Graduation Requirements
The Policy Subcommittee endorsed our graduation requirements at this week's meeting, which means the School Committee will have its first read of the policy on Tuesday, February 4. We are sharing here the slides we used to summarize the changes.  Some of these requirements will go into effect for the Class of 2025, so we want to be clear on the expectations as we anticipate some of these changes.

Scheduling for 2025-26
The course selection process for 2025-26 will begin very soon, as we will begin the process of course recommendations for next year and the opportunity for students to select classes. As we begin the process, we will host a virtual parent presentation, which will likely take place in late February or more likely early March. We realize that many factors govern student decisions on classes, and as rising seniors in particular make plans for next year, we want them to consider internships, culminating courses of our pathways, and opportunities that connect to post-high school. We will also have our junior seminar forthcoming to outline much of this process, as our school counselors have been engaged in seminars with students much of this week.

As part of the process, we will be sharing Program of Studies revisions at Tuesday's School Committee meeting. The full document will be shared after the School Committee approves the revisions.

Partnership Review Next Week
As part of our engagement in Innovation Career Pathways with the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, we will engage a formal review of our business and finance pathway. The audit includes a review of courses, interviews with administration, teachers, and school counselors, conversation with business partners, and a panel conversation with student participants. We look forward to the feedback, particularly as we look to strengthen our work. With nearly 300 students in grades 9-12 actively engaged in some sort of Career Pathway work, we see the value and are always excited about ways to make this grow!

Concerns about ICE and Schools

Over the past few days, we have had several individuals reach out to us with concerns about immigration, the current climate, and the uncertainty around it. We understand that changes at the national level can instigate some anxiety, and it is natural to have questions. This happens regardless of the change, the party in power, the legislation passed, or the court decision rendered, particularly when they have an impact on the local levels. As an example or two, a Supreme Court decision from 1985 provided a different level of requirement for school leaders in conducting searches, and every educational “act” from “No Child Left Behind” to “Every Student Succeeds” has impacted our work at the school level. For us, paying attention to national events is no different, though sometimes the magnitude can sometimes be exaggerated.

It is important to remember that information circulates quickly, especially online and on social media, and not all of it is accurate. Rumors and misinformation can easily spread, and it is crucial to distinguish between fact and speculation. For example, we heard of a recent rumor circulating about the possibility of ICE officials staging near and potentially coming to our school - something we have not been made aware of at the school. We have an excellent partnership with our local law enforcement agents, and we have confidence in the collaboration with Uxbridge Police. In addition, we have protocols in place to address any circumstance that could arise if federal or immigration officials were to come to our school, which involves central office and legal assurances. There are legal requirements to which we are bound, and we will follow those without exception.

We also want to acknowledge that immigration is a complex and sensitive topic. While the majority of our community may not be directly concerned about immigration status, we know that some of our students and families are, and we want to be respectful of those concerns. Uxbridge High School is a place where all students belong and are valued. We encourage our students and families to reach out to a trusted adult – a teacher, counselor, or administrator – if they hear something that is concerning or if there is a question about its validity. We will do our best to get you accurate information.

Our priority, first and foremost, is the safety and well-being of our entire UHS community. We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for every student, regardless of their background or personal circumstances. Our staff of dedicated professionals is here to support our school in its entirety: academically, emotionally, and socially. We are here for everyone.

We will continue to provide updates and resources as they become available. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions.