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Good morning, 

As the class lists were posted last evening, many of you became aware of the creation of combination classes for this school year.  I would like to share with you a copy of the letter that all parents of students in both the one/two and the three/four combination class will receive at today’s open house.  In the body of the text below, you will find information that outlines our process, the planning that has taken place to support these classrooms this year and hopefully answer some of your questions.  Although the letter posted has Mrs. Jacoby’s name and the grade levels for first and second grade, another version of this letter is listed below that has Mrs. Brownley’s name and information. 

The history of combination classes at FSES is that the students have had positive experiences in these settings and we anticipate the same experiences for this 2009-10 school year!

Thank you,   Vicki Duling

September 3, 2009

Dear Parents,

 Your child is assigned to Mrs. Jacoby’s class for the 2009-2010 school year.  Mrs. Jacoby will teach a class in which first and second grade students are assigned.  The class has been heterogeneously grouped, as are all classes at our school. 

 In the past, when a combination class was formed at Franklin Sherman, parents were contacted individually to discuss placement decisions. Given the nature of the multitude of combination classes this year and the many last minute enrollments that pushed the numbers to require the formation of these combination classes, personal phone calls were not possible.  We know that this is a break from past tradition and know that you understand given this circumstance.

 Let me assure you that, whichever grade your child is in, individual needs and developmental levels will be addressed appropriately.  Assignment to this class does not mean that your child is considered advanced for a first grader or a delayed second grader.  Mrs. Jacoby’s class is specifically intended to be similar to our other classes.  In considering students for the class, we did select those who worked well without need for frequent clarification and redirection, and who exhibited initiative in undertaking class work.  Of course, if a child has not been placed in the combination class, it does not imply that the child is not an independent worker.  As you know, there are many factors to consider when finalizing class placements to support a balance in each classroom.

 Mrs. Jacoby will be working collaboratively with both our first and second grade teams.  She will teach the Program of Studies for the two grades, and will provide for the needs of each student.   When you attend Back to School Night, Mrs. Jacoby will be able to share more specifics about the academic curriculum plan and classroom logistics for the upcoming year. 

 Social aspects of the combination classes have also been in the forefront of our thinking. Lunch and recess is placed in the school’s master schedule so that friendships and time together on the playground are maximized.  One outcome of creating combination classes is managing the uneven and at times very high and/or low numbers of students at a particular grade level.  By creating combination classes, this enables the average class size across the grade levels to be lower.

 Mrs. Jacoby, Mrs. Czarnecki and I will be available to respond to any other questions you may have regarding the classroom.  We look forward to a very good year for your child in Mrs. Jacoby’s class.  Thank you for the trust you have in Mrs. Jacoby and our school to create an academically and socially successful environment for your child this year.

 Sincerely,

 Vicki P. Duling, Principal

September 3, 2009

 Dear Parents,

 Your child is assigned to Ms. Brownley’s class for the 2009-2010 school year.  Ms. Brownley will teach a class in which third and fourth grade students are assigned.  The class has been heterogeneously grouped, as are all classes at our school. 

 In the past, when a combination class was formed at Franklin Sherman, parents were contacted individually to discuss placement decisions. Given the nature of the multitude of combination classes this year and the many last minute enrollments that pushed the numbers to require the formation of these combination classes, personal phone calls were not possible.  We know that this is a break from past tradition and know that you understand given this circumstance.

 Let me assure you that, whichever grade your child is in, individual needs and developmental levels will be addressed appropriately.  Assignment to this class does not mean that your child is considered advanced for a third grader or a delayed fourth grader.  Ms. Brownley’s class is specifically intended to be similar to our other classes.  In considering students for the class, we did select those who worked well without need for frequent clarification and redirection, and who exhibited initiative in undertaking class work.  Of course, if a child has not been placed in the combination class, it does not imply that the child is not an independent worker.  As you know, there are many factors to consider when finalizing class placements to support a balance in each classroom.

 Ms. Brownley will be working collaboratively with both our third and fourth grade teams.  She will teach the Program of Studies for the two grades, and will provide for the needs of each student.   When you attend Back to School Night, Ms. Brownley will be able to share more specifics about the academic curriculum plan and classroom logistics for the upcoming year. 

 Social aspects of the combination classes have also been in the forefront of our thinking. Lunch and recess is placed in the school’s master schedule so that friendships and time together on the playground are maximized.  One outcome of creating combination classes is managing the uneven and at times very high and/or low numbers of students at a particular grade level.  By creating combination classes, this enables the average class size across the grade levels to be lower.

 Ms. Brownley, Mrs. Czarnecki and I will be available to respond to any other questions you may have regarding the classroom.  We look forward to a very good year for your child in Ms. Brownley’s class.  Thank you for the trust you have in Ms. Brownley and our school to create an academically and socially successful environment for your child this year.

 Sincerely,

 Vicki P. Duling, Principal