Los Osos Middle School
6th Grade Program Handbook (Proposal)
Prepared By:
Dr. Kyle Pruitt, Principal Mr. Karl Blum, Assistant Principal
Presented to the Board of Education
November 20, 2012 (Discussion)
December 11, 2012 (Decision)
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page ii
Table of Contents
Recognitions ................................................................................................................................... ii
Introduction to 6th
Grade at Los Osos Middle School .....................................................................1
Overview of the STEAM 6th
Grade Program ..................................................................................1
Transition to Middle School ............................................................................................................2
Frequently Asked Questions from Parents ......................................................................................2
Parent Involvement ..........................................................................................................................6
Daily Bell Schedule .........................................................................................................................6
Tentative STEAM Exploratory Wheel Courses ..............................................................................7
Technology ......................................................................................................................................8
Program Budget ...............................................................................................................................9
Outreach Efforts: The idea of a STEAM sixth grade middle level program was first proposed to the Superintendent
by LOMS staff in August 2012. The concept was discussed at the Board meetings on
September 18, October 2, November 6, and November 20. Board action is anticipated on
December 11, 2012.
Six parent/community forums were held during the month of October 2012. Additionally, there
were four staff information sessions at the coastal elementary and middle schools; two day-long
initial program planning sessions with representation from administration and school staff, Board
members, and the Cal Poly School of Education.
Specific questions from the forums are addressed in the proposal.
Appendix A: Baywood Forum – 10/17/12: Feedback/Questions/Comments ...................................... 10
Appendix B: Del Mar Forum – 10/15/12: Feedback/Questions/Comments ........................................ 12
Appendix C: Monarch Grove Forum – 10/18/12: Feedback/Questions/Comments ............................ 14
Appendix D: Los Osos Middle School Forum – 10/29/12: Feedback/Questions/Comments .............. 16
Additional follow-up sessions were held with the PTAs at Baywood and Del Mar elementary
schools on November 14 and 15, respectively, attended by the principals of those schools.
Seminal Research Organizations and Documents Guiding the Staff Recommendation:
CA Dept of Education:
Historical Perspective on Middle School Reform
Taking Center Stage Act II
Association for Middle Level Education:
This We Believe: Successful Schools for Young Adolescents
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page iii
Recognitions
Many individuals have played an integral part in the development of the 6th
Grade STEAM
program proposal being presented to the SLCUSD Board of Education on November 20, 2012.
Each of these groups and individuals deserve to be recognized.
San Luis Coastal School Board Trustees
Mr. Chris Ungar, President
Mr. Mark Buchman, Clerk
Dr. Kathryn Eisendrath-Rogers
Mr. Walter Millar
Mr. Jim Quesenberry
Mrs. Marilyn Roger
Mrs. Ellen Sheffer
San Luis Coastal Unified School Administration
Dr. Eric Prater, Superintendent
Dr. Rita Delkeskamp, Director of Secondary Learning and Achievement
Dr. Jackie Kirk-Martinez, Executive Director of Student Support Services
Mr. Russell Miller, Assistant Superintendent/Business Services
Mr. Ryan Pinkerton, Director of Personnel
Mr. Rick Robinett, Assistant Superintendent/Educational Services
Mrs. Amy Shields, Director of Elementary Learning and Achievement
6th
Grade teachers from our elementary schools
Los Osos Middle School Planning Team
Mr. Phil Angel, Teacher
Mrs. Susan Atkinson, Teacher
Mrs. Blaire Brinkman, Teacher
Mrs. Aimee Burrus, Teacher
Mrs. Gayle Goodman, Teacher
Mrs. Vickie Rabourn, Teacher Librarian
Mrs. Annie Stoneman, Teacher
Ms. Colleen Wall, Teacher
Mr. Greg Wilcox, Teacher
Mrs. Rose Yuhasz-Fahy, Teacher
A special thank you and recognition to all the parents who attended evening meetings at
Baywood Elementary School, Del Mar Elementary School, and Monarch Grove Elementary
School; as well as parents from Pacheco and Teach elementary schools who also attended our
meetings.
