We are truly grateful for the opportunity to engage with many of you over the past several weeks and acknowledge the impact this process has on families, students, and staff. While matters of declining student enrollment are challenging, we appreciate hearing from you and are sharing this as the first in a series of updates you will receive weekly while the recommendation to consolidate schools, and the timeline regarding it, unfolds.
The following are some engagements currently taking place to give families a chance to share their thoughts and experiences in a collaborative and interactive setting.
Multi-Lingual Language Department
On February 28, the Multi-Lingual Learners department held a focus group at Ardmore Elementary School for multilingual families to share concerns, ask questions and provide input on transition planning.
Special Education
Special education staff will send a survey to all families with students receiving services in the Olympic program. A focus group will be formed at Eastgate Elementary School to gather additional feedback and input during the week of March 6. A special education advisory group will be formed to review recommendations from families and provide guidance on how to improve special education services.
Advanced Learning
Advanced learning staff have sent out a survey to families to gather ideas on ways to ensure positive transition, necessary supports for students and an invitation to families to take part in a focus group for further input/idea generation which will take place week of March 6.
Early Learning/Preschool
Preschool staff are gathering feedback by calling every family with a student enrolled in the preschool program at Ardmore, Eastgate, and Wilburton elementaries who is eligible to return for the 2023-2024 school year. This input will help to determine which preschool location each family would prefer to attend for the 2023-2024 year and ensure impacted families know that they have choice in placement.
Mary’s Place
Similar to other focus groups offered around the district, we will be hosting a family focus group at Mary’s Place. We are currently working with the staff at Mary’s Place to schedule in the upcoming week.
Regional Transition Teams
Three Regional Transition Teams consisting of individuals from various schools and roles including parents, administrators, and school staff will meet weekly to plan positive and welcoming transitions for students and families. The teams are divided into three regions based on geographical location:
- Mid-West: Wilburton, Enatai, and Clyde Hill
- South: Eastgate, Somerset, Spiritridge, and Woodridge
- North: Ardmore, Bennett, Cherry Crest, and Sherwood Forest
Thank you for your involvement and support as we work on transition planning together as a community. The Board of Directors will review updated recommendations on the consolidation plan at their regular Board meeting on March 9 and will act on the recommendation at a special Board meeting on March 16. Please visit the Planning for the Future – Recommended School Consolidations page for additional information and updates.