Thursday, September 21, 2023 Volume 18 Issue 2
This year, we have several split-grade classrooms in our school, including a K/1st, a 1st/2nd, a 2nd/3rd, a 3rd/4th, and a 4th/5th grade class. These classes exist in both our Scholars and AC Scholars programs. Creating a split class is generally not something we do intentionally, but rather a function of our enrollment numbers. We often receive questions about split classes and will address a few of the most common ones here.
Why was my child assigned to a split class? We look at many factors when creating our class lists to create a well-balanced classroom, including gender, learning styles, academic needs, and personality. Split-grade classes are kept a bit smaller (a requirement of the teachers’ contract), which is a benefit to students. Chances are at some point in elementary school, your child will be part of a split-grade class.
Will my child see other students in their grade if they are in a split grade class? Yes. Students will mix with other grades for lunch and recess and Social Studies classes. We considered split grade classes when creating our building schedule. For example, if your child is in a 2nd/3rd grade class, they may have their lunch recess with other 3rd grade classes and their afternoon recess with other 2nd grade classes.
How can one teacher meet the needs of students in two grade levels? It is important to remember that even in a single-grade classroom teachers serve the needs of learners at a range of levels. Education researchers estimate that the typical classroom has a developmental range of five years. Any teacher will tell you that they plan for a variety of levels to meet the needs of their students. Depending on several factors, such as schedule and the size of other classes, we may have instances of students walking to another grade level for a subject. In other classes, a teacher may give a lesson to one grade while the other grade does independent work and then teach the second grade as the other works independently. When we can, we support teachers with math instruction so that either students of one grade walk to another teacher or our Math Specialist, Ms. Duarte, teaches a math section.
Are there benefits to split grade classes? A review of fifty-six research studies conducted on the effects of split classrooms found no significant differences in student achievement when these children were compared with students in single-grade classrooms. In addition, students in split-grade classrooms scored just as well in their attitude towards school and self-concept. Some teachers report that students in split classrooms develop a stronger sense of independence and may benefit from the opportunity to expand their social group by making friends in another grade.
What will happen next year if my child was in a split grade class this year? Your child may be in a 3rd/4th grade class and doing science or social studies that looks more like one grade or the other—or possibly a hybrid of the two grades. There is not time in the day to teach every subject in both grades twice. However, due to differences in teaching style and content changes, a subject never looks the same from year to year, so a child will not have the same experience in their learning. We do our best to make sure we do not have students in split classes two years in a row at Thurgood Marshall, so if your child is assigned to a split-grade class this year, we would try not to assign them to one again next year.
What about field trips? What about 5th grade camp? There are some field trips that your child will go on as part of a split-grade class, and some that are for just one of the grades. Fifth grade camp is only for fifth grade students. If your child is in a 4th/5th class, fourth graders will stay at school for those 3 days. Some years their teacher stays with them, and some years they have a substitute, depending on the staffing available for camp. Teachers who miss camp will participate in that special experience the following year.
How can I make sure my child has a successful year? Ultimately, the best way to help your child succeed in either a split-grade or single-grade classroom is to establish a relationship with their teacher early in the year and share any concerns you have with the teacher. Having a clear picture of how the classroom is managed and how your child’s specific needs are met will alleviate your concerns and help your child to feel comfortable in their new setting as well. Please know that we care about your child and will do our best to give your child a rewarding learning experience.
School-wide Message from Nurse Colima
COVID and other illnesses are on the rise in our community. The best defense is handwashing and not sending your student to school when they are sick. Students must be fever, vomit, and diarrhea-free for 24 hours before returning to school WITHOUT the aid of medications.
Please report all COVID cases to the school nurse—isolation practices are still in effect. Masks are available in my office. The newest COVID booster and the flu shot are now available from your health care provider or pharmacy. Thank you for keeping our community healthy.
- Nurse Colima
Fall enrichment enrollment opens Friday at 8:00 PM
This Fall FTME will use a website called Homeroom for Fall 2023 Enrichment, and it is recommended to update or create your Homeroom account before enrollment begins. We expect many classes to fill up quickly, so mark your calendars! There are classes available to students in all grade levels; however, please read the course descriptions (or review them in Homeroom) carefully, as not all classes are open to all grades.
If you do not have internet access, please contact the enrichment team before enrollment opens to complete an offline enrollment. Paper forms with course descriptions are available in the TM office. Visit the enrichment program web page for more detailed information about the program and registration via Homeroom.
Thurgood Marshall Enrichment programs are open to all students. If your child requires extra support or 1:1 care during the school day—for example, students that have medical needs, behavior concerns, wandering tendencies, as well as assistance with toileting—please reach out to enrichment@tmlink.org to discuss how we can help them successfully participate in the enrichment programming.
Thank you for supporting the FTME Enrichment Program!
Questions? Email enrichment@tmlink.org
Tutu's Pantry Application 2023–2024
Please fill out this form if your family would like to receive a weekly food backpack.
Student Name __________________________________________________
Teacher Name _________________________ Room Number ______________
Please list any siblings at Thurgood Marshall
____________________________ 3. _____________________________
____________________________ 4. _____________________________
Name of adult contact ______________________________________________
Language(s) spoken _______________________________________________
Phone Number ___________________________________________________
Email Address ____________________________________________________
Mailing Address ___________________________________________________
Preferred method of communication (please circle one):
Phone Email Mail
May we include meat products in your backpack? YES NO
Do you keep Halal or Kosher? _________________________________________
Do you have any other food restrictions? ______________________________
What food preparation facilities do you have? Please circle all that apply:
Stovetop/burners Oven Microwave Full kitchen
Number of children under age 12 in the home __________________________
Please fill out and return to your child’s teacher or the Thurgood Marshall main office.
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