is the students."
Lynn highlighted the impact on student engagement and problem-solving skills. "These students are less likely to feel stuck and more likely to try something," she said. "We hope that that's a skill that kind of transcends beyond just the math classroom."
The approach also emphasizes visibly random grouping, with students working with different peers each day. This strategy aims to improve social skills and push students out of their comfort zones.
"It's produced amazing opportunities to take on different roles than they're used to," Jacobson noted. "The social stress of being in a group or left out, that's gone."
Superintendent Katie Roberts expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. "Of all of the initiatives we're working on this year, this is one of the initiatives I'm most excited about," she said. "I really think it has the opportunity to transform teaching and learning and math instruction."
The project was funded through a grant from the Hingham Education Foundation (HEF). Committee members and school officials praised HEF's support and the potential for expanding the approach to other subjects and grade levels.
"Thinking about expanding this to other disciplines. I think also to other age groups. Thinking about, what if this is how kids learned math from elementary school?" Tim Miller-Dempsey suggested.
In other business, the committee received updates on special education programs and approved several grants and donations for various school projects.
The meeting also included discussions on kids in action fees for before and after school programs, as well as rates for food service substitutes.
The next regular School Committee meeting is scheduled for Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m., with additional budget meetings planned for Jan. 16 and Jan. 23.