Schools Ask Fourth Grade Parents If They Would Allow Their Fifth Grade Students To Attend At Middle School

Superintendent Mark Zito sent a letter home letter this week to parents of fourth grade students asking if they would consider going to fifth grade at the Griswold Middle School starting this fall in the 2013-2014 school year.

To gauge the interest of fourth grade parents, the school district will host an informational meeting on Jan. 10 at 6:30 at Griswold Middle School. GMS Principal Rick Watson will be on hand to provide an overview of what fifth graders can anticipate if they attend GMS. Other staff from the central office will also be in attendance.

The proposal, known as "the fifth grade option" is being done for a few reasons.

If the current fourth graders approve and the school system can put in two classes of approximately 48 students, that would allow for more elementary classroom space as the school district continues to explore offering full day kindergarten in town.

"We are confident that of the Board approves this option, the fifth graders who do attend the middle school in 2013-2014 will experience and exceptionally rewarding school year," Zito said in the letter dated Jan. 3.

Zito added that the program is completely voluntary and no parent would be required to make their fourth grader to go to fifth grade at the middle school, but if a maximum number of 48 students is met, students will be put into a lottery.