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page 1
Introduction to 6th
Grade at Los Osos Middle School
Welcome to Los Osos Middle School! This guide has been put together to inform you and your
child of the exciting opportunities within the 6th
grade program at Los Osos Middle School, as
well as the changes and expectations for them. This guide also provides information about the
resources available to them and what can be expected in their first year of middle school.
The sections of this guide include general information about the 6th
grade; the class schedule;
questions that might arise and answers to those questions, and other information that you and
your child should know as she/he starts her/his incredible journey as a Lion here at Los Osos
Middle School!
Overview of the STEAM 6th
grade program
Who are we? The Los Osos Middle School 6th
Grade Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts,
and Math (STEAM) program is an exciting new opportunity that incorporates the nationally
acclaimed project-based learning design of a highly personalized and high performance school
environment with a rigorous and relevant cross-disciplinary approach. It integrates academic
and experiential learning that focuses on complex problem solving/critical thinking skills applied
to the challenges of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. Students will
each have a traditional 6th
grade core teacher, along with the opportunity to experience a STEAM
exploratory wheel, and participate in a 6th
grade band if they choose.
What is the program like? The Los Osos Middle School 6th Grade STEAM program will
provide students with opportunities to use leading edge digital technologies and state-adopted 6th
grade curriculum to produce practical solutions to a series of critical questions. The school will
foster project and inquiry-based learning activities using the fundamentals of the arts, technology
and engineering concepts, and will provide students opportunities to explore career pathways in
emerging STEAM fields. We believe that high expectations and high standards yield high
performance.
The school day will start at 8:10 a.m. and end at 2:50 p.m. Students will spend their day in three
core learning blocks as well as time for Advisory, P.E., and STEAM Refocus. One of the core
learning blocks will be for Science and Math, another for English/Language Arts and Social
Studies, and another for Exploratory Wheel (Electives). All students will experience a music
course in the Exploratory Wheel, and 6th
Grade Band will also be available for interested
students as well. While teachers have certain expectations for everyone, they will challenge and
support each student to do his or her best—day in and day out, starting with each student’s
interests and needs. Student progress will be assessed in a competency system. ―Competency‖
means that the students will have to demonstrate in multiple ways that they are confident and
qualified to move on to the next level of work. Students will be given consistent feedback about
their progress and will be assigned grades according to their performance against the state-
adopted standards.
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page 2
Transition to Middle School
The beginning of middle school is an important time in your child’s life. The transition brings
anticipation, new opportunities, and challenges. The required courses in sixth grade will be
language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, and the STEAM
Exploratory Wheel. The program will also begin your student’s relationship with a tablet device,
dedicated to her/him, as a learning tool throughout her/his middle school experience.
Middle school sets the stage for future success in high school, college, and/or advanced
education or training. You can help to make the transition a success and help shape your child’s
future. Talking, listening to your child’s concerns and excitements, and highlighting the
positives of middle school will help with their adjustment.
When school begins, get to know and stay in touch with your child’s teacher(s), counselor, and
school administration. Learn as much as you can about Los Osos Middle School. Review the
student handbook with your child, and contact the school for answers to questions you might
have.
Questions you and your child might have about Los Osos Middle School
How can the School Counselor help your child?
Currently, we have three counselors available to address both academic and social-emotional
needs. Our counseling staff is very proactive in meeting with students to provide guidance and
support.
How is bullying dealt with and prevented at LOMS? Physical and Cyberbullying?
At the conclusion of the 2011-12 school year, and as a result of a year-long focus on the
importance of a culture of care and zero tolerance for bullying, Los Osos Middle School was
recognized and designated by Congresswomen Lois Capps as an official ―No Place for Hate‖
School from the Anti-Defamation League. At the beginning of the 2012-13 school year, Los
Osos Middle School implemented the formal Character Counts Program as a preventative and
educational program for our students. The focus is to set a positive tone and culture of care on
our campus for all students. We have also completed a series of lessons, taught to all students,
about the appropriate use of social media and technology and the many strategies to avoid and
refrain from cyberbullying. Both site administrators are vigilant in our efforts to respond to
reports of bullying or any mistreatment of students.
