There is a schedule change on the table for the 2013/2014 school year which could drastically impact the school experience for students and teachers. The new proposed schedule would be a six day schedule, instead of the current five day schedule. Each special (art, music, PE), would meet only ONCE during the six day cycle for 45 minutes.

Currently, PE and music meet twice a week for 30 minutes and art meets once a week for 60 minutes. Foreign language instruction would not be affected. If the new adopted schedule has only 45 minutes of instruction in each discipline, the yearly total of instruction in each could be cut by as much as 765 minutes. In this scenario a child who enters LMSD in 1st grade could lose five trimesters of instruction in music, art and PE by the time he/she reaches middle school. This will ultimately affect the middle and high school programs as well. There must be an alternative solution.

Please think about how much a loss of creative time and physical activity would affect your child and family. If you are in opposition to this change, please talk about this with parents, teachers and especially your principal. Sign the petition and spread the word.

UPDATE:

At the school board meeting on Monday April 15th, Dr. McGinley proposed a slightly revised curriculum/schedule change for next year. He continued to propose a 6 day rotation with each "special" meeting for 60 minutes during this 6 day rotation. THIS IS STILL A LOSS FOR OUR CHILDREN. WE DO NOT WANT ANY REDUCTION.