Omak School District

NEWS RELEASE

Further Information: Robert Risinger, Superintendent, 826-0320

KEY COMMUNICATOR BULLETIN

March 26, 2008

              The Omak School Board unanimously accepted at its March 25 meeting a recommendation that sixth grade classes be returned to the Middle School campus with the 2008-09 school year. The recommendation was made by the District Learning Leadership Team (DLLT), led by assistant superintendent Susan Bell, following a detailed process involving students, staff, parents, and community.

              The sixth grade was moved to East School in the fall of 2006 to accommodate construction on the high school campus, allowing some high school classes to move to the middle school. With construction scheduled to be completed this summer, district leaders emphasized that the decision whether to return sixth grade to the middle school would be made on the basis of what was best for the students, exclusive of space or administrative considerations.

              Beginning in February, Bell conducted an open-ended district-wide survey. The survey was not intended to be a numerical poll, but to provide insight into various educational, cultural and social advantages at either site. The DLLT, which is composed of staff from all buildings, sorted through hundreds of comments to discern various themes.

              The overriding consensus that emerged spelled out academic advantages in having sixth grade in the middle school, including a better transition, better alignment of curriculum, more resources and electives, and more opportunities for teacher collaboration.

              An on-going concern has been whether some 11-year-old students are socially ready for the middle school campus, particularly because of its proximity to the high school. Bell noted that the middle school building is configured to allow a secure environment for sixth graders, with an emphasis placed on home rooms.

              Next year’s middle school population will be predominantly students new to the building, since both the incoming sixth and seventh grade classes will move from East, leaving only eighth graders as veterans at the school. Bell said this gives the district an opportunity to create a strong, nurturing middle school culture. DLLT members have agreed to continue involvement as the district makes plans this spring for the transition.

              Also at the March 25 board meeting:

              Construction

              Superintendent Robert Risinger advised the board he will have cost figures ready for the remaining list of construction projections at the board’s April meeting. Besides maintenance work, the board had set as high priorities improvements to the Performing Arts Center and construction of a concession stand/”press” box at the football field. Risinger said work has already begun in the PAC with installation of new ropes backstage. The district’s architects have drawn up specifications for the concession stand, preparatory to getting price quotes.

              The superintendent also said the district will be finishing up a state-funded site study and survey of future building needs.

              “A couple of things are pretty obvious,” he said, noting the middle school building will be the next to qualify for state funding because of its age. And, he said, the track facility “is in desperate need.”