April 23, 2012
Dear Island Park Parents:
It is the time of year when we make the decisions that will form classes for next year. This letter includes information about the process we will follow at Island Park Elementary School.
Our goal for the placement process is to establish a learning environment in each classroom that will enable all students to learn and grow to the maximum of their capabilities. Therefore, we focus on creating balanced groups that accommodate individual needs and that distribute student abilities, behaviors and interests evenly among the classes. Classes are formed before teachers are assigned to them in order to keep our focus on the makeup of the class, not on teacher characteristics. We've used this process over the past several years with good results.
As in past years, parent requests for specific teachers will not be accepted. Our teachers have been instructed to not hold meetings with parents to discuss possible placements for the next year. We ask that you honor this and not ask for such meetings. By this time of the year, teachers know their students; so trust that this will be part of the placement process.
It is helpful for us to have information from you if you feel your child has special learning or adjustment needs about which we are unaware. We continue to welcome that input into our placement process. A special consideration form is available for this purpose in the Main Office and on our websites. The special consideration form must returned to the Main Office by May 15th in order for that information to be included in the placement process. Along with filling out the form, you may also request a meeting with the principal to be held prior to May 15th if you would like to discuss your concerns. At the meeting, the topic of discussion will be limited to special needs or concerns. Requests for specific teachers will not be part of the conversation.
Notification of placement will be available the week prior to the first day of school via Skyward. You will receive a letter with the specific date of that release at a later date. When you acquire your student's assignment, we hope you will convey positive support and excitement for the opportunities ahead. Your student will benefit from your optimism and will start the new year on a high note!
We feel fortunate to have such a strong, supportive community. Thank you for sending us such wonderful children!
Yours Truly,
Dr. Nancy Loorem
