“When we’re crafting our district mission and district goals, we bring in stakeholders, parents, students, district administration, teachers, community members, to ensure that that mission is really a reflection of what we all want to see happen for our students.” This shared commitment to growth and collaboration has helped the Binghamton City School District maintain its Middle States Accreditation for over 30 years, exemplifying its dedication to continuous improvement and educational excellence. Prioritizing a holistic approach, the district ensures that students receive more than just a strong academic foundation. “We focus very heavily on social emotional learning and engagement, with extracurricular activities being a primary focus of what we are able to do for students,” Dr. Thompson imparts. Options range from athletics, music, and the arts, to less formal activities during the day. In addition, programs such as mindfulness initiatives, counseling services, and mentorship opportunities help create a supportive learning environment. NURTURING CREATIVITY AND EXCELLENCE Binghamton High School proudly hosts the internationally acclaimed Rod Serling School of Fine Arts, named after the esteemed author and 1943 graduate. With over 50 fine arts courses, students can major in visual art, music, theater, and dance. “The Rod Serling School of Fine Arts produces incredible performances,” expands Dr. Thompson. “We do a fall play and then a spring musical, along with a variety of different concerts throughout the year. Fully realizing the fine arts has really been an asset for this district.” Binghamton also offers a wide array of high school courses, including Career and Technical pathways such as business, accounting, and culinary arts. In an effort to foster rich learning environments, the district collaborates with educational organizations like Solution Tree, and each school has established leadership teams that support grade level and subject specific content. These teams convene regularly to analyze student performance data, identify areas for improvement, and develop targeted instructional strategies aligned with national standards. INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ENHANCED LEARNING Binghamton City School District is committed to providing ideal learning environments, and a feasibility study was conducted two years ago to assess infrastructure needs, from interior and exterior maintenance to the renovation of aging buildings.“This district has always had a tremendous 245 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 BINGHAMTON CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
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