Erin's post from last night tells the findings of the school board's decision. We thought we were prepared for this decision....even thought WE thought this was maybe the best decision due to what we are facing. However, when it came right down to it, we found that we were not prepared AT ALL. This little school has been part of the community for several decades and, because it is what it is, we are like one close knit family. From kindergarten on, the students look forward to being in fourth grade so THEY can have the graduation, DARE class, do the zip-line at the school forest, etc. Yes, we all know there are advantages to going to a larger school....but there are also a LOT of advantages to having a small school as well. As a mother, I see the academic advantages that lie before them. However, also as a mom, I see the academic and personal advantages that come with a small school and they will certainly be missed a in a big way.
Now comes the challenge to present this change to the kids in a way that will make them EXCITED and READY to face the new challenges. The hard part is that because of this decision, there will be a few of the girls' closest friends that may not be making the move with them. That is the part that has Erin just heartbroken. Emily has taken this decision very matter-of-factly....on the outside. They both knew that without this change, they may not have the opportunity of band, choir, etc. in middle school~so they know this was probably a necessary change. However, they also see what they are losing right now.
The next few weeks will be tough - but we can do this.
4 comments:
Sorry to hear this :[
From K-12 I grew up in a small school! I graduated with 20 students, and 13 of them I had been in school with since K. It is amazing to have that close knit feeling. They had a lot to be involved in [i mean for a little school and all] and I was active in everything.
However, when I got into college etc, and just saw what other things "bigger" high schools had offered my fellow students, I had wished that our school was bigger and offered more opportunities! I felt somewhat at a disadvantage!
So, I know how you guys feel both ways, and I'm sorry! I send hugs!! [My old HS's enrollment is down to 30-they might have to shut down-so, unfortunately it is happening everywhere]
Thinking of you!
I've always felt a small school was best. We had 120 in our graduating class. Not real small like the next town over (80 in their class), but definitely not like MSP (2,000 kids!). I loved that we all knew each other and while there were cliques, it wasn't uncommon to be seen talking to someone not from your "group" or to be friends with them.
Good luck to you guys in adjusting to the change. I hope it won't be too bad.
thinking of you all!
Hugs~ :{
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