“Learning beyond the classroom is the next frontier. If we can get students out into the community— first through guest speakers and job shadows, then through internships—we’re helping them connect skills to purpose.” That connection is reinforced through Stoughton’s Chamber of Commerce partnership, where both the district administrator and the mayor hold permanent seats on the chamber board. “It ensures that what’s happening in our schools aligns with the needs of local industry,” Keyser explains. “A thriving school district supports a thriving economy.” INNOVATION ROOTED IN BELONGING Innovation at Stoughton isn’t limited to technology— it’s also about relationships. One of the district’s most transformative initiatives is its peer mentorship program, launched to strengthen student belonging and leadership. “We piloted it last year and saw immediate results,” Keyser says. “We saw fewer behavior incidents, stronger collaboration, and noticeable academic gains.” The program pairs older students with younger peers during key transition years, such as moving from elementary to middle school or middle to high school. Ahlgren adds that these cross-grade relationships have reshaped how students see themselves and their community. “Mentorship builds empathy and confidence,” she says.“It’s a simple idea with profound effects—students matter to one another, and they learn that belonging is something we all help create.” That philosophy extends throughout the district’s elementary schools, where inclusive classrooms have gained national attention. In fact, Keganza Elementary was recently featured in Education Week for its collaborative, student-centered approach to early learning. INCLUSION IN ACTION: FROM CLASSROOMS TO ATHLETICS Stoughton’s commitment to inclusion reaches every 342 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12
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