1. Welcome to Beverly Cleary’s Parent Information Night January 27, 2016

2. Why we are here tonight… Suggestion from parents to share more about our mid-level program We want you to know our priorities and thinking We would like to share what students told us We would like to hear your input and answer your questions Finally, we want this to be the best school it can possibly be and we want families to stay with us through grade 8

3. Beverly Cleary Model (grades 6-8) 2015-2016 Self-contained 6 th grade R/LA 55 minutes SS 55 minutes Math and Science for 55 minutes Enrichment Daily for 45 minutes taught by classroom teachers (four 9-week courses) Spanish for HS credit (8 th ) and as preparation for HS credit in 6 th, 7 th Compacted Math (7 th /8 th ) PE once each week for the year (6 th /7 th ); everyday for one quarter (8 th )

4. How Do the Two Models Compare in Achievement? Middle-grade students in K-8s and middle schools perform similarly in reading and math (based on state tests). Middle-grade students in K-8s had better attendance.

5. Similarities and Differences Among K-8s and MS Educational Components What students learn and how they learn is similar across middle schools and K-8s. K-8s and middle schools have the same middle-grade program requirements to provide consistent and equitable access to instruction, enrichments, counselors and supports. middle-grade program requirements K-8 and middle school teachers receive the same training and professional development.

6. Continued K-8s and middle schools offer the same curriculum, materials and assessments in reading, math, science, and other core subjects.

7. School offerings and climate: K-8s offer students more stability, with fewer changes between schools, a smaller student body and connections to a wider range of students. Middle schools have more sixth-, seventh- and eighth- graders, and may be able to offer more electives. They also offer students a setting more similar to high school, with a larger student body of similar ages.

8. Changes we have made/continued this year: Enrichment classes are mixed-age Movement for 6-7-8 during the day Access to higher level math for students who demonstrate the need Band/Choir are before school 6-8 grade play funded by Run 4 the Arts Washington DC/Costa Rica trips for 8 th grade students 8 th grade Art Legacy Project again this year Student Leadership Dances

9. Principal Priorities To retain students after 5 th grade by: Offering as robust an academic and enrichment program as possible Offering the “extras” that make the middle years full Beverly Cleary is a school where all students are treated with respect and kindness to foster their feelings of a safe school Students are ready academically and socially for success at the next level

10. What our students say… They love taking classes with different groups of students each quarter Like the variety of enrichment classes Want just a couple more minutes to eat and a few more minutes in passing period They love Spanish and Art

11. Why Did You Choose to Stay at BC? Didn’t want to leave my friends It’s small Awesome teachers It’s calm It’s a good school I live close I’ve gone here since third grade, and I didn’t want to leave

12. Questions you may want to ask at other schools you are considering. What are the social dynamics of a K-8 vs. a middle school? Am I looking at a K-8, a focus option, or a traditional middle school? How long are Content classes? (our kids have at least 55 minutes of Math/LA/SS and Science daily) What are the enrichment classes and who can take them? Are block classes mixed-age or arranged by grade?

13. What to expect from your middle school student o Importance of peer relationships o Egocentricity o Desire for more independence o Organizational challenges o Becoming opinionated o Monitoring of technology use is important o Concern for one another

14. Cont’d Expectations for greater independence Accountability Students will use StudentVue to self-monitor

15. Your questions?