Announcements - Thursday, 3/6/08

[Deb]

WCSD MASTER PLAN REFERENDUM. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO CAST AN INFORMED
VOTE ON MARCH 11, 2008.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What physical changes will occur in each of the junior high schools?

Van Wyck will gain approximately 43,000 square feet. This additional
space will accommodate a gym, cafeteria, computer classroom, two large
group/ensemble rooms, technology rooms, two small group instruction
rooms, a new library/media center and a net gain of 15 new classrooms
after the removal of the modular classrooms. Existing space will be
redesigned to create another Family and Consumer Science room and
special education classrooms. Grade levels will be grouped in their
own area of the building. The baseball field will be relocated and
improved.
Wappingers Junior High will gain approximately 82,750 square feet to
be used for a large cafeteria on the first floor, four small group
instruction rooms, a computer classroom, a technology room, a large
gym, and 44 new classrooms. The proposed addition will preserve the
unique architectural style of the building while adding needed space.
The re-design includes one new field for sports activities.


I keep hearing the term "Middle School Model". Aside from a 6-8 grade
level configuration, how does this model differ from a junior high
school program?

Junior high schools operate with students moving from period to period
with no "connection" to the teachers or to the subject they are
studying. The "Middle School Model" recognizes that the years between
the ages of 11-14 (grades 6-8) are a critical time for shaping the
direction that a student will take in life. Teachers are trained in
how to motivate the adolescent learner. They work with each other as
teams to provide interesting and meaningful lessons that help students
connect school with the "real" world. Students are given the
opportunity to explore and develop their interests and abilities
outside the classroom in a safe, supportive environment. Discipline is
used to teach students how to make better choices. The "Middle School
Model" welcomes and encourages parental partnership in education. We
will be able to fully implement a middle school approach in the
District once both schools include grades 6-8.


What will happen when 6th grade classes are moved out of the
elementary schools? Will redistricting be necessary?

It is our goal to make sure each elementary school has enough space
for its own special education classes, therapist rooms, conference
rooms, computer classrooms and small group instruction rooms in
addition to the needed K-5 classrooms. In order to do this, some
schools will lose one or two classrooms while schools with 6th grade
centers will gain classrooms. Because of this we will need to
redistrict in order to make sure no school is overcrowded or under-
populated and to target class sizes of 20-25 in each school.
Redistricting will take place once both middle school additions and
renovations are complete.