PEM Grade Six Middle School Move

PEM School Board members on May 12 approved a resolution to move sixth-graders to the 7-8 junior high building this fall.

4-6/7-8 principal Clark Olstad recommended the move, noting that he has always professionally believed that sixth-grade students would benefit from a Middle School setting.

Such a move has not been possible in the past, with many five-section grades. But all upcoming K-6 class sizes represent four sections per grade at the middle school level for the next several years.

The Plainview News reports a few of the advantages discussed include - a year to adjust to Middle School before starting athletics in seventh grade, environment, with multiple teachers daily, each sixth-grade student will be assigned an advisor and it allows broader social opporunities: Being in a middle school allows sixth-graders to interact with a wider range of peers, helping them develop social skills and form diverse friendships.

Future Ideas at PK-3 building in Plainview could include daycare options for the public, more options for Preschool, and sending the third-graders to Elgin, so the current 4-6 building would include third, fourth and fifth-graders.