Parent and educator urges board to delay aligning fifth grade schedule with middle schools
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Summary
A Neshaminy SD parent and 20-year middle-school teacher asked the board to research developmental impacts before aligning fifth grade to a middle-school schedule, citing concerns about transitions, loss of recess and social-emotional readiness for 10–11-year-olds.
Maria Salander, a lifelong Neshaminy School District resident and a middle-school educator with 20 years’ experience, addressed the board during public comment to oppose a proposed change to align fifth-grade schedules with grades six through eight.
Salander said the change would increase transitions for 10–11-year-olds, remove recess and snack, and reduce students’ daily connection with adults. "My fourth grader has come home every day... saying that she's nervous about fifth grade," she said, and asked the board to conduct more research on developmental appropriateness before moving forward.
Superintendent Bowman and other board members suggested that Salander discuss the proposal with district assistant superintendents, who could provide more detail; the board noted that committee meetings offer a deeper forum for discussion. The educational development committee will hold a meeting in March, which board members suggested as an opportunity for further review.
The board did not take immediate action on the schedule at this meeting. Salander urged the board to weigh the needs of younger middle-school students and to consider stakeholder research before a policy change.
The board announced a public work session on Feb. 10 and a subsequent board meeting on Feb. 24 where follow-up could occur.