March 30, 2007

Dear Parents,

As we near the latter part of the school year, I know that many of you begin to think about your child’s placement for the upcoming school year. In the past parents were given the opportunity to share their children’s learning styles, if they desired to do so, but we asked that parents NOT refer to any specific teacher. This year we will continue with a similar process but will modify and enforce it so that we can build the most balanced classes.

Due to rezoning, teachers relocating to other parts of the country, or staying home to be mommies, our staff will experience many changes. While we wish the very best for our teachers who are moving on, we are very proud of those who are remaining. They are unique individuals with unique characteristics just like our students and I would gladly place my own child in any of their classes. The chemistry that develops between teacher and student is exciting and somewhat unpredictable. That is part of the excitement of school and part of the excitement of life – being challenged by new and unknown situations that lead us to maturity. Each of our teachers has strengths that can challenge many types of students to grow into more mature individuals. It is certainly more comfortable to start the year with a teacher familiar to you, but a different teacher may develop your child in ways that are not apparent at the beginning of the school year. Many times parents only go by the recommendation of another parent without really knowing who else on the team might be a better match for their child. Sometimes parents ask us to make sure their children are in the same class with their friends. Again, allowing children the opportunity to make new friends is an important part of preparing them for adulthood. This also adds to the challenging task of creating balanced classes.

Let me share the process that will be used for students’ assignments.

· If you have specific concerns about your child’s needs, you may send me an e-mail (wagnerw@ocps.net) or a letter explaining your child’s characteristics and learning situations. We will not accept any letters that name or imply a specific teacher. Your child’s current teacher and grade level teachers are expected to build the number of classes assigned for the upcoming year. They are to balance the classes by gender, ESOL, special education, race, behavior characteristics, and learning styles. They will take into consideration students who should not be placed together.

· The classes will be given to administration for review with further assistance from the dean, curriculum resource teacher, SLD teacher, gifted teacher and guidance counselors. After reviewing any parent letters, we will use our best judgment in assigning a teacher to your child. If it turns out that a child does not get the teacher he/she was hoping for or is not in with a specific friend, it does not mean it will be an unsuccessful year. All of our teachers love what they do, love children, and have the same goal as you: to help these children grow academically and socially and acquire a love for learning.

We have a solid school built on establishing solid relationships. We know your students well, and ask that you trust us to build classes next year that will be healthy and balanced throughout the grade levels. A FIRM DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING A LETTER TO ME, ABOUT YOUR CHILD, IS APRIL 30^TH. There is no need to send anything unless you feel it is necessary. Thank you for your understanding.

Yours truly,

Wendy Wagner

Principal