we just got the word that the board is scrapping the expansion plan and going back to the drawing board. i honestly cant thank you enough for sticking with this because we clearly proved that the old plan just wasnt going to work for anyone. keep an eye on the …
May 8, 2016
Final supporters
Dear Superintendent Bodie, members of the School Committee and members of the School Enrollment Task Force,
We, the undersigned parents, educators, residents and taxpayers of Arlington stand opposed to the plan as presented for the expansion of Ottoson Middle School.
The current plan calls for 32,000 square feet of classroom space on two floors including classrooms, bathrooms, specialist rooms and offices.
We are opposed to this plan for the following reasons:
- It does nothing to address the already crowded common spaces (cafeteria, gym and media center) at Ottoson. With projected growth to over 1300 students in the next five years and Ottoson built for 1050 students, the lack of additional shared spaces doesn’t solve the problem of overcrowding at Ottoson.
- It would result in Ottoson becoming, over the next five years, the largest middle school (6-8) in the state of Massachusetts. This has negative implications for student learning and social emotional growth.
- It builds on already limited green space that is currently used for physical education.
- It would do nothing to alleviate the already challenging parking and traffic issues around the Ottoson site.
- It would require significant construction for at least 2 years on a small and constricted site where at least 10 and up to 14 modular classrooms would also be needed to hold the student population. There are real safety and access concerns.
- The cost estimate is not comprehensive. First, the topography (ledge) of the OMS site is challenging from a construction perspective and it caused price and time overruns in previous projects. The quote is based on a rough estimate of cost per square foot rather than on a feasibility study and does not include the cost of the planned level of parking or blasting.
We are opposed to this plan because it is not in the best interest of Arlington’s students and we do not support using our tax dollars to pay for it.
Updates
February 17, 2016
just hit 100 signatures on this. people are definitely starting to notice that the expansion plan just doesnt add up and i really appreciate everyone getting the word out.
February 17, 2016
just saw we hit 500 signatures and i am honestly stunned. its clear so many of us are worried about the plan for the school and seeing everyone agree really shows we need to be heard.
Reached 500 supporters
February 15, 2016
February 15, 2016
this is getting way more attention than i ever thought possible. its clear im not the only one stressed about how this expansion plan is gonna mess with our school and space. really glad we found each other on this.
Reached 100 supporters
February 14, 2016
208 Comments
The plan for the addition does not address some of the critical issues of the overcrowding situation at Ottoson Middle School. It does not increase common spaces and would result in a middle school so big that individualized attention for students would be lost.
I live in close proximity to Ottoson. I strongly support the Gibbs gym option. Middle schools should never be that large. It is a critical time in a child's development and large schools inhibit self confidence which is critical for character growth.
I strongly agree that reclaiming the Gibbs as a second middle school is the best solution for Arlington. The school was closed when enrollment numbers went down. Now they are up! There it is, owned by the town. Kind of seems like a no-brainer.
OMS is unsuitable for an enlarged footprint. The site is challenged already in terms of parking traffic and outdoor space. While the expediency of staffing an expanded OMS might seem like a good idea, the practicality of expansion needs to be considered more holistically.
As involved parents, we are aware that the Gibbs alternative is more expensive and will take longer to implement than expanding on to the Ottoson. Are we ready to agree to the increased costs? I am. It's for the kids.
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The enrollment at Ottoson is already too high and is threatening the quality of education for our children. We need a plan that includes a second middle school, either at Gibbs or another location. Modular classrooms at Ottoson is a short term fix that does not solve the problem and puts our children at longer term risk.
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we just got the word that the board is scrapping the expansion plan and going back to the drawing board. i honestly cant thank you enough for sticking with this because we clearly proved that the old plan just wasnt going to work for anyone. keep an eye on the …
May 8, 2016
Final supporters
Dear Superintendent Bodie, members of the School Committee and members of the School Enrollment Task Force,
We, the undersigned parents, educators, residents and taxpayers of Arlington stand opposed to the plan as presented for the expansion of Ottoson Middle School.
