Quincy schools talk about enrichment

Programs funded by recent levy

QUINCY - The Quincy school board began discussions May 27 on future enrichment programs funded through a voter-approved levy.

Voters passed a three-year, $3.39 million levy in February to replace an expiring levy.

"(Most importantly) what we want to do is kind of think from the perspective of, if we were starting from scratch so to speak and we wanted to have a very exemplary program and do a fine job of meeting the needs of our more highly capable students, what would that program look like, or how would they go about starting that process of figuring out what should it look like," said District Superintendent Burton Dickerson.

Dickerson said he was interested in first hearing about what the desired direction and outcome is for the programs. Then, the board can figure out the steps needed.

"I'd like to have a well thought out plan, that may take some time but in the end results in a quality improvement for our program," Dickerson said.

The planning includes opportunity for the engagement of staff, as well as parents who are interested in the discussions, Dickerson said.

Board member Tricia Lubach began the exploratory discussion.

"One of the things for me that I've talked about is my desire to see more emphasis on academic enrichment within the school day," Lubach said.

She noted many students who are eligible for enrichment programs are involved with other activities, such as after-school sports. In addition, they might not have transportation for after-school programs.

Dickerson said some ideas related to Lubach's include involve grouping students together, or taking them out of class for certain projects or on-going activities.

"Another option for during the school day has to do with what can be done within a self contained classroom, for example, to meet the needs of all the students?" he said.

Lubach said she would love if students did not have to choose between academic enrichment, musical enrichment or after school sports. She said she wants to see a broad range of enrichment opportunities for students.

Board President Lisa Mickelson said she would love to see students have additional opportunities for art.

Mountain View Elementary School teacher Gretchen Cedergreen said 20 years ago, Quincy's program was "fabulous."

She said Director of Student Achievement Carole Carlton knows much of the program's history from her involvement during the time.

"I think it really seemed to disappear about 10 years ago," Cedergreen said.

She said rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, the district should consult with Carlton.

She noted there was a period of time when the programs were offered to not only highly capable students, but to all students in the school district. At the same time, the district had wonderful enrichment teachers, she said.

Lubach asked Carlton, who attended the meeting, whether the school district is funding fewer enrichment teachers. She confirmed there are less enrichment teachers funded.

Mickelson said the dollar amount of the programs stayed stagnant, while teacher salaries increased.

Board member Myrna Blakely said all students need enrichment opportunities, but highly capable students need something extra.

"I think they really, really need that," she said.

George Elementary School Principal Shannon Scott said defining the philosophy of the enrichment programs is essential. Scott noted the enrichment teacher at George is in the school one day each week, serving five grade levels, or six classes.

"We're not doing her justice, in the way in which we're using her," Scott said.

She added that they met with one another last year to define what the enrichment program is about.

"We flip-flopped it from last year to this year trying to make it fit the building instead of fitting individual kids' needs, and that's not the point, to fit the building, the point is to fit the kids' needs," Scott said. "And I just think, whether you define highly capable or enrichment, just paying attention to the equity in the buildings as well, because there are kids that might be monolingual speakers, but are highly capable or do deserve more enrichment in their lives as well."