As we move through the process of grade level consolidation - the project where we are changing the grade levels of the students in each of our buildings - we are reminded of the many great opportunities we can now offer to our students because of this change.
We are now able to offer Gifted and Talented services at the intermediate level - every day. Previously because of our two elementary buildings, students only received these services twice a week.
We are now able to start a Home Economics themed class at BMS. We have over 75 students in our cooking club at BMS, and are excited to offer more formal teaching given the interest level of students.
We are now able to offer instrumental music at the intermediate level (grades 3-5). We are also having conversations about adding intramural athletics there as well!
We are hopeful to add specialty programming for the primary building (grades K-2) built into the school day. We can also now align and target all of our social and emotional services and programs to the different grade levels, better customizing to the different needs students have at different ages.
All of these additions will strengthen our students in a variety of ways.
Many of these programs and updates are the result of questions we’ve received over the years. Yes, we do listen!
We did a feasibility study on student numbers and physical space in each building - the study showed that we can offer more services while also being poised for growth, if needed.
One of our biggest studies when making this change was busing. We did a lot of work to ensure we are still able to offer busing as close as one mile to the school building. The state minimum is two miles - in Barberton we literally go the EXTRA mile!
We initially were looking at four stop and start times, but reduced it to three based on the feedback we received in the parent survey. There will be three start and stop times that are very similar to the times we have now. We are combining BHS and BMS start and stop times, the Intermediate start and stop time, and the Primary start and stop time. Specific times will be communicated soon as we finalize the logistics.
More good news, most teachers are staying in their current grade level. For example, if a teacher taught first grade at East our goal is to keep them in first grade at the Primary building. Each building is going to hold transition day events that will allow students, parents and guardians to come into the schools before school starts to get familiar with the new building and administrators.
We have heard some concerns about families having multiple transitions. The one big issue we have observed in our district over the years is that the transition between elementary and middle school has been very difficult for our students. We know part of the reason for this struggle is because students have not experienced any transitions for five years in our current model. They have been in one building for five years! Now they will become more familiar with adapting in life to change. This is a great skill to attain. Our children are very resilient and will be just fine!
Change can be a little scary. But we will do everything in our power to make this change as smooth as possible for students and families. This change will also impact our district, and our students’ education positively for years to come.
Remember we are all Magics!
Original source can be found here
Alerts Sign-up