We, the parents, guardians, relatives and friends of the 2011-12 Hagan Elementary Kindergarten Students wish to voice our support for a 2-year phase-in plan that would allow our students to remain at Hagan for the next 2 years. Because such a plan could be done with little to no financial cost to the district, we’re hopeful that we can work together to implement such a plan. Specific reasons include: 1. Significant academic research has shown that school transitions have a negative effect on many students. 2. The board has already approved a phase-in for two other grade levels. This shows that the board recognizes this importance of this issue, recognizes the negative effects of transitions, and is willing to work together with the public to forge a better transition plan for our students. 3. Research has shown that student can suffer impacts from transitions including declines in academic performance, loss of self esteem, loss of motivation, emotional problems, psychological problems & social problems. 4. Research shows that even top schools would benefit by reducing or eliminating transitions. 5. Although not every child will suffer negative effects from transitions, we should not ignore the needs of the children who undoubtedly will suffer negative effects. It seems unwise to expose our youngest students to even the potential for negative impacts. 6. The current plan as approved by the district subjects our students to 3 transitions in 4 years. 7. Many kindergarten students who attended pre-school would be subject to 4 transitions in 5 years. 8. Implementing a 2-year phase-in for the current Hagan Kindergarten class would help protect our students from the negative impacts from 4 to 5 years of instability and transition, which represents a large part of our student’s lives. 9. Based on documents provided by the administration, such a plan would cost the district nothing or nearly nothing. There is no financial loss to implementing a 2-year phase in for the current Hagan Kindergarten Students. 10. Class sizes would not be significantly impacted by such a plan. 11. For these reasons, I think it is in the best interests of current kindergarten students, families and the district to support a 2-year phase-in plan for the current 2011-12 Hagan Kindergarten class. Thank you for your time and your careful consideration of this issue. With your help and cooperation, we’re hopeful that you can help us make this plan happen.