It's a fact that many people school shop when they are looking to relocate to an area. One of our goals early on when we were planning our Alta-Aurelia school system was to become a school of choice. We have an outstanding number of academic and extra-curricular offerings. Alta-Aurelia has received state wide recognition for some of those programs. We have developed a rigorous summer school program, after school tutoring, homework assistance, positive behavior interventions and supports, and expanded technology integration. All of these make Alta-Aurelia a very attractive school system to young families. Thanks to the work of our outstanding staff.
Growth can create some problems, namely space limitations. Right now, the Alta elementary staff is using every available classroom, this includes converting the computer lab to classroom space. We aren't abandoning the lab concept entirely, but have moved in the direction of mobile laptops and tablets. This allows the computers to be moved to the students rather than the students moving to the computer lab. If we need to expand another grade level to three sections right now, we don't have the available space to do so in the Alta elementary building.
Over this past school year, administrators, school board members and staff have been in discussions on how to best address the issue of space to address both the immediate needs, and plan for potential future needs. One idea that has come up a few time the past couple of years is to combine Alta and Aurelia's 5th grade. As with any change, there are pro's and con's to this possible decision.
Aurelia can make space available for two additional sections of 5th grade. In Aurelia's facility planning, classroom remodeling, updating, and adding air conditioning were all a part of the long-range plan. If 5th grade sections were moved from Alta to Aurelia, those plans would be altered and remodeling, updating and A/C would become a priority to complete this summer. Combining 5th grade allows for the development of a 5th/6th grade team of teachers. In our current elementary schools, we have been moving in the direction of more departmentalization rather than teaching in isolation. This allows teachers to utilize their areas of strength rather than having to teacher every subject. Research supports this ideology, and we expect it to have a positive impact on student achievement. Developing a 5th/6th grade team makes good sense in that respect. Also, 5th grade students would now have access to "exploratory classes" that they aren't exposed to now.
The only negative that has been discussed is the need to transport students.
The Alta and Aurelia school boards have been meeting in committee with the elementary principals in discussing this possible transition in detail. Input has been given by affected staff. If a move were to take place, the 5th grade "sharing" would probably not become a part of the whole grade sharing agreement in the first year. It is likely that an agreement for year one would be drafted so that no money is exchanged between the districts. We have worked towards purchasing similar classroom materials in both districts over the past few years, so those are largely in place. Current teachers would remain on contract with their current district of employment (two Alta teachers and one Aurelia teacher). Aurelia would provide the space, classroom furniture, and classroom equipment. Alta would be responsible for transportation of the students. Input on this topic has been taken from some of the affected students' parents. If you would like to have input and have not been contacted, please feel free to contact Mr. Hanna, Alta Elementary Principal, or, Mrs. Henningsen, Aurelia Elementary/A-A Middle School Principal and talk with them.
Nothing has been finalized as of this writing, but those are the tentative discussions to date. This addresses the immediate needs. The future needs include moving preschool in Alta to the Alta elementary building from the old high school, and providing additional space for growth. A facility study is currently being conducted to look at the feasibility of adding space on to the elementary building. The board should have the results of that study back in early April, and long-range facility planning will be conducted based on the results of that study. Public meetings will be held throughout the planning process to gain input from parents and patrons.
Another area that needs to be addressed is the condition of the high school track in Alta. It has been reconditioned and patched a few times over the years, and now the base asphalt is beginning to deteriorate. Geotechnical studies are being conducted in both school districts. Reports on the Aurelia facility were presented by Beck Engineering at the February board meeting. The findings in Alta will be discussed at the March board meeting to determine options, cost, and time lines for repair or replacement.
Exciting times indeed!
