CONTACT:  Wendy V. Long, Public Relations

                        (413) 685-1003

Gateway public invited to discuss expanding the school day/year

Huntington- Students, parents, staff and community members are invited to a public meeting on the grant-funded planning process that will determine whether or not Gateway students increase their time in school by 25% in the 2008-2009 school year. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 29th at 7 p.m. in the performing arts center at the MS/HS complex.

The Gateway Regional School District was awarded a $15,000 planning grant from the Massachusetts Department of Education to investigate increasing the amount of learning time provided to students at all seven district schools.  Gateway was one of 29 districts in Massachusetts to receive a planning grant.

The planning process will be led by a district-wide steering committee, which will include students, parents, and the head of each union (or designee).

In addition, there will be three committees—Elementary, Middle, and High School levels—that will explore possible partnerships with community organizations that could be used to build an expanded school day or year. The redesign of the school schedule at each level will include additional time for core academic and enrichment programs, as well as more planning and professional development time for teachers.

Anyone who wishes to serve on a district-wide or level-based committee working on this grant is invited to contact Stacy Stewart at 685-1011, or by email sstewart@grsd.org.

Public input will be sought throughout the process, using surveys and public meetings like this one.

You do not need to be willing to serve on a committee in order to attend the meeting on November 29th.

A sampling of successful ideas from current expanded learning time schools include increasing class time for math and English Language Arts classes so that students can participate in hands-on projects that allow them to learn and master skills in an engaging format. One school created competitive math leagues to help students with their math skills. Other schools have combined academics and enrichment in classes such as Mandarin Chinese, filmmaking, Latin dance, girls’ health issues, nutrition, apprenticeships and musical theatre.