North Balanced Classroom

                                                        March 6, 2019

North Families,

 

At North, our mission is to ensure high levels of learning for all. We have grown in our capacity to take on the Professional Learning Community (PLC) process to ensure all students learn at high levels. Our growth and learning around PLCs has also led our staff to have open and honest conversations around how we place our students into grade-level classes. Research and best practice tells us that balancing classes is a must.  The idea of balanced classrooms takes into account: class size, boy/girl ratio, academic, social/emotional and special needs *not in prioritized order.  

 

n the past, we have allowed parents to request their child’s teacher for the upcoming school year. Honoring parent requests at North has not allowed us to have the balanced classrooms that are essential to students learning at high levels. In fact, it created the opposite of balanced classrooms. As a result of this imbalance, we will no longer be taking teacher request letters. We will place students evenly between each classroom.

 

While students will be placed in a classroom with a specific teacher, we want to be clear that the entire grade level team takes ownership for your child(ren). Teachers work collaboratively for the benefit of all students. Grade level teams have a common Intervention Time where students are grouped for 20-30 minutes, 4-5 days per week. Students with common needs, across the grade level, are able to focus on very specific skills/strategies in which they may be lacking or to extend their learning. The groups are flexible and change regularly as students master critical skills.  This means that your child(ren) will be working with various different staff members including Special Services, Reading Specialists, Specials teachers, support staff etc. depending on what they need in both reading and math.

 

We are striving for greatness in service of your student(s). We aspire to be a school that fully prepares your child for the next grade level, post-secondary education and to be a productive citizen. We ask that you join us on this journey to ensure high levels of learning for all. When we approach new situations with an open mind, the possibility of learning and developing new relationships expands exponentially. I am grateful for the opportunity to be the Principal at North Elementary. I am impressed daily with the work ethic, commitment and intelligence of the staff here at North. They work tirelessly to provide the highest quality of education for all students. They are committed to continual learning so they can improve their instructional practices each and every day.

If you have questions, comments or concerns regarding the placement of your child please contact me 307-789-7658.

 

With gratitude,

 

Diane Gardner, Principal