The district has been researching the possible reconfiguration of the K-8 grade levels. There are several models to choose from as we consider this decision. Below are some. What are your concerns that we should attempt to remedy as we consider this action?
Model 1:
Cherokee Attendance Center 7-8 k-6 (All 7-8th at Cherokee Attendance Center, Junior High)
McCune Attendance Center pk-6
Weir Attendance Center k-6 (Pre-k possible with state approval)
Model 2:
Cherokee Attendance Center 7-8 k-5 (All 7-8th at Cherokee Attendance Center, Junior High)
McCune Attendance Center pk-5
Weir Attendance Center k-6 (Pre-k possible with state approval, All 6th at Weir for a 6th Grade Transition School separate in main building)
Model 3:
Cherokee Attendance Center 7-8 k-5 (All 7-8th at Cherokee Attendance Center, Junior High) McCune Attendance Center pk-6 (All 6th at Weir, for a 6th Grade Transition School)
Weir Attendance Center k-5 (Pre-k possible with state approval) (Main building used for other
instructional services.
Model 4
Cherokee Attendance Center 6-8 (middle School model) and k-4
McCune Attendance Center pk-5
Weir Attendance Center k-5 (Weir and Cherokee 5th grade) (Pre-k possible with state approval)
Model 5:
Cherokee Attendance Center 7-8 k-6
McCune Attendance Center pk-2
Weir Attendance Center 3-6 and pre-k possible with state approval
Model 6:
Cherokee Attendance Center 7-8 k-6
Weir Attendance Center pk-2
McCune Attendance Center 3-6 and pre-k possible with state approval
We know some of these models have many advantages and many disadvantages as well. But, these models should enable us to begin a good discussion and creative thinking. I am interested in concerns and good points. Also any new models or ideas are welcome. Remember no model here is decided upon, not or these the only options to be considered. These just a good discussion beginning point.
I look forward to much input.
Dr. Glenn Fortmayer
Superintendent
USD 247 Southeast
I am extremely excited for the reconfiguration. I think with the reconfiguration it will give teachers a better opportunity to work together at their grade levels.
ReplyDeleteModel #1 makes the most sense to me. #2 and 3 I am on the fence about. I absolutely do not like model 4,5 and 6; most parents in this district would agree I think. I feel that each school should go K-5 or 6 and then the junior high should be 6 or 7 thru 8 in Cherokee. I absolutely LOVE the idea of having a Pre-k in Weir. As I live in Weir, McCune is too far to drive my daughter for Pre-K I may as well just drive to Pittsburg.
ReplyDeleteIf model 4,5 or 6 is followed my children will attend another district. You have to remember that most families have more than one child in this district. Splitting up the grades like that could cause a parent to easily have their kids split up between all three schools, and that would just be ridiculous. All though I can see having to drive to two different schools because I have a child in elementary school, and another one in junior high.
My husband and I choose to send our kids to this district because of the smaller classes, and the fact that my husband also attended this district. People like things the way they are, but we all understand the economic reason behind needing a change. Honestly as a parent I feel that I have no say so in this change, it would be nice to see you come up with maybe two or three actual models, and put it to a non-deciding vote just to see how the parents actually feel. We all want what is best for our children, but we live a hectic world; if you make it harder for parents to get their children back and forth to school, their going to choose the next best option that makes things easier every time.
