Eastern Regional High School is gearing up for an ambitious year ahead, buoyed by the successes and achievements of its students and staff in the past year, according to Superintendent Robert Cloutier.
The Voorhees school district’s 2024 goals prioritize tailoring instruction based on data to cater to the diverse needs of all students, Coutier told the board of education. That includes a strong emphasis on professional development programs grounded in research to encourage communication and collaboration among the teaching staff and foster a culture of continual learning.
Efforts are directed towards improving communication with stakeholders by making it more timely, accessible and effective. The board aims to cultivate a culture of mutual respect, trust, and professionalism within itself and with stakeholders with active participation in professional development and the establishment of agreed-upon norms and policies governing board conduct, Cloutier noted.
The board also acknowledges the need for a comprehensive onboarding process for all members that will cover the roles and responsibilities of a board member. And logistical information specific to the disrctric will mean establishing an annual calendar with important dates and expectations.
Cloutier also discussed plans for Easter’s High’s future that will showcase a blend of academic milestones, enhanced extracurricular activities and infrastructure developments. Reflecting on 2023, he highlighted the strides made by students, emphasizing their embrace of leadership and academic engagement.
“It has been a very good year, with students thriving and embracing the opportunity to be together,” the superintendent remarked. “Our staff and students are fostering stronger bonds and we’re witnessing impressive student leadership.”
Cloutier also noted that one of the focal points in Eastern’s success is its extracurricular landscape. Student representatives actively update the board of education on impactful activities.
The school’s theater students garnered national attention by appearing on ABC’s “Good Morning America” to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their production, Disney’s “Frozen.” And after a COVID hiatus, some students took an immersive field trip to the fashion district of New York City.
Athletics and activities have also thrived, said Cloutier. The rest of January and February will coincide with a significant milestone: the launch of Eastern’s first Unified Sports basketball team.
From an academic standpoint, Eastern saw a record number of students earn college credit through the school’s dual credit partnerships with Camden County College and Stockton University, explained Cloutier, who also expressed enthusiasm for expanding and nurturing such opportunities for students in the new year.
As for infrastructure enhancements, the district is focused on upgrading its original HVAC system with the introduction of air conditioning to the high school. Other upgrades will include installing new equipment to boost energy efficiency and fortifying the building’s infrastructure in the future.
“The new equipment is to make us more energy efficient and for the building to be strong and comfortable for at least another 50 years,” the superintendent revealed.
A new system is in the works to augment Eastern’s exterior door security and bolster safety measures across the campus.
