Sixth-grade centers are officially on the table to deal with overcrowding in some middle schools.
Chuck Dulaney, assistant superintendent for growth and planning, proposed today delaying the 2009 opening of Alston Ridge Elementary in Cary to serve as a sixth-grade center for West Cary Middle School.
He also suggested delaying the 2009 opening of Herbert Akins Road Elementary in Fuquay-Varina to serve as the sixth-grade center for Holly Ridge and Fuquay-Varina middle schools.
In 2010, both elementary schools would open for their intended purpose.
Dulaney wants an answer soon for the multi-year assignment plan. The full board will review the proposal on Oct. 7.
As some may recall, Dulaney had previously talked about using Alston Ridge as an early start campus for Mills Park Middle School. He had suggested using Herbert Akins as an early start campus for Holly Grove Middle School.
Both Holly Grove and Mills Park are scheduled to open in 2010 as year-round middle schools.
Dulaney said he changed his thinking after meeting with parents and principals who are helping formulate the multi-year assignment plan.
Those groups said that going with an early start could be a hardship for families.
For instance, both new schools will open with only sixth grade the first year. An early start would mean parents in 2009 could have both a sixth-grader on a year-round calendar and seventh- and eighth-graders on a traditional calendar.
Using the new elementary schools as sixth-grade centers will allow the affected families to stay on a traditional calendar in 2009.
Lori Millberg asked about the possibility of opening Alston Ridge and Herbert Akins on schedule as a K-6 campus for one year. But Superintendent Del Burns said it would be hard academically to meet the needs of the sixth-graders there.
Ron Margiotta said he supported the sixth-grade centers.
The renovations for the next bond issue were also discussed today. I'll post on them later.
Comments
Election time......
Wed, 09/24/2008 - 10:28 — WuptdoJust remember folks, that election time is right around the corner.
Electing folks who will enforce, fund, and support immigration laws would be a very positive step in ensuring our country's future and a better life for all in Wake County.
For instance, we know that there are 10,000 (plus) illegal alien children in our schools. Image if their parents were sent back, and all of sudden there are 10,000 empty seats in the WCPSS. 75% of all of WCPSS problems would disappear overnight. Image, no more MYR schools, no more money wasted on ESL programs, no more gangs, higher test scores, no new school bonds needed, etc., etc.
However, it is taboo, especially at the NandO to discuss the possibilities of actually "enforcing the laws" IRT, illegal aliens. Politics is important at all levels, so before you check that block, do you know where this politicians stands on illegal immigration? You would be surprised by those in office in Wake County who believe illegal immigration is just fine. Remember, its your TAX dollars, not theirs.
Early Start MS
Tue, 09/23/2008 - 16:49 — Anonymous (not verified)It makes more sense to open Alston Ridge as an early start middle school for Mills Park Middle. That would relieve overcrowding at West Cary, Salem Middle, and Davis Drive Middle. They are all quite overcrowded. When Mills Park Middle does open, many will choose to grandfather their 8th graders, thus causing 6th and 7th graders to be on a year-round calendar and 8th graders possibly on a traditional calendar, depending on which school they came from. That is the same scenario Chuck is arguing against now. Busing all 6th graders from the West Cary attendance zones will cause far longer bus rides and more fuel costs than busing the kids who will eventually be assigned to Mills Park Middle and live closer to the school. Opening Mills Park Middle on a traditional calendar would help solve part of this problem!
wakefield assault
Tue, 09/23/2008 - 15:09 — Anonymous (not verified)what's the deal with the wakefield assault? are the kids that were charged back at the school?
and how is someone who is 17
Tue, 09/23/2008 - 16:10 — bigwinnieand how is someone who is 17 considered a Freshman?
A student who has been left
Tue, 09/23/2008 - 16:31 — rr77rr99A student who has been left back like three times and or has an IEP or who has been at an "alternative school" or in "juvie".....
wakefield assualt
Tue, 09/23/2008 - 15:08 — Anonymous (not verified)what's the deal with the wakefield assault? are the students that were charged back at school?
Fix it for everyone
Tue, 09/23/2008 - 13:57 — SideburnsWhy is OK to split a family with MYR at the elementary level but not middle school? I'm glad to see that they are starting to get it but why not fix this problem for all families?
What about Leesville Middle?
Tue, 09/23/2008 - 13:21 — NWRaleighMomWhat about Leesville Middle? It is getting more and more crowded. They should find a place to host 6 graders.
Leesville Area
Tue, 09/23/2008 - 14:50 — Lisa_BHi NWRaleighMom:
I recently did some research on 6th grade centers and let Chuck D. know that I'd like to discuss it with him. I thought that the land off Leesville Church Rd. (behind CVS) would be perfect, especially since WCPSS owns that land.
Chuck told me that they are looking into using that land for a "small prototype" YR Middle School. No bond money to build it, but that's his plan for this area.
Our MS Principal is fairly confident that Leesville MS will NOT be forced to convert to MYR which was great news. THAT would have been just another disaster in our area.
That IS a great news...
Tue, 09/23/2008 - 16:23 — NWRaleighMomThat IS a great news... Could you elaborate on what exactly a "small prototype" is? When are they going to build it?
Small YR Middle School
Tue, 09/23/2008 - 21:56 — Lisa_BBy small, he said capacity of around 1200 on a year-round calendar. (I believe he said that there is a MS similar in size in Wendell now? Don't quote me on that one)
That would be ideal for anyone on this side of town who wants a YR middle (Sycamore, Brier Creek) Leesville Elementary could be back on the traditional calendar with our traditional MS and traditional HS....
Dreaming? MAYBE, but we can't lose hope now that there is the POSSIBILITY of MYR going away.
Right, Lisa?
Tue, 09/23/2008 - 16:26 — bigwinniethey can't build it unless the bond passes (that what they say)
smaller, less students and year round.
Dulaney wants an answer soon
Tue, 09/23/2008 - 12:41 — bigwinnieDulaney wants an answer soon for the multi-year assignment plan
YEAH so do WE on YR's being converted back, works both ways pal
Which school is Herbert
Tue, 09/23/2008 - 12:38 — jenmanWhich school is Herbert Atkins Road ES? I haven't heard that name before, only the letter/number combos.