We the undersigned feel strongly that the 8th graders of Newtown Middle School should not be housed at Newtown High School. We ask that the Newtown BOE come up with other alternatives and or another grade configuration plan. It is important for our children to be with peers of their own age group, especially with the onset of adolscence during the middle school years. The middle school years are pressure enough, to have our children in high school is just an added pressure they do not need. Will our children even be able to enjoy all that high school has to offer at such a young age? Will they even be considered a high schooler? How fun will it be for our children to go to a school and not be able to participate in any of the sports programs and all other activities? Will they even be accepted ? We are talking about children who for some are on the cusp of adolescence in a school with kids who are getting ready for college. To take our children out of their comfort zone and put them where they are cleary not developmentally ready all for saving a few dollars seems trivial as when all is said and done in a few years we will have to re-open up NMS anyway. We urge you to please look at other grade configuration options and keep our 8th graders out of the high school. They grow up so fast as it is, let them be kids just a little longer.