Concerns over the removal of honors classes for 7th graders at South Middle School dominated discussions during a recent government meeting, with parents expressing frustration over the lack of communication and clarity from school administration. A parent and PTG board member voiced concerns that the honors designation was being removed due to unmet academic standards, leaving families feeling blindsided. Parents reported that they were not informed prior to the school year about the changes, which included potential disruptions in student cohorts.

Another parent, representing their 7th-grade child, echoed these sentiments, highlighting their child's disappointment at the absence of honors classes, which they had worked hard to qualify for. The parent emphasized that the removal of honors classes could disengage academically gifted students, leading to boredom and behavioral issues in the classroom. They called for the district to establish clear standards for honors classes to ensure that students are adequately challenged.

In response to these concerns, the district announced the formation of a committee to research and set standards for honors classes across the district. However, parents expressed uncertainty about the timeline and implications for current 7th graders, particularly regarding their preparedness for high school and advanced classes.

Additionally, parents requested formal notifications regarding National Junior Honor Society membership fees, as previous deadlines had been missed, resulting in students missing out on scholarship opportunities.

The meeting also included a presentation on the district's updated multi-tiered system of support (MTSS), aimed at providing tailored academic and social-emotional support for students. This new framework is designed to address the needs of all students, ensuring that those requiring additional assistance receive appropriate interventions.

As the district moves forward with these changes, parents remain eager for transparency and effective communication to ensure their children’s educational needs are met.