This post represents twelve, 9th grade students. We have discussed the 6 models presented here from the point of view of students who attended all 3 schools. After much discussion, we feel model 1 would best benefit the needs of students kindergarten through 8th grade. This option will allow Jr. High students to integrate into one unified group. Students would have a larger variety of teachers for each subject, also allowing teachers to team-teach subjects.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading through all the possibilities I think that option one and three would be the better two solutions. I think this because it would provide the least amount of busing and moving around of students. Also this would keep certain schools from being left out of socialization opportunities. Option one would be a good choice because it provides less change but the students still have some time to mingle with students from the other schools and to have similar studies taught to them before high school. Option three is a good choice due to the fact that sixth grade is an important transition year and this provides one more year to meet new people before high school. I favor this over option two because McCune’s building is in better shape then the Weir school building. A major problem with the other options is that some parents might have to have to travel to all four schools for events. This would be a huge hassle for larger families. With this being said, I strongly suggest either option one or three be put into action over the other options.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are having a difficult time dealing with any change at this point. We chose to move to our town due to the small class size and knowing she would have continuity in teachers by being able to attend Grade School from K-8. By being in the same school for 9 years, the most pivotal years in building a foundation for her life-long learning, she would be familiar with her settings from year to year as well as the teachers. The relationship with her 8th grade teacher would have begun the day she started Kindergarten and been able to foster and grow.
ReplyDeleteWith that being said at this point the only model that we would be comfortable considering is Model 1. With Model 1 a minimal number of transitions between schools would have to occur.
Transitioning from school to school is a very scary thing for a young child. The thought of her having to transition after 2nd, 5th, and 8th makes me sick. Also having to transition after 5th just to get comfortable in a new setting for 6th grade and then to transition again after 6th and again after 8th is ridiculous.
Our decisions as parents and educators have to be sound decisions. We need to remember that their experiences starting from their first day in public school set them up for the way they learn for the rest of their life.
We as parents understand that the district must look at what is in the best interest of all of the children as well as the affordability of all situations. But also as parents we must put the interest of our family and our children first and foremost.
We will listen to all options with open ears and consideration, however at this point, unless convinced otherwise; any option other than Model 1 will force us to choose another school district for our daughter.
Questions we would like to see answered are:
What is the driving force behind re-configuration?
Are there other options to consider instead of re-configuration?
What are the plans for the Cherokee Grade School to accommodate all of the additional children?
Will this increase the class sizes?
Will teachers in our district lose their jobs?
Will the un-used portions of McCune and Weir schools simply be left to further deteriorate?
I like model #1 and model #4 the best. I am not sure which would be better: Junior High (7th & 8th) or Middle School(6th, 7th, & 8th). I did a search online and found this site that looks at the differences between a middle school and a junior high.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.suite101.com/content/middle-school-versus-junior-high-a4522#ixzz133FBWZ4N
Middle School
•Student-Centered
•Fosters collaboration of students
•Affective and cognitive growth are emphasized
•Focuses on creative explorations and experimentation of subject matter
•Varies length of time students are in courses
•Offers high interest exploratory coursework
•Advisory program = teacher-oriented guidance
•Athletics organized around intramural concept
Junior High School
•Subject-Centered
•Fosters competition of students
•Cognitive development is first priority
•Focuses on mastery of concepts and skills in separate disciplines
•Offers subjects for one semester or one year
•Provides highly structured activity program after school
•Study hall = access to counselor upon request
•Athletics organized around interscholastic concept
I think we need to be clear on what the overall concept/style would be when discussing a 7th/8th setting versus a 6th/7th/8th setting. While I like most of the middle school concepts listed above, I feel that interscholastic athletics is more appropriate than intramural.
My preference is definitely model #1. I prefer that my children remain in the same building until they reach the 6th grade. At that point I agree that all three schools should be combined for one USD #247 Middle School or combined at the 7th grade level for one USD #247 Jr High.
ReplyDeleteSimple:
ReplyDeletePK-6 in Weir Building for families who live closest to Weir.
PK-6 in McCune building for families who live closest to McCune.
All 7th and 8th grade students should attend Cherokee Building.
As a parent, this makes the most sense to me!
I think the the district needs to look further in to option 1 and scrap the other designs. I attended the "forum" last night and feel that there has not been enough research to proceed forward with this next year. Maybe, we need to visit other districts that have a model like the one that the superintendent is trying to push, and talk to the community patrons, teachers, administration, parents, and most improtantly the students.
ReplyDeleteI will say that I was VERY disappointed in the lack of respect that was shown to the parents last night that had concerns that were not in favor of this "new reconfiguration." There was no need to cut off parents mid-sentence and turn away from them.
