What's New In Danvers Public Schools This Year?

DANVERS, MA — Summer ends for Davers Public School students on Wednesday, Sept. 4, when the new school year starts. Here's a quick look at some of the big changes parents and students can expect, as well as some other helpful information to get the year off to a strong start.

Focus On Industry Sectors At DHS

Starting with the class of 2023, which enters Danvers High School this year, the school system will be implementing a program called Innovative Pathways, which lets students focus on one of five industry sectors. Danvers Superintendent Lisa Dana said it's part of the school systems action plan to give students "more choice and voice" by expanding project-based learning opportunities.

"Our focus continues to be increasing student achievement by providing all of our students with a high quality education in a safe environment," Dana said. "Our strategic plan has three pillars with goals that prioritize each student's academic, social and emotional learning. The three focus areas are social and emotional learning (SEL), Coherent Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment and Engaged Students."

Focus On Social and Emotional Learning

There will be continued emphasis on the area of education known as SEL by educators in Danvers this year. Among the examples Dana offered to underscore that pillar of the school system's strategic plan:

• A revised eleemtary school schedule that includes an SEL block at the start of each school day.
• "Movement breaks" at the Highlands Elementary School
• Smith Elementary School is developing an outdoor area for place-based learning.
• Danvers High School enters the second year of implementing its Therapeutic Learning Center.

Learn More About The Strategic Plan

School officials will present District Strategic plan Year 2 Goals and School Improvement Plans at the Danvers School Committee meeting on Sept. 9.

Key Dates

For events beyond Sept. 19, see the Danvers Public Schools calendar.