How does the school deal with drugs and alcohol?
Los Osos Middle School is a campus that does not tolerate the presence of drugs or alcohol.
Through class units, discussions with counselors, teachers, and administrators, as well as our
Character Counts Program, we proactively educate students about the harmful effects and
consequences of drug and alcohol use.
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page 3
What afterschool services are there?
We offer both accelerated and support opportunities for students after school. Examples include
Knowledge Masters, Homework Club, Dissection Club, Area 55, and after-school athletics. We
have late bus service at 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, for all students who want to take
advantage of our after-school services and opportunities.
Will there still be parent conferences?
We have excellent communication between our teachers and parents currently at Los Osos
Middle School. All teachers are available via phone or e-mail, and are extremely interested in
working with and meeting with parents to ensure the success for all students. We are also open,
as we begin to develop the 6th
grade program further, to discussing the potential of student lead
conferences at the 6th
grade.
Will my student have music?
All 6th
Grade students at LOMS with have a music elective within their STEAM Exploratory
Wheel. In addition, 6th
grade students interested in Band or Choir will have the opportunity to
participate in these programs as well.
How do parents get involved at Los Osos Middle School?
We have a wonderful group of parents who consistently are involved through volunteering,
attendance at athletic events, and in-person conversations with teachers and administrators.
Through the leadership of our current Parent, Teacher, Student, Association (PTSA), we are
constantly looking for new ways to simply have parents on our campus. It is our goal to create a
campus environment filled with student, teacher, and parent presence and energy.
Will the 6th
graders go to 6th
grade camp?
Yes. We are committed to having the 6th
graders involved in camp for the 2013-14 school year.
How “segregated” will my 6th
grader be during the day from the 7th
and 8th
graders? How will
they feel a part of the school community?
The feedback from our 5th
grade parents is that we should strive to have an effective balance
between keeping their students separated, yet also included in a positive and effective way. We
have created a daily schedule and a series of activities that we feel strikes that perfect balance.
Sixth graders will be in their own area of the campus for a majority of their day, with access to
all the facilities on campus. The class schedule allows for a separate sixth grade nutrition/recess
time, as well as a staggered lunch with a small overlap with upper grade students. Sixth grade
students will be released from school 5 minutes before the upper-grade students, but will be
included in leadership opportunities, assemblies, all-school activities and extracurricular
opportunities.
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page 4
What if my student has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)? How does the STEAM program
benefit them?
Access to technology, project-based learning, and the core learning blocks will be available to all
students. The individual needs of our special education students will be appropriately addressed
by certificated and classified staff, based on their IEP.
Will there be advanced opportunities in content areas other than math? Say, Foreign
Languages?
With more students on campus, the opportunity to have more staff members available to provide
enrichment activities grows. During the 6th
grade Exploratory Wheel, exposure to a world
language could be a possibility.
Will my student be using only their technology device and never use pencil and paper?
Technology is a tool, as is a pencil or any other classroom materials. We want to ensure that all
students have access to all of the most current classroom tools, and technology is one of those
crucial learning tools. As our students are preparing to be responsible and successful citizens,
their ability to effectively and responsibly use technology will be an essential skillset.
How is this program being funded?
This will be a district funded program. We will also actively pursue partnerships with local
corporations who have an interest in contributing to the learning of our students, but are also
open to providing hands-on, project opportunities for our students in the areas of Science,
Technology and Mathematics.
How much recess and physical education will my student have during the week?
Fitness and a healthy body are crucial to ensuring a healthy mind. Students will have 50 minutes
of P.E. every day. Students will also have 15 minutes of recess during their nutrition break as
well as approximately 15 minutes to play after eating at lunch.
If all 6th
graders come to Los Osos Middle School, won’t it be overcrowded?
Approximately 150 6th
graders would be joining our campus in 2013-14. This will take our
estimated enrollment to a total of 550 students in 2013-14. This is still well under the school’s
original capacity of 800-900 students.
