Norwell High School to Introduce "Clipper Time" Flexible Learning Program

Special Education Review Highlights Strengths and Areas for Improvement

NORWELL, MA - June 10 - Norwell High School plans to launch a new flexible learning program called "Clipper Time" for the upcoming school year. The program will provide students with two 30-minute blocks on Tuesdays and Thursdays for additional academic support, make-up assessments, special assemblies, and guidance appointments.

Marc Bender, principal of Norwell High School, presented the plan to the school committee June 10. "It consists of an equitable opportunity for all students to access interventions and support," Bender said.

The program will utilize MyFlex Learning software, allowing teachers to schedule students who need extra help and enabling students to sign up for sessions with specific teachers. Bender emphasized that the maximum number of students per teacher during Clipper Time will be capped at 12.

"We're not going to have this right," Bender acknowledged, noting that the school will gather feedback and make adjustments based on data throughout the year. A committee including student representatives will meet regularly to evaluate the program's effectiveness.

The introduction of Clipper Time comes as Norwell's special education program underwent a review by external consultant Cindy Taymor. The review commended the district's inclusion efforts but identified areas for potential improvement.

"Your inclusion efforts, your commitment to it, are commendable," Taymor told the school committee. "I have told Sue, you need to be inviting other districts in to see what you're doing."

Taymor noted shifts in disability categories, particularly in reading disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and social-emotional needs. She recommended the district consider staffing adjustments and increased scheduling flexibility to address these changes.

"We know post-COVID that we're seeing reading difficulties across all grades," Taymor said. "But primarily for those kids who got their initial reading instruction during COVID."

The Norwell Education Foundation (NEF) reported on its recent grant-funded projects. Jennifer Burns, NEF president, highlighted initiatives including a College Kickstarter program, a seismograph for science classes, and ukuleles for music instruction.

Burns announced a new fundraising initiative featuring Skipper the Clipper mascot stuffed animals. "We're going to be raising funds for additional training supplies and activities that Skipper can use in the classrooms with the kids," she said.

The school committee expressed appreciation for the thorough evaluation of the Clipper Time program and the special education review. Committee member Kristin McEachern said, "I think it's such a, it would maybe be an important thing to keep an eye on to see like how it's working."

Superintendent Matthew Keegan emphasized the collaborative effort behind the Clipper Time initiative, noting that the teachers' union had been involved in the planning process. "They're on board," Keegan said.