Oak Knoll School

1895 Oak Knoll Lane,

Menlo Park, CA 94025

 

      Phone: 650-854-4433

                  http://o http://oakknoll.mpcsd.https://oakknoll.mpcsd.org

 

April 2, 2014

 

Dear Parents,

 

In May, the Oak Knoll teachers will begin their work creating tentative classes for next year. This is not a parent request driven process. Oak Knoll teachers know your children very well and additional parent input is not needed unless information exists of which the teacher is unaware.  Please do not lobby your teacher for preferential teacher choice.

 

Class Placement Process 

Grade level teams will meet during May and June to place students in heterogeneous classes. Classes will be balanced considering gender, race, academic skills, social maturity, and special needs. Our placement process is not about parents requesting a teacher for their child; it is about the teaching staff using its full range of expertise and intimate knowledge of the children to establish classes for 120+ children at each grade level. Your teacher knows and understands your child. She/He will consider all the variables in class placement and make placements that work in the best interest of all the children. A letter from parents or a meeting about placement for next year is not necessary, unless you believe there is some pertinent information your classroom teacher does not possess. Any input must be received by April 11.

 

How Placement Works

  • Teachers complete placement card for each student. The card contains academic data, and describes required special services and unique needs.
  • Grade level teams meet during May to create tentative classes - specialists provide input.
  • The teams strive to:
    • Create heterogeneous groups
    • Prevent racial isolation
    • Group to effectively provide special services
    • Address social considerations
  • The principals and specialist team meet prior to the end of the year to review class lists.
  • Grade level teams review principals/specialists input and possibly revise lists.
  • August changes are made for children moving in or out.
  • Class lists will be posted August 15.

 

Upper Grade Program Option for Children Entering Third Grade

Parents who have children entering 3rd grade, please click the link below to select the upper grade program option in which you have the most interest.  This form must be completed by April 11.

 

Program request for incoming 3rd grade students

 

Thank you,

 

David Ackerman, Principal                                

Kristen Gracia, Principal