Will there be an orientation in the spring for the new 6th
graders and families?
Absolutely! Our intention is to have a special evening for our new 6th
graders in the spring of
2013 to introduce the sixth grade teachers, have families explore the classrooms and the campus,
and celebrate our new Lions who are becoming part of the Los Osos Middle School family!
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page 5
What will the class schedule look like, and how many teachers will my student have?
The 6th
grade class schedule is included in this packet. It essentially includes a learning core for
Science and Math, another learning core for English Language Arts and Social Studies, an
Advisory period, Refocus Period, Exploratory Wheel, and P.E. Students will be with one core
teacher for Science, Math, Social Studies and English Language Arts, have either their own
teacher or another teacher for Exploratory Wheel, and a P.E. teacher. This allows for the
effective transition from having one classroom teacher in 5th
grade, to three teachers in 6th
grade,
and then six teachers in 7th
grade.
Will the library have appropriate books for the 6th
grade age level?
Not only will your students have access to books in their classroom library, they will also have
access to appropriate books in our library. With the inclusion of technology in their learning
program, students will also be able to access sources of reading materials on their technology
devices.
Will this change cause any teachers to lose their jobs? Any classified changes to our elementary
sites?
Moving the 6th
grade to Los Osos Middle School will not cause any current teachers to lose their
jobs. Each site is evaluated before each school year and staffed appropriately with both
certificated and classified staff. The same process will be used after the 6th
graders are counted
as part of the Los Osos Middle School student population.
Monarch Grove isn’t impacted. Why are we being included as part of the plan?
It is critical to the success and articulation of a successful coastal 6th
grade program that all of the
6th
graders are part of the transition to Los Osos Middle School. By ensuring that all of our 6th
graders start their secondary school experience together, those bonds will be built early and
strengthened as they move towards their high school graduation.
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page 6
Parent Involvement
Your involvement matters a great deal to us at Los Osos Middle School! We want you here, to
be present with your children, and be an active part of our school community. Research shows
that if you are involved, your child is more likely to earn higher grades, test scores, enroll in
higher level programs, be promoted, earn credits, attend school regularly, have better social
skills, and graduate and go on to college. We encourage all of you to join the Los Osos Middle
School PTSA and get involved!
There are so many ways you can be involved in the education and development of your child:
By establishing a learning environment at home for the whole family, attending school
meetings, etc.
Extend your child’s learning by going to the library, businesses, museums, etc.
Be sure your child is prepared for school daily;
Reinforce the importance of valuing your and other’s culture, heritage, and language;
Being an active user of the adult portal of PowerSchool, checking on your student’s
grades, progress, and helping them to stay on top of their expectations.
Daily Schedule
6th
Grade 7th
and 8th
Grade
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page 7
Tentative STEAM Exploratory Wheel Course Descriptions
(final selection based on teacher skillset)
S (Science)
Energy and the Environment – Students investigate the impact of energy on our lives and the
environment. They design and model alternative energy sources and participate in an energy
expo to demonstrate energy concepts and innovative ideas. Students evaluate ways to reduce
energy consumption through energy efficiency and sustainability.
Science of Technology – How has science affected technology throughout history? To answer
this question students apply the concepts in physics, chemistry and nanotechnology to STEAM
activities and projects.
Astronomy – Astronomy is an introduction to the structure and composition of the universe and
the forces that govern it. The course may include extensive observations and descriptions of the
night sky using tablet technology. Students develop the ability to compare and contrast stars,
planets, and other objects in space and the way they move. Students will also learn the tools and
techniques that astronomers use to study the universe.
Biomes, Plants, and Animals – This course uses an interdisciplinary approach to examine the
interrelationship between organisms and their physical environments. Students will gain an
awareness of the main biomes, explore both plant and animal life, and discuss the adaptations
that allow these organisms to successfully thrive.
T (Technology)
Automation and Robotics – Students trace the history, development, and influence of
automation and robotics. They learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine
automation, and computer control systems. Students use a robust robotics platform to design,
build and program a solution to solve an existing problem. This elective might also make use of
the Lego Mindstorm Program.
