1. Structured activities will be provided to the students
2. Sports activities provided at no extra cost to parents
3. Staffing numbers will increase supervision and ultimately safety

1. We've notified our new kindergarten parents that kindergarten will be self-contained next year.  Beginning next year, students will not have a separate teacher for math/science and another for reading/language arts.  Students will remain with one teacher all day.   The teachers feel that having more flexibility to increase the literacy block of the day will strengthen the kindergarten program.  
2. We know there is research to support that a teacher looping with their students to the next grade level has positive instructional effects. We also know that the more skilled a teacher is on planning and implementing the grade level content expectations, the greater the academic progress. Our intermediate and primary looping grades (1/2, 4/5) are discussing and questioning whether looping should continue or whether we should develop specialty teachers at each grade level for reading/language arts and math/science.  

Results to date:

• Grades 4 and 5 have determined that their students would ultimately benefit more from a grade specific teacher than from looping.
• Grade 4 teams for next year:
• Mrs. Denson (Reading/Writing) and Mrs. Curran (Math/Science).  Mrs. Curran has been a long term substitute this year in the primary and intermediate grades and we're pleased to offer her a permanent position next year.
• Mr. Baldwin (Math/Science) and a Reading/Writing teacher to be hired.
• Grade 5 teams for next year:
• Mrs. Kupcik (Math/Science) and Mrs. Hawley (Reading/Writing)
• Mrs. Pendleton (Reading/Writing) and a Math/Science teacher to be hired.
• Grades 1 and 2 are still in discussion about whether to keep things as they are, or whether to become grade specific.  Either way, students will still have two teachers. Parents may be uncomfortable about a prospective change, but please know that the final decision will be based not on emotion but what will ultimately bring about greater student achievement.  

We're informing parents at this time so there are no surprises.  Some parents may determine that the changes are unacceptable and look elsewhere.  Please know that any decisions are made based on fact and separating emotional ties with students and families.  This is hard for parents and it is also a hard task for teachers.

Please refer any questions to the office. 

1. Parents know their child better than anyone else.
2. Parents know what they'd like to see for their child
3. Parents do not know a teacher unless one of your other children had the same teacher. ( And remember, what's good for one sibling isn't necessarily what's best for the next one.)
4. One parent's recommendation isn't necessarily what your experience would be.  All children are different. 

Parents may send a letter that talks about what you know best-  your child. Parents may request a specific teacher if a sibling had that teacher and you believe it would be beneficial for the next child also. Parents may request not to have a specific teacher if a sibling had that teacher and you don't think it would be a good fit. Parent request letters requesting a specific teacher based on recommendations will be returned to you. 

Please send any letters to the principal.  I hope this helps.