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French class will affect students

The news that a second Grade 6 French Immersion class will be located at Summerland Middle School was recently released.

Dear Editor:

The news that a second Grade 6 French Immersion class will be located at Summerland Middle School rather than KVR Middle School in Penticton was recently released.

It is important that our community understands the ramifications of this decision.

On the surface this seems to be positive news — Summerland students staying in Summerland rather than having to travel to Penticton to receive French Immersion education.

However, there are other repercussions.

As a result of this decision, Summerland Middle School will lose an English class. Summerland Middle School will be left with two English Grade 6 classes and two French Immersion classes. This pattern will likely carry forward as students move through the grades.

This means English classes with a higher ratio of students who have various challenges in their learning.

We are left with an inequitable student distribution and fewer choices in creating effective learning environments. All this in a climate where learning support continues to be inadequate due to funding cuts.

In addition, it is important to recognize that this decision was made without consulting parents.

We certainly believe in doing what is best for students, but it seems that the needs of English track students and their families were not a priority.

Was this decision really made with the best interests of all students in mind?

With our English classes above capacity in class composition, Summerland Middle School will have very little flexibility in meeting student needs or accommodating families who may move to the community in the future.

A school is not just a building. Summerland Middle School is a team of professionals who have worked hard to create a safe, positive, caring and inclusionary environment for our students.

Eliminating an English class is not in the best interest of our school or our community.

We do not agree with or support this decision.

The effects from this precedent-setting decision are truly significant.

We encourage parents to advocate to School District 67 trustees to retain three Grade 6 English classes at Summerland Middle School.

Jon Broadbent, Gr. 7 English teacher; Holly Colquhoun, librarian and computers teacher; Thora Delaquis, learning support/special education teacher; Carey Gibbings, Gr. 6 English teacher; Cheryl Hope, counsellor; Norm McCallan, Gr. 6 English teacher; Monique Porter, Gr. 7 French Immersion teacher; Richa Thorpe, Gr. 7 English/drama teacher

 

Summerland