We the people of Old Lyme & Lyme strongly disagree with the possible implementation of Option 5b and stand together in support of the much less invasive Option 1!

We understand that there has been some disagreement in the past, but when faced with the closing of Center School we have decided to work together for the benefit of the education of our children.

We believe that moving 5^th graders to Middle School would be detrimental to them and their education as they are simply too young. Middle School is not an extension of Elementary School but a preparation for High School.

Duke University ran an extensive study in 2007 on the effects of removing 6^th grade from Elementary School and how detrimental it has been… That our Board of Education is now proposing the removal of 5^th grade from our Elementary Schools is Not acceptable.

Should Sixth Grade be in Elementary or Middle School? An Analysis of Grade Configuration and Student Behaviour by The Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy at Duke University

“We conclude that placing sixth grade in middle school increases behaviour problems and reduces academic performance, both in sixth grade and subsequently. ...these findings cast serious doubt on the wisdom of the historic nationwide shift to the middle school format.” Cook, MacCoun, Muschkin, and Vigdor

If this Duke University study found that removing 6^th graders from elementary school and placing them in middle school was detrimental… what will happen to our 5^th graders should Option 5b be implemented??

We believe Option 1 would fulfill the requirements for the two major needs addressed by The Space & Enrollment Committee: (1) addresses the enrollment issues at Lyme Consolidated and (2) relocates the central offices.

We ask the Board Of Education to reconsider its decision and choose Option 1. 

If you would like to say something to the BoE, Please leave a comment below.

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