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Dilworth Families,
Last night at the Board of Education meeting, the CMS Staff released the proposed student assignment changes for the 2018-2019 school year.
There are several changes that would impact Dilworth Elementary School.
These proposed changes include:
- Creating a new combined Dilworth and Sedgefield Elementary School. This would involve combining the portion of the Dilworth Elementary attendance area outside the I-277 loop and the portion of the Sedgefield School attendance area. This would not include the proposed Marie G. Davis home school attendance area currently at Sedgefield.
- Our students would attend grades K-2 at Sedgefield's facility and grades 3-5 at Dilworth's facility.
- Students residing within the I-277 loop would now attend the First Ward Creative Arts Academy.
- A portion of the Sedgefield Elementary and Sedgefield Middle attendance areas south of Remount Road, west of South Tryon Street, north of Clanton Road and east of I-77 would be assigned to Marie G. Davis for grades K-8.
- The Pinewood Elementary attendance area east of South Blvd. would be assigned to Alexander Graham Middle from Sedgefield Middle.
- Students in this proposed attendance zone would attend Sedgefield and Myers Park High school.
I wanted to take a minute to share some additional thoughts and details related to these proposed changes. It is critical as this process unfolds that the lines of communication remain open and the voices of our entire school community are heard. I have been working closely with Ms. Cooper, the Sedgefield principal, to ensure a smooth and seamless partnership should this proposal come to fruition.
A few of the agreements discussed thus far include:
- Create one PTA with co-presidents from each site. Both principals and school representatives will be present at the monthly meetings.
- Create one SLT with a co-chairs from both sites. The goal would be a common mission and vision across both sites with one school improvement plan guiding the work.
- Curriculum Initiatives would be aligned with the K-5 school improvement plan goals. Facilitators at both sites would work closely to plan and deliver monthly training.
- Combined professional development for teachers K-5 would be delivered monthly and based on the work of the combined ILTs (Instructional Leadership Teams) from both sites. This would occur on Early Release Days and Teacher Workdays.
- Leadership Teams from both schools would meet regularly to review processes, procedures, and school wide concerns as a unified team.
- The transportation department would work to establish a staggered approach to managing morning arrival and afternoon dismissal in an effort to make this process work for parents. (Bell schedules would vary by 15 minutes.)
- Special events and celebrations would continue to be held and include all families from both sites. (Dragon Festival, Family Fun Night, Staff/Student basketball game, Love & Logic parenting classes)
This pairing of schools provides an opportunity to expand an already wonderful program. The benefits of this proposed partnership include but is not limited to, all doubled up classrooms would become single use rooms led by one teacher. We would once again have a full size art room with a kiln. Our Spanish teacher would put away her cart and set up a permanent classroom space. The K-2 and 3-5 curriculum and instruction could be laser focused on the developmental and academic needs of the different age groups served at each site.
Of course, this is only a proposal at this time and parent input and feedback is welcomed. Please feel free to reach out to an SLT member or an administrator with questions, concerns, or suggestions.
We plan to host an information session on Wednesday, May 3rd at 7:30am at Dilworth Elementary School.
A Board of Education public hearing is scheduled for May 9 and May 24, with a Board of Education vote on May 24. As always, you are invited to share feedback with all Board of Education members.
Together we can make these changes positive for our children and community.
Thank you!
Terry Hall
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