Assistant Principal Keating discusses student feedback and action steps at Henniker Community School

The Henniker School District's recent school board meeting on September 4, 2025, focused on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing student safety and engagement, as well as addressing behavioral concerns among students.

One of the primary discussions revolved around the need for increased supervision during school events, particularly along Western Avenue, where younger students are often seen running. Board members emphasized the importance of having adequate adult presence to ensure student safety and proper direction during these activities.

Assistant Principal Christina Keating presented findings from discussions with last year's seventh and eighth graders regarding their experiences and perceptions of school climate, as reflected in the spring Panorama data. Keating highlighted the students' observations and questions about their sense of belonging and connection within the school environment. Notably, students expressed concerns about feeling disconnected from adults and questioned the accuracy of the survey results.

In response to these findings, students proposed several action steps, including enhanced teacher training, increased student voice in school activities, and more structured support systems. Keating reported that the school has already begun implementing changes, such as targeted hiring practices for new staff and the introduction of a responsive classroom training program.

The meeting also touched on improvements in communication with parents through a new platform, Parent Square, which has facilitated better information sharing between teachers and families. Additionally, the school is focusing on restorative practices to address behavioral issues, aiming to create a more supportive and positive school culture.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to fostering a safe and engaging learning environment for all students, with ongoing efforts to incorporate student feedback into school policies and practices. The board plans to continue these discussions in future meetings, ensuring that student voices remain central to decision-making processes.