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Parents press Griffith board for details on high-ability fifth-grade class size and device access
Summary
Parents expressed concern that two fourth-grade classes will be combined into a single fifth-grade high-ability class and asked for enrollment numbers, support staff and clarity on district plans for iPads and a new VPN that has blocked some research sites and Schoology access.
Several parents asked the Griffith Public Schools board for specific details about next year’s fifth-grade high-ability class size, classroom supports and student device access.
Parent Sandra Yasco said the district plans to combine two fourth-grade high-ability classes and that parents have not received a confirmed class-size number. She asked whether a full-time teacher assistant would be assigned and sought the number of general-education students who will come into the high-ability class for math and ELA pullouts.
Another parent, who identified herself as Edie and also lives at 230 North Oakwood Street, said last year there were 13 students in one high-ability class and 14 in another (27 total) and that moving to a single combined class could create overcrowding and reduce the smaller-group advantages parents expect in the program.
Edie also raised district device-access concerns: she said removing iPads from middle-school and elementary students makes it harder for families to check grades and complete assignments at home. She reported that a newly implemented VPN is blocking some research sites and Schoology emails from teachers, which hindered a student research project and communication about assignments.
Board members said staff would follow up by email with requested enrollment numbers and program details. No formal policy changes were proposed at the meeting.
