Odle and Tyee Mandarin Language Community Forum – October 25 and 30

Date: October 30, 2023

Forum Participants: 100

Summary

A note to the reader: This summary is intended to provide an overview of the consistent themes that came from the small group conversations at the forum. It is not exhaustive, but rather gives highlights of the feedback and responses. See below for the full set of combined notes from the meeting.

In the context of planning for middle school enrollment and consolidation study, a vital discussion is taking place within the communities surrounding Tyee, Tillicum, Chinook, and Odle middle schools. Parents have actively participated in community forums to express their perspectives and engage in conversations regarding the potential merger or closure of these schools. Through multiple small group discussion sessions, parents have passionately shared their thoughts and viewpoints on the middle school experience for their children. The ongoing dialogue within the community represents a wide range of perspectives and concerns related to middle school education. This discussion seeks to delve into the various perspectives and factors surrounding the potential consolidation of middle schools.

Two central questions have been focused on from the forum: What are the most important aspects of the middle school experience for you and your child? And, if the consolidation of middle schools is a possibility, what priorities and factors should take precedence in the decision-making process? This discussion has resulted in a diverse collection of viewpoints and concerns from parents, as outlined below:

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Impact on Children’s Emotions

Numerous parents have voiced their concerns about the profound negative impact that school closures can have on students, particularly in terms of their emotional well-being. This situation can significantly disrupt their friendships and social connections, which, in turn, can adversely affect their academic progress. For example, one parent shared a poignant anecdote about her daughter, who took an entire month to recover from the loss of a close friend because of the school’s closure, highlighting the emotional toll such disruptions can exact. Consequently, students may grapple with feelings of isolation and anxiety, ultimately hindering their ability to concentrate and actively participate in the classroom.

These emotional challenges can also manifest as physical consequences, taking a toll on students’ overall health due to the stress they endure. As a result, students may contend with grief, diminished self-esteem, heightened stress levels, and even encounter academic difficulties. It is crucial for school districts to acknowledge and prioritize the emotional well-being of their students, as it profoundly impacts their capacity to focus and excel in their education.

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Disruption of Established Friendships

As reported by a concerned parent, children often form strong bonds and friendships with their peers at their current schools. Parents have expressed worries about the emotional well-being of their children if they are separated from their friends due to school consolidations.

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Emotional Impact on Children

Parents have observed that their children are grappling with emotional stress and anxiety due to the changes brought about by school consolidations. Students may face challenges in adapting to new school environments, routines, and friendships, which can have a significant impact on their overall well-being.

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Their Children’s Educational Concerns

Parents harbor significant concerns about the repercussions of school consolidation, especially when it comes to the disruptions it may introduce. Their apprehensions extend to the potential for their children to face academic setbacks, which could lead to a widening educational gap and a loss of crucial opportunities for learning and personal growth. This heightened worry underscores the importance of addressing the potential downsides of school consolidation.

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Good Extracurricular Programs

Another issue related to school consolidation is possibly the loss of valuable programs that we currently have. These programs have been a significant attraction for families choosing to enroll in the BSD for their education. The absence of these valuable programs resulting from consolidation will have a ripple effect on families’ decisions to enroll in the BSD.

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Extracurricular Programs and Services

Some parents have expressed concerns about the potential consequences of school consolidation. They are worried that if such consolidation occurs, it could lead to a reduction in the availability of rich extracurricular programs for our students. These programs are seen as essential for our children’s development, offering them opportunities for personal growth and skill-building beyond the regular classroom curriculum.

These parents believe that extracurricular activities play a significant role in their children’s academic experience and help them discover their passions and talents. The fear is that if these programs are scaled back, it may influence some families to contemplate moving elsewhere in search of a more comprehensive educational experience for their kids.

It’s essential to consider and address the concerns raised by these parents when making decisions about school consolidation. Ensuring the continued availability of diverse extracurricular programs can help maintain the appeal of our community as a desirable place to live and raise a family.

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Quality of Education

Parents worry that consolidation will lead to a decline in the overall quality of education. They may be concerned that larger class sizes, changes in teaching staff, and resource reallocation will negatively impact their child’s learning experience.
Teacher Impact

Parents mentioned the challenges faced by teachers in a consolidating environment. Teachers were unsure about their future placements, which affected their ability to focus on teaching. The overall quality of education was perceived to be decreasing due to this uncertainty and its impact on teachers.

