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A special called public input meeting followed by a called board meeting was held on Monday evening. After collecting information and perspectives, having conversations with and receiving feedback from numerous stakeholders and community members over the last several months, and from an increased number since the March board meeting, and after the intentional study of the space and ultimate recommendation of the architect, the board members voted to approve the bid for the framing and construction for the summer 2024 portion of the project, which includes modifications to the auditorium stage. The front of the stage will be built to match the height of the historical, original portion of the stage and constructed according to building and ADA code requirements. The stage work, along with plaster repair and painting, is slated to begin in June. We aim to retain signatures backstage that are not disturbed by construction and are located in areas that do not require paint stabilization. As we move through this initial phase of construction and toward the next phase of the project that will include seating, flooring, lighting and sound, we will be intentional to communicate updates and information with the school and city community.
Also voted upon at last night's meeting was the approval of the 2024-25 master school schedule as recommended by Interim Principal Kelly Haile and then by Superintendent Karen Solise. One distinctly new element of the 2024-25 schedule is that it allows middle school students to select from a variety of electives for which they can sign up. We appreciate the leadership of the administration to work with staff and community stakeholders to develop this framework which will provide new opportunities to our middle school students rivaling nearby districts and help ensure our continued performance as one of the top middle schools in the state. Our middle school curriculum scope is expanding to include engineering, modern band, broadcasting, drama, conversational Spanish and more within the school day. Our math pathway program for students in grades 4-8 remains intact allowing 8th graders the opportunity to graduate from APS having completed Pre-Algebra, Algebra and/or Geometry. Middle school students will have increased minutes devoted daily in their schedule to English Language Arts (ELA) and math courses. Spanish will now be offered on a daily basis to all middle school students (grades 6-8) and as an elective option for students wishing to dive even deeper into their Spanish instruction. Dedicated time for middle school house activities is built into the schedule weekly. Elementary students will continue to have PE weekly and now have the opportunity for expanded durations of time in other essential arts classes. Policy and approach on class size remain the same as in previous years.
This is an exciting time for our school and Anchorage!
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