The Joint Intervention Team (JIT) visit blew like a storm into Murrow last week, uprooting the schools system and causing anxiety for many teachers and students. Now, in the aftermath, students and faculty reflect.
            The JIT visited the school on Tuesday, March 29th and Wednesday, March 30th. The team, made up of seven experts, was sent by the State to review Murrow’s performance, as well as to decide whether any major changes need to be made.
            “They asked specific questions, such as how I, as principal, address students needs, and what my priorities are.” Said principal, Mr. Anthony Lodico.
            The visitors focused on certain areas of deficiency in Murrow, specifically English and Math regents’ scores for English Language Learning students. The team members looked to see if teachers at Murrow are adapting to students separate needs. “Not all students come to High School prepared in the same way, so we need to prepare for students learning in different ways.” Mr. Lodico said.
            The JIT spent the two days visiting and meeting with faculty and students. While some members of the team visited classrooms, others met with groups of students, teachers, and parents.

The student group meeting consisted of about 15 students, and one JIT member interviewing them. Many questions were asked, concerning all aspects of life at Murrow. Some questions asked were: if students felt both emotionally and physically safe in the school, how they thought the school helped them in planning their life after high school, and what they believe Murrow expects from them.

“We want to learn about your school from the student perspective,” Susan Jamback, one JIT member said in the meeting.

Students seemed eager to explain Murrow life to the JIT member interviewing them, and most had good things to say.

“I felt like a better person, to tell you the truth, answering questions honestly for the good of the school.” Said Frantz Apollon.

The team also spent time meeting with teachers and other faculty, to learn about teaching methods and the school’s system in general.

“It seemed pretty clear what they were looking for. They were looking for changes that we made to help our lower performing students.” Said Mr. Allen Barge, who was in two meetings with the JIT.

            The topics discussed in meetings varied widely, as the JIT chose different areas of the school to focus on in separate meetings, such as teacher meetings, meetings with members of the School Leadership Team, and with faculty involved in Professional Development.

            “Some questions they asked were how we assess 9th graders, how we informally assess all students in our classes, and what we feel could be done to improve reading scores for struggling readers,” said Ms. Christine Bennet, who was in two meetings with the JIT team.

        A total of 51 classes were visited, 30 of which were English and Math classes. The classroom visits were a source of much anxiety for teachers, and a lot of work was put into preparation for the visit.

        “I was extremely nervous because I knew what this visit meant to our school.” Ms. Valeska Pengthieng said.

        The team members walked around the classrooms, and asked both teachers and students questions about the class.

        “They were interested in work up on the walls and group work. They wanted to see every student busy and engaged. They asked about missing students and how many students I had in each class. I showed that I really know my students.” Said Ms. Marjorie Sanua, whose classroom was visited three times.

        Although the visits were intimidating, most teachers felt confident in their teaching and their knowledge of their students’ needs. Nearly everyone felt very prepared.

“Of course, I felt prepared. I can only speak for my department, but I feel my department was prepared also.” Dr. Regina Haygood said.

        Overall, the Joint Intervention team visit was an opportunity for the school to come together.         Students and teachers alike worked to make sure the visitors saw all the good parts of Murrow.

        "I felt really excited to be part of something for the school." Greta Triantis, a senior, said.

        The visit made almost everyone a little nervous, but all in all it seems to have been a success.

        “Teachers work hard every day to make sure all students are actively engaged,” said Mr. Anthony Lodico, “I’m confident the visitors saw that.”