Teachers, students and administration are right on track with our new junior high program on the lower campus of Golden Sierra High School (currently the home of the American River Charter School). Parent nights were held on March 6th at Georgetown School and on March 13th at Northside School. These meetings consisted of a presentation on the new program by principal Kevin Ahern and assistant principal Laurie Hockenson.
Details of the program include the following:
- Separate PE changing room facilities being installed on the lower campus for the 7/8 PE program
- A 4 part "elective wheel" that allows every 7th grader and every 8th grader to have a one quarter class in an specialty area (for example, drama, drafting or choir).
- The opportunity for advanced students to take, with parent permission, advanced mathematics or even foreign language classes
- A "flex" period, allowing for intensive tutoring, additional electives, and college and post-high school preparation
- A separate bus drop off zone for the 7/8 grade on the lower campus; seating on the bus that allows for separate seating for 7/8 graders
- A full after school sports program that allows for the students to take part in sports currently offered at the two middle schools
- A separate leadership/student council
A parent night on the new campus will be held Thursday, April 19th at 6:30pm.
We welcome you to visit the new site on the lower campus of Golden Sierra High School in Garden Valley (directions to Golden Sierra ). Feel free also to stop in and talk with the principal, Kevin Ahern, about anything on your mind about the program. You can also call Kevin (333-8303), or talk with Dr. Robert Williams, Superintendent, or Drew Woodall, Director of Ed. Services (333-8300) regarding plans for the new program.
History
At the January, 2012 regular meeting, the Board voted to combine the middle school programs at Georgetown School and Northside School and locate them on the lower campus of Golden Sierra High School.
Now that the decision has been made, Kevin Ahern, principal, and his staff are busy creating what promises to be an exciting, effective and innovative new "school within a school" for our 7th and 8th graders.
Two meetings were held consisting of a transition team (January 31 and February 21). A timeline for action, schedules and other plans have been made.
If you want more detailed information regarding the process leading up to the Board decision, please see the links below. In addition to the work of the restructuring committee, three Open Forum Board meetings provided input from interested parents, staff and other community members on this important topic.
Input from Public at Open Forum Board Meeting, September 29, 2011
Input from Public at Open Forum Board Meeting, October 27, 2011
Input from Public at Open Forum Board Meeting, November 29, 2011
At the November 29th Open Forum, staff presented PowerPoint slides describing an overview of the middle school restructuring process and what various options could look like. Click on the links below to view.
Overview of Middle School Restructuring
"Stay Put" --keeping 7th and 8th graders at Northside and Georgetown
Consolidate at one of the K-8 schools -- all 7th and 8th graders taught at either Northside or Georgetown
Consolidate at Golden Sierra High School --all 7th and 8th graders taught on GSHS campus (likely the lower campus)
Middle School Restructuring Board Presentation, December 8, 2011
Also, if you have ideas that you would like the tranistion team to consider, please email them to middleschool@bomusd.org (note that no reply will be given--but the emails will be discussed at the committee meetings. Also, please put "Middle school ideas" in the subject line.)
Thanks for your interest and help in creating a vibrant, first-class program for our children.