1983-11-22 School Committee Minutes

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READING SCHOOL COI \14ITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 22, 1983 Grades 3, 4, 5 - all pupils living one (1) mile or more from their assigned schools. Grades 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 - those pupils living two (2) miles or more from their assigned schools." Redistricting for Middle Schools Dr. Wells said that the Administration would like to withdraw the recommendation, discussed at the October 24th meeting, to revise the district line in the general area of John Street to the railroad tracks on the East side of Main Street for the 1984 -85 school year. He added that it is still a viable plan, but without changing district lines enrollments will be evenly divided between the two Middle Schools next year. Several parents were present to oppose the redistricting. Dr. Wells assured them that their children would attend Parker Middle School next year, adding that it has been the custom to have siblings attend the same school and he does not expect this custom to change in the future. Middle School Plan - 198+ -85 At the Chairman's request Dr. Wells introduced the subject of the Middle School Plan for 1984 -85. Dr. Wells prefaced his remarks by noting the incredible amount of work which went into the Plan and commending Dr. Munnelly and the Junior High School Principals for their time and effort in doing most of this work. In presenting the Middle School Plan Dr. Wells said it was divided into three parts - curriculum, staff and in- service training. Among the changes, or new opportunities for sixth graders who will be in Middle School next year he listed more opportunities for electives, more physical education to be offered - and in a different setting, and science in a laboratory setting. More reading instruction may be offered to seventh and eighth grade students, but that recommendation will not be made until staffing is further reviewed. Also it will be possible to offer Spanish and French to eighth grade students, without increasing staff. However, eighth graders will have to elect one language or the other. The other major change proposed is the integrating of shop experiences, i. e., combining wood and metal shops. Dr. Wells added that he would like to be able to offer one - quarter year of computer science. He said that initiation of Middle Schools was not the reason for this proposal, but rather the fact that enrollments are declining in both Junior and Senior High Schools and something must be done about regrouping practical arts courses. He noted that they are expensive courses because of space, instructional and material requirements. Speaking in regards to staffing, Dr. Wells said basically six teachers would be transferred from Elementary to Middle Schools and one teacher would be riffed from each of the four academic area.