MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL:  MAY 2011

Dear Parents:

Based upon our best estimate of the enrollment projections for next year, the staff and I will be sitting down to make up next year's classrooms. Every year at this time, we begin to hear from some parents who want to request a specific teacher for their child for next year. They want "the best teacher" at the grade level for their child, and they believe they know who that is based on what they've seen and heard.

As the principal, I visit classrooms almost every day for the purpose of observing teachers teaching and students learning. I know the instructional skills of every teacher very well because I have observed various aspects daily. I could not, in all honesty, tell you who the very best teacher on the faculty is, because there is no one teacher who is the best in everything. In talking about the "best teacher" one must specify "best in what area?" Teaching is made up of hundreds of sub skills, and no one is the best at all of them.

Please understand that student placement is a complex job and is one that we do not take lightly. The entire instructional staff spends a tremendous amount of time working to find the best possible classroom placement for all children.

Although we appreciate parent input and still invite your input, we will no longer be accepting "Parent Request Letters," but instead are asking parents to give us their input using a "Student Profile Form." The form asks parents to share with us their child's learning style, their academic/social strengths, and any special needs that may be relevant to their child's placement. As a parent, you know your child best and as the instructional leader of Lakewood Elementary I know my staff. Just like all children have different learning styles, teachers, have various teaching styles.

In an effort to find appropriate classroom placement, as well as create balanced classrooms, teams of teachers, support staff, and myself will complete student placement. This complex process has several steps and classroom placement is based on the following guidelines:

• Gender - even number of boys and girls
• Academic strengths and needs
• Discipline concerns
• Upper elementary - balance of teams
• Parent input
• Personality/cohesiveness of entire classroom group
• Class size
• Students will not be placed in a split classroom two years in a row (unless requested)

Please also keep in mind that a teacher's grade level assignments can change from year to year and that combination classes are always a possibility. Also, please refrain from talking to your child about next year's possible teacher until you receive the letter stating who that will be.

The Student Profile Forms are currently available in the school office. All forms need to be turned into the main office and not the current classroom teacher. In order to complete classroom placement in a timely manner, Student Profile Forms will be accepted until Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 3:00 PM. This input will be taken into consideration along with other criteria during placement meetings.

The key ingredient in this process is trust. We will do the best job of placement as we can, because it is important to us that every child has the best chance for success. We appreciate your trust and support. As always, feel free to call if you have any questions or concerns.

Mrs. Julie Bedford
Principal Lakewood Elementary