Bexley K-6 for Strong Kids Petition to the Board of Education
140 Comments
S
Shara Reiss
10 years ago
I am not necessarily opposed to the idea. However, I would like a more clear cut answer as to why we would make such a drastic change. I haven't seen much positive information as to why it would be best for our students. Whether there is or isn't, it feels as if there is s hidden agenda.
M
Marguerethe Jaede
10 years ago
Montrose Elementary does a PHENOMENAL job at 6th grade. Students remain in a safe place as they begin to negotiate adolescence while at the same time being intentionally prepared for the academics, independence and social pressures of middle school. Another options to consider might be for the other two elementary schools to look at what is working so well at Montrose and consider some alternative approaches before making such a dramatic change.
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Sara Frank
10 years ago
I am proud of the education and development our young people receive now. I believe our current K-6 supports the academic and leadership growth of our kids.
E
Ed Merritt
10 years ago
Just would like to see more information regarding why this is a good idea. Does not make sense to me.
A
Amy Lauerhass
10 years ago
My kids went to Montrose, and I think they had the perfect balance in the 6th grade there. They switched classes, and did other special things, but still had the comfort of the elementary school. Also, they are great mentors for the younger kids. The transition to middle school is so difficult, and I think a lot of children would not be ready at the younger age.
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Cody curran
10 years ago
Leave it be
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Anonymous
10 years ago
Are we being groomed for the split by grade, by school a la Grandview?
J
Jillian Gamble
10 years ago
The beginning of middle school is when a tough new world opens up for kids. It's a world of new pressures, challenges, and responsibilities. Moving 6th grade to the middle school would rush that process and force students to confront these new obstacles at an even younger age. It's the wrong choice for Bexley. (Jillian Gamble, BHS Class of 2015)
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Anonymous
10 years ago
I am firmly against this proposal.
B
Brigid Arace
10 years ago
I have 8 children in various stages within the Bexley school system, and have also taught students in grades 5-8. From a parent and teacher perspective, I believe 6th graders benefit greatly from being in the K-6 environment and that should outweigh any proposed advantages to moving up to middle school.
C
Curtis Wood
10 years ago
It appears that the decision has already been made and the public meetings are just a formality.
T
Taylor Pressler Vydra
10 years ago
The elementary teachers are not supportive of this move and their voices are not being included into the debate. There are several scholarly papers that present data about this move. When 6th graders are in a MS environment, there are higher rates of absenteeism, behavior referrals, and social issues compared to 6th graders in the elementary environment. Bexley school system is known for its excellent education and ranks highly for achievement within the state. This model is working well for our children. We have not been presented with data driven evidence that this move is beneficial for our children.
B
Bonnie Hubbard-Nicosis
10 years ago
I have not been convinced that any of the benefits would outweigh the benefits. 6th grade is the prep year at the elementary school to get ready for middle school. That prep year is essential for the kids. Especially boys that mature later than girls.
E
Erin Brubaker
10 years ago
The way I interacted with classmates was a large part of my education. I think the system wouldn't work as well with younger students thinking that they have to start acting "grown up" even sooner. School board members need to put themselves in the place of sixth graders.
M
Marilyn Stalsworth
10 years ago
I lived in Bexley for 15 years. I have one grandchild in Bexley schools and another one starting soon. Why is everyone so eager to push kids into the next stage of their life? Let them be kids for another year before they have to deal with that transition.
C
Cathie ward
10 years ago
Preserve the current elementary schools keeping 6th graders in them!!!!
A
Anonymous
10 years ago
Don't do it. Don't mess with a system that has worked perfectly for years. The "new" Bexeyites are ruining the traditions that make this school system great. You don't like it? Get out and go to UA or NA.
S
Sienna Sharp Daniel
10 years ago
This is a terrible idea. Kids already struggle with the transition from elementary (nurturing environment) to middle school (you're pretty much on your own). In some cases, this transition has a long-term impact and often plays a part in high school dropout. 6th grade should stay in the elementary setting/building.
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Lynne Miller
10 years ago
Featured
As a current BCS parent to a 7th grader, I'm so pleased to have had the 6th grade year in elementary. As 7th grade is awkward and challenging enough, he made a great transition with the confidence that comes from maturity.
