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B-P parents, community members invited to participate in sixth grade study

B-P parents, community members invited to participate in sixth grade study

 

Apply to be part of the sixth grade study committee

This fall, instructional leaders at Broadalbin-Perth are studying an age-old question: Where does sixth grade belong – at the elementary or secondary level? Director of Curriculum and Instruction Terry LaFountain and Director of Special Education Brad Strait, who are leading the study, are inviting parents and other members of the school community to help answer that question during a series of three meetings scheduled to take place before Thanksgiving.

The district is currently in its fifth year of sixth grade being part of Broadalbin-Perth Elementary School, which encompasses eight grade levels beginning at pre-K. Prior to the 2020-21 school year, B-P students were educated in four schools, including a grades 6-8 middle school.

“Sixth grade has always been a transition year, whether part of an elementary or secondary school. There are a lot of factors to consider, including students’ academic, social, and emotional needs,” LaFountain said. “If there was one ‘right way,’ every district would have the same sixth grade model.”

Superintendent of Schools Stephen Tomlinson has identified a few “non-negotiable” items that the study is taking into consideration. The most significant “non-negotiable” is that if the sixth grade does move to the secondary campus, the district would return to a grades 6-8 middle school model — the sixth grade would not simply be incorporated into the current grades 7-12 junior/senior high school.

Currently, LaFountain and Strait are conducting meetings with faculty and staff to gather their input. Next, they want to hear from parents and other members of the school community during a series of meetings scheduled for 6 p.m. at B-P Jr./Sr. High School on the following dates:

  • Wednesday. Oct. 23
  • Wednesday, Nov. 6
  • Thursday, Nov. 21

Community members interested in participating in those meetings should complete an online questionnaire available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T9BQRGB by Monday, Oct. 14.

The sixth grade study is expected to conclude in January. District leaders will present the study results to the public before the February break. Any changes affecting the sixth grade as a result of the study would go into effect at the start of the 2025-26 school year.
 

  • community
  • elementary
  • high school