E (Engineering)
How Things Work – Students explore the things of life beginning with some of the Ancient
Wonders and continuing on to modern ―wonders‖ such as social media and electronic
communication. Students learn about networking and data base management through studying
some of the activities in which they participate daily. Life skills such as culinary arts, simple
home repair, and sewing are also explored.
Flight and Space – The rich history of aerospace comes alive through hands-on activities,
research, and a presentation in the form of a short informational video. Students explore the
science behind aeronautics and use their knowledge to design, build, test, and airfoil. Custom-
built simulation software allows students to experience space travel.
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page 8
A (Arts)
Vocal and Instrumental Music – Students will explore both vocal and instrumental music in
traditional and 21st century electronic forms.
Design and Modeling – Students begin to recognize the value of an engineering notebook to
document and capture their ideas. They are introduced to and use the design process to solve
problems and understand the influence that creative and innovative design has on our
lives. Students use industry-standard 3D modeling software to create a virtual image of their
designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their creative solutions.
Green Architecture – In a world of reduced resources and environmental challenges, it is
important to present the concept of "being green" to the next generation of designers and
builders. In this unit, students are introduced to architectural plans, construction styles,
alternative materials and processes, dimensioning, measuring and architectural
sustainability. Students use a 3D architectural software program to create an environmentally
friendly home using shipping containers.
Architecture – Students study the design of building related to history, technology,
mathematics, and culture.
M (Math)
Games People Play – Students use statistics, probability, and psychology to understand politics,
sports, and every day interactions.
Technology Devices
Technology devices will be available to students in every classroom in the 6th
grade program.
The district has also made the commitment, as part of this proposal, to ensure that technology is
available to every individual student at Los Osos Middle School by the beginning of the 2015-16
school year. Technology will be used as a learning tool in the classroom, with the goal of
empowering students with the 21st century skills necessary for them to be successful in the world
they currently live in and will lead in the future. Specific brands and specifications of devices
will be determined at a later date, although preliminary research into the most effective
application for our students is ongoing. What will be present in each classroom is a cart filled
with the latest, most appropriate technology for each student to use during their learning time.
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page 9
Budget for 6th
Grade Program
Year One Year Two Year Three
Technology Devices $100K $100K $100K
Curriculum Implementation $ 30K $ 15K $ 15K
Exploratory Wheel
Core Curriculum
Intervention Materials
Materials/Misc. Equipment
Professional Development
Planning and Development $ 25K $ 10K $ 10K
Release Time
Visitations
Tech Development
Communication and Community $ 5K $ 0 $ 0
Flyers
Forums
Materials
Transition Orientation
Outreach
Total: $160K $125K $125K
Los Osos Middle School
Parent Forum
10/17/2012 Baywood Elementary
54 People in attendance (40 signed-in)
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page 10
Technology Component 1. Why can’t the STEAM program be implemented here at existing 6th grade sites?
2. Would it happen if the 6th graders don’t come to LOMS?
3. What is the purpose of having the technology component and how will they be used in the classroom.
4. What will the STEAM program look like?
5. How much focus on technology versus traditional pen and paper instruction?
Social Emotional Support 6. Is there any bully prevention at the middle school?
7. What are the hours of school, and would they all walk to and from school at the same time?
8. What parents are concerned about is bullying and possibly cyberbullying with the implementation of the 21st century program.
9. How will we be sharing this information with the Board?
10. There are huge development differences between 6th and 8th grade girls. How will you separate and provide them supervision?
Parent Involvement / Community Building 11. What is the timeline and history of moving forward, and can all this happen by next fall?
12. Will there be a preview available on the LOMS web site about the future course offerings?
13. Why didn’t the 6th grade program work last time, and what will guarantee it will work this time?
14. When will we get answers to many of these questions?
15. Is there a team looking into adding more classrooms to the current elementary schools?
Los Osos Middle School
Parent Forum
10/17/2012 Baywood Elementary
54 People in attendance (40 signed-in)
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page 11
Student Experience 16. At the elementary, they will be the big kids, but how much exposure will they have to the big
kids at LOMS, how much interaction?
