Addressing Change

At this point in the year I felt as though it would be appropriate for me to address concerns that have been expressed by MWS families to date. While few in number, some common concerns regarding changes at MWS during the 2008-2009 school year did present themselves. I would encourage you to browse the information below and contact me if you have any questions.

(1) 5th Grade Camp-Out

In the past, each 5th grade group would participate in an overnight camping trip in the Carver Park Reserve in the fall of the school year. While this important tradition is an excellent avenue to explore outdoor education, concerns began to arise last spring regarding the safety of students, liability issues, and the "fit" of such an experience into the existing 5th grade science curriculum. As a result, the 5th grade teachers and Mr. Cin met late last spring to determine whether or not is was appropriate to continue with this tradition. A consensus was reached, and it was determined that this experience would no longer continue at MWS.

Contrary to conversation in the community, I was not involved in this decision - it was inherited when I arrived at MWS. Having met with the 5th grade team prior to the start of school this year regarding this issue, it was requested that I uphold this decision. While I realize current 5th grade students may have been looking forward to this opportunity, I am confident that the we will discover a way in which we can replace this experience with another academically focused outdoor education experience.

(2) Class Placements

At Marion W. Savage Elementary, past practice has been for teams of teachers to get together with administration to collaboratively place students into classes for the upcoming school year. In doing so, teachers who have spent an entire school year working with your student(s) strive to place students into teachers' classrooms where they feel your student(s) will be the most successful. This is a lengthy process, and a great deal of care and consideration for each individual student is taken.

Changing placements prior to the start of the school year and as the school year begins is not common in elementary schools throughout the area. Typically only in extreme situations is a change of placement made by a building principal. I share in this philosophy, and I ask you to trust that the staff members at MWS are only looking out for your student's best interests.

(3) Student Conduct

Unfortunately, students are involved in situations were inappropriate decisions are made. When circumstances such these arise, disciplinary situations will result with administration at MWS. I take disruptions to the MWS learning community very seriously as they are counterproductive to student learning as well as student safety. In the event that a serious situation does arise, please be assured that you will be contacted either by myself or the classroom teacher so that you remain informed. The partnership between home and school is incredibly important in a learning community, and in the words of a fantastic first grade teacher at MWS, "I won't believe everything your child tells me about home, if you promise not to believe everything your child tells you about school." Communication is incredibly important. Please contact the classroom teacher or myself directly if you have a concern regarding student conduct.

Feel free to respond to any of the aforementioned topics by adding a post to this blog. Otherwise, if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me via email or phone.