Somerville Public Schools (NJ)

Somerville has been nationally recognized for enhancing student performance through a personalized student assessment program (Digital Data Wall) The district received a national District of Distinction for a focus on individualized student growth, while Newsweek Magazine ranked Somerville High School in the top 6% of high schools nationwide. The district reached 100% of the state's performance report targets in academic achievement and graduation/post-secondary enrollment since the inception of the Digital Data Wall program. The district uses 3DPD, an online "best practice" video repository, where staff can share ideas and highlight exemplary work. At-risk students are identified for student mentorship through the district wide Mosaic program which pairs at-risk students with local mentors in the community. I&RS teams use the shared Digital Data Walls to identify specific areas in need of support. Using a customized, student centered approach, classroom teachers are provided with specific intervention and classroom strategies that are based on an individual student needs profile. Students enrolled in the RVCC Academy receive an Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts and a High School Diploma upon completion of their high school experience. The district has also partnered with RVCC to implement the Workforce Skill Development and Employability Program. This program provides opportunities for non-college bound students with four career tracks including retail, hospitality, public service (law enforcement), and childcare (certification in CPR, ServeSafe Food Handlers, and ServeSafe Essentials). The district also partners with LaRue PR which specializes in promoting faction-related brands. The LaRue PR Academy provides invaluable internship opportunities for a group of seniors during the after school hours. As a culminating activity, the student interns will be able to participate in the New York Fashion Week alongside the LaRue PR employees.