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Teacher-Student Relationships

Parents often value the close relationships their children build with teachers. They may express concerns about potential disruptions in these relationships due to teacher reassignments or changes in school structures. School consolidation can have both positive and negative impacts, depending on how it is executed and the specific circumstances.

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Potential Negative Impacts of School Consolidation – Close and Then Recombine

Parent concern that consolidation can lead to larger class sizes, which can make it more challenging for teachers to provide individualized attention and support to students. This can be particularly concerning for students with special needs who may require smaller class sizes.

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Lack of Community Involvement

Parents expressed that school consolidation leads to reduced community involvement and fewer volunteers to support the school community, as parents are concerned that the process will diminish their ability to engage in school activities and decision-making. This may also result in the loss of the school’s distinct identity, traditions, and culture, to which many parents have strong attachments. The amalgamation of schools often leaves parents feeling excluded from vital discussions and decision-making, ultimately causing frustration and eroding trust. In addition, this decreases in community involvement and fewer volunteers to support the school community ultimately diminishes the benefits for both children and the broader school community.

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Loss of Community Connection

Parents said consolidation can result in the closure of neighborhood schools, which can lead to a loss of the strong community connections that these schools often foster. A sense of belonging and community can be disrupted.

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Resource Allocation or Impact on Special Education

Parent concerns about resource allocation can also be a significant issue. They said whether the consolidated school system will provide equitable resources for all students, or if some schools will receive preferential treatment. Parents of children with special needs may worry that consolidation could lead to changes in the availability of specialized programs or services, potentially affecting the support their child receives.

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Teacher and Staff Disruptions

Consolidation may result in staff reductions, transfers, or reassignments. This can disrupt the continuity of relationships between students and teachers, which can be especially challenging for students with special needs who rely on consistent support. Parents of children with special needs may be worried that consolidation could lead to changes in the availability of specialized programs and services. Special education programs, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other services tailored to individual students may be affected. If certain schools receive preferential treatment, it can exacerbate the concerns of these parents.

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Transportation Issues Due to Consolidation

Parents expressed those changes in school boundaries from consolidation and school bus routes had a negative impact on students and parents. Long waiting times for buses, tardiness, and longer commutes made it difficult for parents to pick up their children. Parents also have concerns that the consolidation of school transportation systems span a wide spectrum of issues, from safety and family life to work, community involvement, mental well-being, support networks, communication, and financial stability. Addressing these concerns is crucial to ensure a smooth and supportive consolidation process for all members of the school community.

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Safety and Well-Being

Parents are deeply worried about the safety of their children due to longer bus rides and extended waiting times, especially in unfavorable weather conditions. The primary concern revolves around ensuring the well-being of their kids during these transportation changes.

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Impact on Family Life

Longer commutes have significantly reduced the quality time parents get to spend with their children. This has made it challenging to engage in meaningful conversations, help with homework, or participate in extracurricular activities. It’s affecting the core of their family life.

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Work-Life Balance

Parents are grappling with the need to adjust their work schedules to accommodate their children’s altered transportation arrangements. This balancing act can have substantial consequences for their careers and financial stability. It’s not just about their children; it’s also about maintaining their livelihoods.

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Stress and Anxiety

The stress and anxiety stemming from these changes are taking a toll on parents’ mental well-being. The constant worry about their children’s bus schedules, safety, and the disruption of their daily routines is a heavy burden to bear.

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Economic Impact

Many parents rely on support networks or family members for transportation and childcare. These changes have disrupted these support systems, leaving parents feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Changes in school transportation can result in increased transportation costs for parents who need to find alternative ways to get their children to and from school. This economic burden is a significant concern, particularly for families with limited financial resources. This economic burden is a significant concern for many families.

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Inaccurate Data and Prediction

Additionally, couple parents argue that the district’s data predictions are not accurate. One parent even provided evidence suggesting that an increase in childbirth rates predicts a higher number of students in the future, and thus, schools should not be closed. They contend that the district’s projections may not account for potential population growth and may lead to premature school closures that could negatively impact the community’s educational needs. This perspective highlights the importance of considering all factors, including demographic trends, when making decisions about school consolidation.

In conclusion, parent expressed that it’s crucial for education authorities to listen to and address the concerns of parents during the consolidation process, as their input and satisfaction play a significant role in the success of any educational system which can help alleviate some of these concerns and foster a collaborative approach to navigating the challenges of consolidation.

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