J
Jennifer Kristoff
10 years ago
While I am not necessarily opposed to the move, I would like to know the reasons and the feasibility of this plan. Is there room at the Cassingham complex, are there enough teachers and support staff, what are the financial ramifications (higher taxes, etc.)? Will there be crossing guards at Main and Broad? I have seen how people drive on those streets, especially in the morning rush hour. I am concerned it may not be well thought out at this point.
I am not necessarily opposed to the idea. However, I would like a more clear cut answer as to why we would make such a drastic change. I haven't seen much positive information as to why it would be best for our students. Whether there is or isn't, it feels as if there is s hidden agenda.
Montrose Elementary does a PHENOMENAL job at 6th grade. Students remain in a safe place as they begin to negotiate adolescence while at the same time being intentionally prepared for the academics, independence and social pressures of middle school. Another options to consider might be for the other two elementary schools to look at what is working so well at Montrose and consider some alternative approaches before making such a dramatic change.
I am proud of the education and development our young people receive now. I believe our current K-6 supports the academic and leadership growth of our kids.
Just would like to see more information regarding why this is a good idea. Does not make sense to me.
My kids went to Montrose, and I think they had the perfect balance in the 6th grade there. They switched classes, and did other special things, but still had the comfort of the elementary school. Also, they are great mentors for the younger kids. The transition to middle school is so difficult, and I think a lot of children would not be ready at the younger age.
Leave it be
Are we being groomed for the split by grade, by school a la Grandview?
The beginning of middle school is when a tough new world opens up for kids. It's a world of new pressures, challenges, and responsibilities. Moving 6th grade to the middle school would rush that process and force students to confront these new obstacles at an even younger age. It's the wrong choice for Bexley. (Jillian Gamble, BHS Class of 2015)
I am firmly against this proposal.
I have 8 children in various stages within the Bexley school system, and have also taught students in grades 5-8. From a parent and teacher perspective, I believe 6th graders benefit greatly from being in the K-6 environment and that should outweigh any proposed advantages to moving up to middle school.
It appears that the decision has already been made and the public meetings are just a formality.
The elementary teachers are not supportive of this move and their voices are not being included into the debate. There are several scholarly papers that present data about this move. When 6th graders are in a MS environment, there are higher rates of absenteeism, behavior referrals, and social issues compared to 6th graders in the elementary environment. Bexley school system is known for its excellent education and ranks highly for achievement within the state. This model is working well for our children. We have not been presented with data driven evidence that this move is beneficial for our children.
I have not been convinced that any of the benefits would outweigh the benefits. 6th grade is the prep year at the elementary school to get ready for middle school. That prep year is essential for the kids. Especially boys that mature later than girls.
The way I interacted with classmates was a large part of my education. I think the system wouldn't work as well with younger students thinking that they have to start acting "grown up" even sooner. School board members need to put themselves in the place of sixth graders.
I lived in Bexley for 15 years. I have one grandchild in Bexley schools and another one starting soon. Why is everyone so eager to push kids into the next stage of their life? Let them be kids for another year before they have to deal with that transition.
Preserve the current elementary schools keeping 6th graders in them!!!!
Don't do it. Don't mess with a system that has worked perfectly for years. The "new" Bexeyites are ruining the traditions that make this school system great. You don't like it? Get out and go to UA or NA.
This is a terrible idea. Kids already struggle with the transition from elementary (nurturing environment) to middle school (you're pretty much on your own). In some cases, this transition has a long-term impact and often plays a part in high school dropout. 6th grade should stay in the elementary setting/building.
As a current BCS parent to a 7th grader, I'm so pleased to have had the 6th grade year in elementary. As 7th grade is awkward and challenging enough, he made a great transition with the confidence that comes from maturity.
While I am not necessarily opposed to the move, I would like to know the reasons and the feasibility of this plan. Is there room at the Cassingham complex, are there enough teachers and support staff, what are the financial ramifications (higher taxes, etc.)? Will there be crossing guards at Main and Broad? I have seen how people drive on those streets, especially in the morning rush hour. I am concerned it may not be well thought out at this point.