| GRPS considers options for improving high schools
A committee studying how to improve Grand Rapids Public Schools' five high schools has developed three options for improving the schools. The options will be further refined and developed over the next few weeks through a series of community meetings, which will allow residents a chance to discuss the options with GRPS officials. The options are to: * Make major renovations to the existing high schools to transform them in to state-of-the-art schools. The committee estimates this option could cost $132.7 million. * Develop a totally new concept of high school in Grand Rapids. This option would lead to the creation of smaller specialized high schools created in partnership with other community organizations. For example, a health and science high school could be developed jointly with the area hospitals as part of this option.
Emptying classrooms
The expensive townhomes, apartments and shopping centers that will crop up in their place aren't likely to fill in the gap, the report said. One option is to develop housing alternatives for empty-nesters to free up homes for families with children, Dr. Tepera said. "Ultimately, if there can be a place for young families to live, they will come and buy homes," she said. Heavy enrollment declines pack a one-two punch for schools. The first is financial. For every 100 students who leave, the Richardson school district loses at least $528,000 a year. The second is emotional. A community must choose between closing a school or raising taxes to keep it open. "Our community's just going to have to determine whether we're going to continue with small schools or whether we're going to look at consolidation, which is very, very difficult," said Ms.
Student dies after soccer practice
If one takes that kind of attitude, then the family should also file suit against me, as I was one of the people that wrote a letter of recommendation to Catoosa schools asking that Cody be allowed to transfer there to play soccar!! Come on folks, get a grip!! This was nothing more than one of those horrible tragedies in life that had nothing do to with negligence on ANYONE'S part. I know there is no amount of money that will ease his mom and dad's pain right now. To suggest that the school, the medical examiners, coaches or anyone else involved is liable for this tragedy is just insane. Please please just pray for the family and keep them in your thoughts. They have suffered an unimaginable loss. .
Liberal Democrat Shadow Children, Schools and Families Secretary
"This is just change for change's sake. We are going back to an education system run on the basis of change driven by ministers, rather than by schools themselves. "More reviews and curriculum upheaval will do nothing to improve the quality of education in schools today. "There is no need for another review of the primary curriculum, and when Ed Balls talks about removing 'clutter' most schools will not know what he means. "Do we really want less time for history, geography, art or music? Having national tests twice a year runs the risk of taking up even more time with test preparation. "Ed Balls should focus on getting school funding right, sorting out the confusion over the future of the qualifications framework, and giving schools real power to innovate.
Gallery showcase for students' work
WIRRAL sixth-formers have launched a high street art gallery that will showcase student talent and the work of local artists. The Black and White Community Gallery in Liscard Road, Wallasey, will be run as a money-making business by 13 sixth-formers from Calday Grange Grammar School, as part of the nationwide Young Enterprise programme. It was opened last week by Wirral Cultural Ambassador and photographer Mike McCartney at a ceremony attended by civic and business figures, teachers, parents and students. Young Enterprise is a national charity that forges links between schools and industry by inspiring and equipping young people for entrepreneurship. More than 5,000 schools take part in the annual initiative that includes a competition to identify the nation's top student business project.
PLATO Learning Makes Idaho Statewide Implementation Reality
The agreement grants all school districts open access to PLATO Learning solutions, giving administrators increased accessibility and ease of implementation. In addition, if schools identify a need in related subjects, educators and administrators have the option of adding additional, site-specific content at an extra cost. "We are pleased to continue our relationship with the Idaho State Department of Education and to see their students continue to improve academically," said Mike Morache, president and CEO for PLATO Learning. "This state of Idaho is passionate about improving student test scores and academic achievement across the board. PLATO Learning is proud to be a partner with the state on their initiative." About PLATO Learning PLATO Learning is a leading provider of computer-based and e-learning instruction for kindergarten through adult learners, offering curricula in reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and life and job skills.
Bismarck kindergarten plan has classes moving to church
The district already offers all-day kindergarten in six of its elementary schools. Next year, the state will offer more funding through per-pupil funding for kindergarteners, if school districts offer all-day kindergarten programs.Although it's same option the board considered two weeks ago, board members considered and dismissed portable classrooms at Northridge or another school, half-day kindergarten at Northridge only and a kindergarten center. Some board members and district administrators attended a parent-teacher organization meeting, as well, where different options were discussed."Portables on-site is not an option," board member Marcia Olson said. "My kids went to Northridge way back when, and it was crowded. I like the idea of alleviating the crowding."She said she preferred, as did many of the board members, to have classroom space leased from Corpus Christi, a nearby church.
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