Instruction FAQ

What teacher/staff positions are being eliminated during this reconfiguration implementation?
As the PreK-2nd grade school becomes Early Literacy Center, staffing priority in the building will ensure the developmental needs of the younger grades are met. Some positions that were traditionally a part of Greywolf Elementary are being swapped out for more literacy and SEL support. We are working to preserve current class sizes. Helen Haller will be instituting a math and science focus and have shifted staffing there to meet that need. Any reduced positions are being fulfilled through staff retirements and resignations.

Will there be additional opportunities for after school activities/tutoring/clubs?
Each school will have access to funding for after school activities, tutoring, and family engagement events.

How many classrooms will there be at each grade level?
Class size numbers are projected to be similar to this current school year. The numbers of students per class in 2023-24 are currently projected to be at the following levels (based on present enrollment numbers at each grade level):

Kindergarten: 9 classrooms with 18 students per class
Grade 1: 8 classrooms with 21 students per class
Grade 2: 9 classrooms with 22 students per class
Grade 3: 8 classrooms with 22 students per class
Grade 4: 7 classrooms with 24 students per class
Grade 5: 7 classrooms with 25 students per class

Will class size increase? On average how many students will be in each class?

We are striving to maintain current class sizes in almost all grades as projected above. In the event of higher enrollments, kindergarten is typically capped at 20 students, first, second, and third grades at 22 students, and fourth and fifth grades at 26 students.

Will there be a reduction in library services?
Each elementary school will continue to have a librarian.

Will libraries be modified to have more of a selection of grade-appropriate books in each building?

We will shift books in our student libraries, and also our book rooms that staff access to support small group reading instruction. This will be done in a way that allows each building to have larger collections that suit the reading levels of their students. It will also be done in a way that ensures that high achieving readers in primary school and struggling readers in the intermediate school have access to books at their reading levels.

Will lunch and recess be grouped be grade only? Will lunch and recess times be increased for younger grades?
Advisory groups for each school are currently discussing the developmental needs of their students as it relates to building schedules, including lunch and recess times and duration.

Will all teachers be assigned based on the grade they currently teach, or will they be reassigned as needed?
In most instances, staff will remain in their current grade level or department assignment. Vacancies due to retirements or resignations provide opportunities for principals to work with staff looking for a different assignment.

Will the number of paraeducators currently in place be maintained or increased as needed in class size increases?
The majority of paraeducators work in departments that are funded by specific state or federal programs designed to support students with specific needs. The funding for these positions will follow the students, so paraeducator staffing will adjust to meet those needs.

Will OPA be expanded to accommodate more enrollment? What about DVS?
For the 2023-24 school year OPA will be expanding slightly as we will be adding 16 more students to our enrollment. These planned additions will be comprised of eight 4th grade and eight 5th grade students. OPA will be separating the current 4th and 5th grade class configuration.

DVS currently will remain the same with 4.4 certificated faculty members serving K-12 students online. Further modifications to DVS staffing going into the school year will be determined by the number of students enrolled.

What communication will occur between buildings with respect to curriculum and student achievement?
Each curriculum has pacing guides that both staffs presently utilize. Staff will be aware of students' academic scores and information utilizing our program called Class Creator. Both buildings will create balanced classrooms based on data that is stored in Class Creator

In the first year, will students intentionally be placed with prior classmates in order to facilitate the transition?

Grade level and administrator teams at each building will create balanced classrooms that include new and prior classmates.

Will specialist classes be added or dropped?

Specialists will be staffed at both schools. Specialists offerings at both buildings will include: P.E., Music, and Library. At the present time, the 3-5 at Helen Haller will also include STEM and Science specialists. The K-2 at Greywolf will include Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Science. Advisory Groups continue to discuss scheduling and programming priorities each week.

Will specialist teachers be required to travel between each elementary school?

No.

What kind of peer modeling will be done with this Reconfiguration Plan?
Our district's use of Kids at Hope and PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and support), ensures the teaching, reteaching, and modeling of positive behaviors and skills.

Can there be more diversity/sensitivity/inclusion training?

Yes. The current Strategic Plan will focus on this work and include input from students, families, staff, and community members.

Revised 6.5.2023