In the best of all worlds, we would know in advance exactly how many classes we could offer at each grade level and who would be teaching each of those classes. However, we are still awaiting staffing numbers for next year as the district sorts through the impact of the budget.

Unfortunately, it is in August when we determine final enrollment through the formal enrollment verification process. As you know, enrollment determines staffing. I would like to thank you in advance for your understanding in this process and for completing the enrollment verification process as soon as possible when the window opens in August. Be assured that we will do all we can to ensure thoughtful placement of each child.

Many parents ask what opportunity the parent has in providing input into their child’s placement from year to year. Hopefully the following information will be helpful.

The classroom placement process is VERY complex and many factors enter into the decision-making process. Each of the following are considered before final rosters are prepared:

* the program needs of the child
* balanced ratio of boys to girls
* a balance of achievement levels in literacy and mathematics
* motivation level of each student
* behavior factors regarding each student
* compatibility of students with others in the classroom (i.e., separating students who have not worked well
together in the past)
* independent work habits
* social needs and leadership skills
* information provided by the previous teacher(s)

The staff takes the task of placement very seriously. We assure you that each grade level team (with assistance of specialists, guidance team, Special Education team, 504 coordinator, etc.) take much time, effort and care in developing class rosters that result in offering all children a quality educational experience. Once balanced rosters are created, teachers will be assigned.

As parents you may have pertinent information about your child that you would like considered in the placement process. Examples of information staff find helpful are: “Please separate my twins, Sally and Suzie,” or “Please do not place my son Joey in the same class as Fred as we are neighbors and they are together all the time,” or “My child has only been in the United States one month and needs English language support”.

Examples of comments that we all agree upon are: “We want a warm, nurturing, caring environment for our child,” “We want our child challenged,” “We want our child in a structured classroom”. We take these comments as a given; it is each teachers' responsibility to provide a nurturing, challenging, safe environment for every student. The task for the current year teachers is to develop balanced classrooms based on the knowledge they have about the students, not the teachers at the next grade level.

Please take this opportunity to provide us with input about your child. Please use a different form for each child.

DUE: Friday, April 29th, 2022