The current plan calls for 32,000 square feet of classroom space on two floors including classrooms, bathrooms, specialist rooms and offices.
We are opposed to this plan for the following reasons:
- It does nothing to address the already crowded common spaces (cafeteria, gym and media center) at Ottoson. With projected growth to over 1300 students in the next five years and Ottoson built for 1050 students, the lack of additional shared spaces doesn’t solve the problem of overcrowding at Ottoson.
- It would result in Ottoson becoming, over the next five years, the largest middle school (6-8) in the state of Massachusetts. This has negative implications for student learning and social emotional growth.
- It builds on already limited green space that is currently used for physical education.
- It would do nothing to alleviate the already challenging parking and traffic issues around the Ottoson site.
- It would require significant construction for at least 2 years on a small and constricted site where at least 10 and up to 14 modular classrooms would also be needed to hold the student population. There are real safety and access concerns.
- The cost estimate is not comprehensive. First, the topography (ledge) of the OMS site is challenging from a construction perspective and it caused price and time overruns in previous projects. The quote is based on a rough estimate of cost per square foot rather than on a feasibility study and does not include the cost of the planned level of parking or blasting.
We are opposed to this plan because it is not in the best interest of Arlington’s students and we do not support using our tax dollars to pay for it.
Updates
February 17, 2016
just hit 100 signatures on this. people are definitely starting to notice that the expansion plan just doesnt add up and i really appreciate everyone getting the word out.
February 17, 2016
just saw we hit 500 signatures and i am honestly stunned. its clear so many of us are worried about the plan for the school and seeing everyone agree really shows we need to be heard.
Reached 500 supporters
February 15, 2016
February 15, 2016
this is getting way more attention than i ever thought possible. its clear im not the only one stressed about how this expansion plan is gonna mess with our school and space. really glad we found each other on this.
Reached 100 supporters
February 14, 2016
208 Comments
I have pulled my oldest 2 children from Ottoson School due to overcrowded classrooms, poor lunchroom experience (crowd control practices that are de-humanizing) and run down environment. We always supported public school, until we experienced Ottoson Middle School.
The plan for the addition does not address some of the critical issues of the overcrowding situation at Ottoson Middle School. It does not increase common spaces and would result in a middle school so big that individualized attention for students would be lost.
I live in close proximity to Ottoson. I strongly support the Gibbs gym option. Middle schools should never be that large. It is a critical time in a child's development and large schools inhibit self confidence which is critical for character growth.
I strongly agree that reclaiming the Gibbs as a second middle school is the best solution for Arlington. The school was closed when enrollment numbers went down. Now they are up! There it is, owned by the town. Kind of seems like a no-brainer.
OMS is unsuitable for an enlarged footprint. The site is challenged already in terms of parking traffic and outdoor space. While the expediency of staffing an expanded OMS might seem like a good idea, the practicality of expansion needs to be considered more holistically.
As involved parents, we are aware that the Gibbs alternative is more expensive and will take longer to implement than expanding on to the Ottoson. Are we ready to agree to the increased costs? I am. It's for the kids.
I am new here and would love to have you sign my petition supporting affordable and fast internet for towns in western Mass. who have be left behind. This will be a benefit to local business in western Mass. and it's citizens. https://www.facebook.com/WiredWestMA for more info
The enrollment at Ottoson is already too high and is threatening the quality of education for our children. We need a plan that includes a second middle school, either at Gibbs or another location. Modular classrooms at Ottoson is a short term fix that does not solve the problem and puts our children at longer term risk.
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I have pulled my oldest 2 children from Ottoson School due to overcrowded classrooms, poor lunchroom experience (crowd control practices that are de-humanizing) and run down environment. We always supported public school, until we experienced Ottoson Middle School.