The Franklin Area School District released a video announcement about a plan to move the sixth-graders from their Central, Sandycreek and Victory elementary classrooms to the junior-senior high building starting next year.
Superintendent Eugene Thomas presented the plan in a shareable video available on the district's website and YouTube channel. The district also issued a press release that outlines the plan.
This change will affect 142 students currently enrolled in fifth grade in the three schools. There are currently eight sixth-grade teachers. Thomas said that the number of teachers who move to the junior high school is still being determined based on final numbers and any special needs considerations.
Some of the primary reasons given for the change include:
"This move was announced and made in the best interest of students, the staff, and parents well ahead of
time to allow for a smooth transition. We value and welcome input and feedback regarding the
implementation of this plan.
The initial proposed plan details include:
Thomas said the change will open space up in the elementary schools and allow them to create more programs for Franklin students that will keep the education initiatives in the district and not be outsourced. He noted that Victory has pre-k students aged 3 and 4, but the students at Central and Sandycreek are currently attending pre-school at other locations, including Child Development Centers.
"Franklin Area School District has the expertise and ability to offer more services in an efficient and effective manner which, in the long term, will benefit all students in all grade levels," Thomas said.
Next steps include:
The district is accepting feedback on the plan. "Please communicate your ideas and/or student-centered concerns to your building principals either through email or by calling them. For additional information, please watch the video link on the District website at www.fasd.k12.pa.us," Thomas said through the press release and in the video.
Superintendent Eugene Thomas presented the plan in a shareable video available on the district's website and YouTube channel. The district also issued a press release that outlines the plan.
This change will affect 142 students currently enrolled in fifth grade in the three schools. There are currently eight sixth-grade teachers. Thomas said that the number of teachers who move to the junior high school is still being determined based on final numbers and any special needs considerations.
Some of the primary reasons given for the change include:
- The immediate need for instructional space at all three elementary schools.
- Implementation of new programming, including, but not limited to intervention, remediation, acceleration, transitional kindergarten, preschool and other ancillary programming. NOTE: Not all programming is planned to be implemented at every elementary school.
- Decrease the amount of “outsourcing” of students to programs away from the Franklin Area.
- School District and returning them to Franklin Area School District which is better academically, socially, emotionally, and financially responsible.
- More equitable class sizes.
- 6-8 grade band grouping is developmentally appropriate.
- 6-8 grade band grouping is aligned to Pennsylvania academic standards.
"This move was announced and made in the best interest of students, the staff, and parents well ahead of
time to allow for a smooth transition. We value and welcome input and feedback regarding the
implementation of this plan.
The initial proposed plan details include:
- The sixth grade will have long daily blocks for ELA, math, and science/social studies. They will also have their own lunch period, specials, and intervention/enrichment times.
- Location in the junior-senior high school building will control the movement of sixth-grade students, limiting their exposure to the remaining student body (including a restroom that will only be utilized by sixth grade students).
- Teachers will be moving from elementary buildings to the Jr. Sr. High School to teach sixth-grade classes (junior-senior high school teachers will not be teaching sixth-grade core classes).
Thomas said the change will open space up in the elementary schools and allow them to create more programs for Franklin students that will keep the education initiatives in the district and not be outsourced. He noted that Victory has pre-k students aged 3 and 4, but the students at Central and Sandycreek are currently attending pre-school at other locations, including Child Development Centers.
"Franklin Area School District has the expertise and ability to offer more services in an efficient and effective manner which, in the long term, will benefit all students in all grade levels," Thomas said.
Next steps include:
- Define/refine the initial plan (considering input from internal stakeholders).
- Communicate plan details to parents/families and students.
- Informational meeting(s) and/or communication with families.
- Further refine the plan (if needed, considering input from external stakeholders).
- Preparing students for the transition.
- End-of-year celebrations/activities for the students.
- Orientation/find your room/meet your teachers/etc. activities for the students.
The district is accepting feedback on the plan. "Please communicate your ideas and/or student-centered concerns to your building principals either through email or by calling them. For additional information, please watch the video link on the District website at www.fasd.k12.pa.us," Thomas said through the press release and in the video.
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