17. What are the opportunities for the special day students and others that need remediation?
18. What free time will the kids have from the classroom?
19. Will the bussing costs increase and could this cause hardship on families?
20. This is a golden opportunity to get kids engaged in their community, could the 5th and 6th grade students and 7th and 8th give feedback?
21. Will there be creative opportunities to create leadership options for the 6th graders?
Curriculum / Staffing 22. The opportunity to take more advanced classes is great, but how would that work with the
current schedule?
23. What is your availability as an Admin staff?
24. Would the resource push-out be as coordinated as it is now?
25. Do the academic options happen at LOMS prior to the registration, or would it be based on teacher recommendation and could happen throughout the year?
26. What will be put in place to ensure that the curriculum will follow the standards and the technology will be appropriately used?
27. What happens to the existing 6th grade teachers?
28. What would classroom sizes be for the 6th graders?
29. Concern is there is a small taste electives at LOMS, will there be articulation at MBHS?
30. Would there be other advanced opportunities other than math, specifically foreign languages?
31. Would books in the library be age appropriate?
32. Would students at Teach and Pacheco from Los Osos have to apply to enroll at LOMS?
33. What exact schools can enroll at LOMS?
34. Where is the funding coming from for this proposal?
35. One of the reasons for the proposal was board directed, and what were the driving factors in the idea for the proposal?
36. What will happen to the elementary sites with the loss of the 6th grade students?
Los Osos Middle School
Parent Forum
10/15/2012 Del Mar Elementary
28 People in Attendance (23 Signed-in)
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page 12
Technology Component 1. How is this tied to a digital curriculum and would this program be something that pushes this
forward? 2. Would this provide STEAM in a faster roll out. 3. Why if we are moving in the direction of tech based learning couldn’t this work at the
elementary sites? 4. Would the tech rollout of all 6th graders speed this process and why couldn’t it happen at the
elementary sites anyway? 5. Where is the money coming from to fund this device? 6. How will the technology be utilized in a daily method.
Social Emotional Support 7. Concern about the maturity level of the 6th grades in LOMS versus the academic needs. 8. The current 5th graders are going to be the one group that won’t get the “big kid on campus”
feel at their local site. What might be done for this group of 5th graders? 9. Will there be anything on the level of kids club for the working parents? 10. Would kids club be available at the elementary sites for the 6th graders?
Parent Involvement / Community Building 11. What will the parent involvement be at LOMS? 12. We are meeting tonight because the size of the elementary sites, the small size of LOMS, and
what other factors? 13. Why did the program for 6th graders at LOMS end last time? 14. We have a great opportunity for our staff to work with the expertise that the elementary sites
have in community building. 15. It is important to have a great web of communication for this district process. 16. It would be very good for LOMS staff to reach out to the current 5th grade classes. 17. What is the official timeline for this process? 18. How can parents get involved in this process?
Blending the Students 19. How is the program going to work, sixth graders separate or together during the day? 20. If they are separate, doesn’t that make them feel like outsiders in their own school? Does this
create a psychological separation?
Los Osos Middle School
Parent Forum
10/15/2012 Del Mar Elementary
28 People in Attendance (23 Signed-in)
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page 13
Curriculum / Staffing 21. What does LOMS offer in electives and what will be available for the new students in the
coming years? 22. What would the courses and elective opportunities look like? 23. How does band fit into the STEAM program? 24. What would we do for students with IEPs? 25. Moving it under one house seems efficient, but do you think that there will be any decrease in
staff size?
Los Osos Middle School
Parent Forum
10/18/2012 Monarch Grove Elementary 25 People in attendance (18 signed-in)
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page 14
Technology Component 1. I am concerned about the students who will be 7th and 8th not getting exposed to the STEAM
component. 2. Will the implementation of STEAM be dependent on the 6th graders going to LOMS?
