December 3, 2001

To Gainesville Middle School Parents and Students, 

Within the next two weeks, Programs of Choice brochures will be completed.  The brochures will provide an in depth description of each program to be offered.  These publications will assist you in deciding which program will provide the most appropriate and stimulating learning environment for your child for the 2002 – 2003 school year.

As the planning for implementation of Programs of Choice at Gainesville Middle School continues, questions arise regarding a variety of topics.  To ensure that everyone receives accurate and consistent information, we would like to address several items:

·         Why is Gainesville Middle School changing its instructional model?

To offer parents and students more educational choices based upon student interest, talent and learning style.

·         What is meant by ‘Program of Choice?’

-          Parents and students are provided the opportunity to choose an instructional environment from the differing program options.

-          All programs are designed to provide a complete school curriculum while having an individual focus or theme.

·         How will I know what program is best for my child?

-          Through the informational brochures which will be mailed to you prior to the December holiday.

-          Through a series of Informational Forums scheduled in January, February and March

-          Through understanding your child’s interests and talents

·         Does the curriculum differ from program to program?

Each Program of Choice will completely cover the state required Quality Core Curriculum (QCC.)  Each program, however, will be built upon a distinct area of emphasis.

·         Have the Programs of Choice for Gainesville Middle School been determined?

They are currently being developed and specific information regarding each will be available December 14, 2001 in individual program brochures.

·         How are the Programs being developed?

Teachers and administrators are involved in a comprehensive research initiative.  Information is being compiled from on-site visits to school systems with Programs of Choice as well as from the study of effective practices research.  Areas of focus will also be responsive to students’ areas of interests and talent.

·         By choosing a program at the middle school, am I also choosing the high school program of study in which my child must participate?

A students’ academic options at Gainesville High School remain the same regardless of which programs he/she may have participated in at the middle school level.

·         Will my child be committed to participate in the same Program for his/her entire middle school career?

Parents and students will be provided the opportunity to choose a program on an annual basis.  Every spring a choice request form will be submitted.

·         How will special educational services be provided to qualified students?

Special need services will continue to be provided to all students who qualify.  School personnel will be organized to meet the specific needs of each and every child in the school as they have in the past.

·         How will non-resident students be affected by Programs of Choice?

Current non-resident students will receive the same choice options as current resident students. 

·         Will I be guaranteed my first choice of program for my child?

You will be guaranteed your first choice unless:

1.       you submit your choice after the March 29^th deadline

2.       you fail to submit a choice

3.       your first choice program has a minimal number of registrants and, as a result, is dissolved

4.       you are a non-resident and your child has not yet attended Gainesville Middle School.  Your first choice may be at student capacity.

·         Will my child still have connections classes (health, physical education, band, chorus, foreign language)?

All students will continue to experience the connections classes’ rotation.  They will continue to have the choice to participate in the outstanding all year classes such as band and chorus as well.

·         Will all of the offered Programs of Choice provide my child the option of taking the high school credit courses?

Any student prepared to participate in the challenge of high school credit courses offered at Gainesville Middle School will have the opportunity to do so.

As the school year evolves, there is no doubt answers to yet unasked questions will need to be shared.  We hope you will plan to attend the Informational Forums.  We are very excited about the future of Gainesville Middle School and the implementation of the Programs of Choice for every student.  We believe that we will be providing an even more effective teaching environment for every teacher, and an even more challenging and nurturing learning environment for each and every child.