ANNUAL REPORT 2022–2023 | 21
grow, showcased during several concerts this year. Our athletic program drew huge numbers of participants. Students competed against area middle schools in Cross Country, Soccer, Field Hockey, Basketball, Cheer, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, and Track. Our student council continued its work in supporting RJ Grey and our greater community with a Coat Drive . They were joined by other student groups who collected food, clothing, gifts, and other items for those in need. Our staff worked hard this year in many areas, including Advisory implementation. We worked with the Lesley Institute for Trauma Sensi- tivity (LIFTS) over six hours of professional learning to understand how a student’s previous experiences with trauma may impact their abililty to learn. More than 20 staff members also took the graduate courses associated with this work. Separately, a cohort of our staff engaged in a year-long book study of the text, Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain by Zaretta Hammond . The ongoing learning of our staff is what makes us able to meet the needs of our diverse student body.
At RJ Grey, we continue to find ways to make sure our students are connected to their school and are supported by trusted adults. This year, each of our 825 students was assigned to an Advisory group of 8–12 students , led by a licensed staff member. These groups met two to three times per week in an informal setting with two goals: Create relationships between staff and students, and have fun! The program was successful in its first year! We used these groups to have several important conversations to support the ongoing work of our school. By the time our students completed our student survey in June, 83% of students reported they had a trusted adult who they could go to if necessary . Our ongoing work is to make sure all of our students have adults they can trust at school and at home. Our fall musical, Oliver, Jr. was a hit with audiences. A scene show- case later in the spring was equally awesome and highlighted the work of our creative actors, singers, and dancers! The number of students participating in band, chorus, and orchestra continues to
James Marcotte PRINCIPAL
Elizabeth Broadwater ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Jun Wei Zhang ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Kelly Doherty ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
At RJ Grey Junior High School, our vision is to create a community of thinkers, learners, and responsible citizens.
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