I feel that the schools have to work with the home to ensure that our children's best interests are being met. When the parents feel disrespected you add fuel to the already hot fire.
I would like to see what the benefits vs consequences of this decision would be and to have it laid out. The forum was not well planned out and there was a lack of information. This scares parents.
I know that a comment was made about there not being other comments that were made to the blog, we live in American and are allowed freedom of speech, even if something is said is not a shared opion.
It seems the hardest thing for the community to grasp is that the plan (whatever that plan is) does NOT include closing any schools.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of clustering grades (as in models 4-6) because of being able to pool resources and about a dozen logistical reasons. However, busing little ones seems to be an issue and many community members do not seem to be open to it.
I also like the idea of having a seperate 6th grade from the 7th/8th graders. It gives the 6th graders from the different communities an opportunity to get to know each other before coming together as middle schoolers. That way, by the time they move up, sports, music, other electives and the entire schedule structure won't be completely foreign to them. It slowly acclamates them to having different teachers in different rooms with different students, rather than throwing them into high school as 9th graders.
Whatever happens, no matter what plan is taken, I'm glad to see the standstill end. I just hope some people will take their fingers out of their ears long enough to hear both sides of the story.
Thank you for your input. I am sorry I did not check to get you published earlier. I am supposed to receive an e-mail notifying me when a post has been submitted.
ReplyDeleteI wish to thank each of the contributors thus far for their input. This blog is still open for continued input. The questions and concerns that were placed will be added to the list. The list will be made public on this blog, the USD 247 website, and by a send home informational sheet to parents. The schools will have copies available for pick up as well.
ReplyDeleteI would like to apologize to any patron who felt I was rude to them at McCune. There was no attempt to cut off anybody or turn away to dismiss anyone. We had a wonderful huge crowd and a vast number of people wanting to state there concerns.
My going from person to person after a concern or question was voiced was not meant to dismiss that person, but only an effort to gather input from as many people as possible and not make them wait excessively long, which still happened.
I tried to move to the next person when the concern or question was clear. The purpose of the talk with me was that, provide me with concerns and questions to begin a process. I stated at the meeting, if someone had more points to just raise their hand again. I took one comment at a time just to be fair and not have one or a few people dominate the time.
The meeting went from 6:30 until 10:41 PM. I would have stayed all night if needed as I stated, but many patrons could not. It was only to try to get as much information from people before they left that I kept moving. I sincerely apologize if by doing so, I offended or disturbed anyone.
The whole point of my presence was to allow for communication and to enhance it and my relationship with the McCune community and the others that follow. Having failed with some, I hope I will have an opportunity to communicate with those patrons to set things right.
Thank you "Concerned Parent" for bringing this up on the blog. I hope you will accept my apology, and assist me in connecting with others that may worry or feel the same as you did so we can get on good terms.
I attended the McCune forum with an open mind, wanting to hear for myself what Dr. Fortmayer and the board had in mind for our district. What I heard them say is that no plan has been decided as yet; they simply want to visit with each and every community in our district to see what questions and concerns parents/students have so that they, in turn, can address these issues as they begin making plans. This is certainly more than we've been given in the past and I for one, want to thank them for coming and listening.
ReplyDeleteChange is never easy, but always necessary for progress. Dr. Fortmayer conducted himself extremely well considering the way he was berated at times for issues he had nothing to do with. The past is the past. It can't be changed, so we must move forward. He said it many times and I admire the way he stood his ground. Do I want to see changes? No. But I understand that progress requires it and if I can have a say in how it is achieved, then I'm going to put in my two cents and make sure that the solution is something that will be positive for students and parents alike. Our kids need and deserve the best education we can give them if they are to be competitive in today's job market. I for one am looking forward to being on the committee and taking part as we look to the future.
This is about our kids and what they deserve, not about parents, one community vs. another, etc. Keep it all in perspective and let's do the right thing.