May 29, 2020
Dear Families of Current Third Grade Students,
Scott M. Ellis Elementary School has used a “looping classroom” model for a number of years, and has completed multiple cycles of looping. Throughout this time we have discussed the opportunities and challenges that emerge from the use of this model with our primary and intermediate students.
Although we have found benefits, we have also noticed some challenges. As a result of feedback from our teachers and parents, we eliminated the 1st/2nd grade looping program this past year, and students returned to a single-year classroom program for grades one and two. The feedback from this change has been positive.
The grade 3 and grade 4 team has shared that they would like to return to single-year programming. As a result, your child will be assigned to a fourth grade classroom with a new teacher. The fourth grade teaching team currently includes: Mrs. Konas, Mr. McElwey, Mrs. Misuraca, and Mrs. Mulholland.
Since your child’s current teacher knows them very well, I am asking for their input regarding their upcoming classroom assignments. Classrooms that are well planned include: a wide range of student learning abilities, a diverse set of student interests, access to children they may not have spent much time with previously, and a few familiar faces. Each of these factors provides all students the opportunity to become successful throughout the upcoming year. If parents would like to share their input regarding classroom placement, please click here for the Parent Input Form.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, classroom assignments will be shared later this summer (see the school letter sent 5.28.2020). However, we will arrange for students to meet all of the fourth grade teachers prior to the end of the school year (via Google Meets).
Your children’s teachers, Mr. Hash, and I are excited about this adjustment and are a great resource for any questions. Please feel welcome to contact any of us for further discussion.
Sincerely,
Peter Mahan
Elementary Principal