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Superintendent

CPC

Dr. Christopher P. Clouet
Superintendent of Schools
5 Homeside Lane
White Plains, NY 10605
(914) 422-2019   Fax: (914) 422-2024
e-mail: chrisclouet@wpcsd.k12.ny.us

February 2012

Dear School Families,

The important local issue of Middle School ReDesign has been a source of deep reflection and multiple discussions through the district since last Spring. We believe we can make our good middle school programs even better.
 
Key factors we have considered include:
  • State and Local Implementation of Recently AdoptedCommon Core Standards
  • The Need to Provide Enhanced Enrichment and Extension Options for High Achieving Students
  • Our Commitment to Improve Academic Achievement for All Students

The ReDesign proposal is for ALL students! We are focused on challenging, engaging and supporting all of our diverse students. We intend to-

  • CHALLENGE:Advanced, successful students
  • ENGAGE: Average, possibly disengaged students
  • SUPPORT:Struggling learners

We know that, in fact, all students benefit from strategies which result in being challenged, engaged, and supported.

We know that:

  • 6thgrade is unique (it is part of the K-6 continuum)
  • 7thgrade and 8thgrade have a lasting impact on students
  • Students can acquire Regents Credits, Transcript Grade
Our proposal is to configure:
  • Eastview as a campus for 6thGrade
  • Highlands as a campus for 7thand 8thGrades
  • Focus on student achievement
    • Move 2s to 3s and 3s to 4s
    • Ensure 4s stay 4s
    • Ensure readiness for High School

We are very aware that any option, including status quo, has PROs and CONs. We believe the potential advantages outweigh the potential disadvantages.

Potential Disadvantages:

  • Ending school choice at middle school level
  • Changing the option for “small school environment”
  • Added transition
  • Need for some students to transfer in year one of implementation

 Potential Advantages:

  • Equal access to languages
  • Equal access to extra-curricular activities
  • Equal access to all unified arts curricula, such as:
  • Project Lead the Way
  • Project Adventure
  • Home and Careers
  • National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship
  • Increased enrichment and/or support options for ALL students
  • Efficiency - more effective use of staff time
  • Students would transition from elementary to middle school together
  • Development of stronger academic teams
  • Increased time on task (block scheduling in 7th& 8thgrades)
MS Transitions













We will look forward to working with parents, staff, and students to make this proposal a keystone for district wide improvements over time. Thank you for taking the time to read the articles and reports we have posted. Thank you for your commitment to the academic and social/emotional growth of all our students. We share that commitment.

Sincerely,
Chris Clouet