Consider Another "Best Option"

Changes in the grade level combination started on a bigger scale many years ago. Mostly this was based on increasing evidence that children matured earlier than years before. The age that children reached puberty has been earlier and earlier over the last few decades and continues to get even earlier.

Because of this children at approximately age 11 need schools and programs designed to provide for their growing needs. School is not just for academics. They have a desire for independence as well as have a need to form peer groups and develop their values and self esteem.  Studies were done that showed that 6th grade was the most appropriate age for entry into middle school. They even believe that 5th graders should adopt some middle school approaches as well.

Six graders resemble 7th and 8th graders more than 5th graders in the areas of personal growth and personal freedom. They have more in common physically, socially, emotionally, psychologically and intellectually.  A three year middle school allows the students the opportunity to build relationships with other students, teachers, counselors as well as administrators.  These relationships are critical in their development and sets the tone for their future success in academics as well as personal and social development.

Some people even believe that 5th graders can actually fall into this category. With just two grades in the middle school, it wouldn't be a "middle" school. It would be 7th graders slowly transitioning from elementary school and 8th graders slowly transitioning to high school.

It makes the school a revolving door as well as making the middle school more of a program that would adopt high school programs and methodologies resulting in a much harder transition.  We have to take the kids, all the kids into consideration while making important decisions that affect them.

Everyone can argue about which is the best way to save money but it is not ALL about the mighty dollar. Our kids should not have to pay for the mistakes of adults. We are in different times, we can not go backwards. Closing two elementary schools will not change anything but the location of their school. Closing a middle school and changing the configuration of all the elementary schools as well as the middle school will rob our kids of an important transition time in their lives that is crucial for their development.  

Let us live up to the motto on the homepage of our school district. Let our education shine, not our money issues and our egos.  West Islip Public Schools....."Where Education Shines!"