From Deseret News archives:
Weighing K-8: Parents question idea of having many ages under one roof
However, Utah has had some kindergarten-through-eighth-grade schools for years. Many private and parochial schools have K-8 configurations. So do many public charter schools nearly 20 by next year and officials at those schools say K-8 just makes sense.
"Middle-school age is such a confusing time where they are trying to figure out who they are," said Cindy Clarke, CAO of North Star Academy in Bluffdale. "And being in an elementary setting longer just helps them through those really awkward difficult middle-school years and it builds that confidence in them that we hope will carry them through high school."
Salt Lake district leaders have brought up the idea for some elementary schools on the east side. They have targeted Clayton and Hillside middle schools' feeders to see if the community has an interest in keeping early teens in an elementary environment a couple of years longer.
According to district leaders, national data show that middle schoolers perform better in a more nurturing environment surrounded by teachers who know them and their individual achievement levels.
"Those are valid concerns but I don't know if they are really justified," Corey Brandenburger, principal of the K-8 Christ Lutheran School in Murray. "I think it makes much more sense to make one transition in ninth grade."
Parents have questioned the idea of having such a broad range of ages with a variety of social, emotional and academic levels under the same roof. They worry about bullying, fighting and even public displays of affection in front of younger children.
Scott Clinger, a parent at Dilworth Elementary, said middle-school-age students are at a unique stage in life and keeping them with the younger children denies them the opportunity to start to grow up, face change and prepare for high school.
Transitions can be hard, but they are part of everyday life, he said.
However, officials in K-8 schools discount those concerns.
Comments
- Tax evasion trial set for chiropractor 4:31 p.m.
- Mitchell's attorneys file to withdraw 4:16 p.m.
- Isch not interested in heading NCAA 4:15 p.m.
- Notre Dame QB punched at bar 3:42 p.m.
- RSL gets warm reception at Capitol 3:38 p.m.
- 2 excuted in China milk scandal 3:33 p.m.
- Winners of the Pie-Ku contest 3:18 p.m.
- Furry felons rob S. African tourists 3:15 p.m.
- 3 airlines fined in tarmac stranding 3:12 p.m.
- Guilty plea in girlfriend burning 3:11 p.m.
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Best prep football games of 2009
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County
- Man trapped in own body for 23 yrs
- BYU's Lamb, Jorgensen reprimanded
- Kirilenko climbing blocks list
- 'Dancing' will fill out finale
- Boys basketball rankings
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
221 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - BYU would like friendlier rivalry
196 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
179 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
173 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
137 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
134 - BYU records with win
132 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
103
I think he is seeing #9, #27, #32, #98, #56 and many other Bingham defensive...
You must be related to Eaton. There are other kids on the team that are just...
Without recruiting from Wayne, South Sevier would be par at best. Go Badgers!
. . . LBJ -- explaining how he was going to drive the communists out of...
Does the term "billable hours" mean anything? This is just another way to...
To Concerned Mother of Two, Thank you for not having your children go to...
I'm hoping he'll do what I know he won't - withdraw. Why are we there?...
Good luck TCU, I really hope that you make it to the National Championship, I...
I feel good to I hope I get some action tonight
Anonymous | 3:27 p.m. If what you say is true, you may have discovered a...



You can be the first to comment on this story.