Dear FGCS Families: It was good seeing some of you at our discussion on the future of FGCS at the city library last week. We covered a range of topics, from development of our high school program to homework to the importance of physical activity and the arts to our children's education.
For those of you who were unable to attend, I'm sending a link to a document I handed out at the meeting that covers most of the topics we discussed. http://www.fgcschool.org/documents/index.php (Find the FGCS Future Prospectus document under the Mission and Planning heading) .
If you're unable to access the link directly, please go to the Documents page at www.fgcschool.org or ask for a copy of the document in the office.
A couple of highlights:
Start Time: We have decided to begin the school day earlier next year to make it possible for our middle/high school students to participate in after-school sports and activities at other district schools. School will begin at 8 a.m. Release times will continue to be staggered: Level 1 will release at 2:15, Level 2 will release at 2:30, Level 3 (7th and 8th graders) will release at 2:45, and Level 4 (9th and 10th graders) will release at 2:45 as well. This was a difficult decision to make, recognizing that research shows that adolescents and teens need more sleep and might benefit from a later start. However, it is this same age group that has expressed interest in participating in district sports and activities, so we are trying to balance competing needs. We will assess the change over the next school year and, as always, welcome your feedback.
Homework: In response to feedback from parents, we are modifying our homework policy. Students, parents and teachers will work together to determine what homework students will be expected to complete.
Please feel free to contact me at v.gray@fgcschool.org or 503-359-4600 if you have any questions.
Vanessa