Social Emotional Support 1. Baywood is a very nurturing environment which encourages parent involvement, and the
family support in schools is critical and often disappears in middle school. 2. There are drug and alcohol concerns at middle school. 3. What will be done to ensure that bullying will not happen at middle school? 4. Just because they are maturing physically earlier, doesn’t mean that they are emotionally
ready. 5. In an age where childhood obesity is rampant, what are you doing for their playtime/recess? 6. The difference between a young 11 and an old 14 is huge. 7. A big concern is how young the kids are we want to keep our kids young, how will you do
that?
Parent Involvement / Community Building 1. Are we open to parent involvement on campus?
Student Experience 1. Will there be an orientation for 5th graders to help with the transition? 2. It seems like the campus is full right now, how will you deal with the influx of students? 3. There are many activities that are traditional for 6th grade, like trips, camp, etc. What will
happen with those events? 4. If the 6th grades are segregated, how will they feel a part of the school? 5. Have you considered changing the schedule for 7th graders connecting them closer to the 6th
graders? 6. A student comment was, “why would we want to go if we don’t get any of the perks than the
rest of the school has?”
Los Osos Middle School
Parent Forum
10/18/2012 Monarch Grove Elementary 25 People in attendance (18 signed-in)
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page 15
Curriculum / Staffing 1. I don’t see that separation of the grades will work. 2. How do you ensure that funding will be there for the students? 3. As a parent could there be a voluntary option? 4. This was initiated in years past; why didn’t it work then and why will it work now? 5. What will the schedule be for next year? 6. Will the class size be the same as it is here or larger? 7. Are there legal limits for the class size? 8. Will there be a net teacher loss with the move? 9. Are there going to be blocks of kids working with similar teachers? 10. Will advanced classes be grade level based? 11. There is no need to move Monarch because they are not impacted; why do it?
Los Osos Middle School
Parent Forum
10/29/2012 LOMS
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page 16
1. Do you know when the Board is going to make a decision?
2. How about give the community another year to look at these big changes.
3. What I hear that, as a site, you’re comfortable in doing this next year, but the community and kids may not be ready for this transition.
4. I am not sure that there isn’t enough time for the parents to find a different option.
5. Comprehensive literacy has been going on in the elementary schools; how will that look here at LOMS?
6. Regardless of the national trend, are these schools seeing better results that the 7-8 model?
7. I am trying to protect my 5th grade daughter from the adult content at middle schools.
8. Monarch doesn’t have a problem with room; why do they have to move at all?
9. Why can’t we utilize the schools that are currently closed?
10. LOMS is a big open campus, with lots of open space around; are there safety concerns?
11. There are concerns about insulating the 6th graders too much from the rest of the school.
12. If this is the best plan, what is the 2nd best plan?
13. Thanks for the energy and effort in this proposal.
14. What would my student’s day look like if my child struggles with their organization?
15. The less teachers, the better is might be for the 6th graders.
16. As far as the scheduling goes, how would they blend with the 7th and 8th graders?
Los Osos Middle School
Parent Forum
10/29/2012 LOMS
S:\SUPTOFFICE\SUPERINT\Sites & Depts\LOMS\6th Grade Pilot\Proposal to Board.docx Page 17
17. Clarification question about money. Looking at the restricted monies, is it as simple as looking at comparative funds and just allocating them?
18. My concern is that many parents are concerned about the transition to middle school and why portables are established.
19. Will the transfer of students affect the current sites and their staffing?
20. There is no way to do this at Laguna, so is this a change to become a district wide plan or not?
21. I don’t want to see the district with two systems.
22. Why does this learning via a device have to happen in this district?
23. Will kids have wireless keyboards for input?
24. Have we been investigating the critical thinking within the curriculum versus the rote learning via the internet?
25. There have been many references to the Board and parents, but what about a comprehensive survey for parents of all 5th and 6th graders?
26. It might not be better but different, but it surely could be better and I am excited!
27. I am concerned about how 6th grade students are going to get leadership skills in a separate 6th grade environment.
28. Is there a mentor for every student on this campus?
29. Will there be a potential mentor for each and every student?
30. What will happen with 6th grade camp and how will the money be taken care of?
