February 4, 2005
Baker Middle School Could Be Phased Out
If the Board approves a proposal next month to initiate three more K-8 schools in northwest Denver and reassign Lincoln Elementary School’s graduating fifth graders to Grant Middle School, then Baker Middle School could be eliminated entirely as a middle school by May 2007.
"At the end of the 2006-2007 school year, Baker would not exist as a middle school," said Assistant Superintendent Wayne Eckerling.
If the plans are approved on March 3, Baker would serve only seventh- and eighth-grade students beginning this fall; eighth-grade students would continue for the 2006-2007 school year, unless the Board approves subsequent changes to the pupil assignment plan.
Baker’s state rating is "low" and has declined since 2001. Both Grant and Baker received "low" state ratings for the last four years, and both were rated as "stable" on the academic growth indicator in 2004 (based on DPS calculations using the Colorado Department of Education formula). However, Grant’s index score (on which the state ratings are based) is significantly higher than that of Baker.
"The staff at Baker is committed to doing what’s best for student achievement," said principal Linda Torres. "We are open to working with the district to provide options."
Enrollment has declined at Baker by 212 students (44 percent) since 2001-2002. Membership at Grant during the same time period was relatively stable. The school’s enrollment currently is below the minimum number of students needed to operate effectively as a middle school. With only 272 students, the school operates at 40 percent of capacity. Enrollment in the Baker attendance area continues to decline, and the approval of K-8 schools in the neighborhood will further reduce Baker’s enrollment.
"The move to K-8s gives the district an opportunity to look at new options," said Eckerling. "This is a step toward making that possible ... this is a tremendous opportunity to move forward and, in accordance with the Choice resolution, have a facility that can be used for a different purpose."
Garden Place Elementary Might Expand To Grade 8
The Board of Education this week heard a plan to convert Garden Place Elementary School in northeast Denver to a K-8 school, adding sixth grade this fall and an additional grade each year thereafter.
Parents of fifth-grade students expressed broad support (90 percent) for the K-8 plan.
"Our parents are very, very, very supportive," said principal Beth Morganfield. "Our school is 103 years old. We were built to be a K-12 school. We’re set up for this. Students of all ages can be accommodated," she said.
Already this year, the Board has approved converting five elementary schools to K-8s (see "the K-8 picture" this page).
Staff believes that new K-8 schools should participate in the middle school preparatory league or a dedicated league for K-8 students. Most existing K-8 schools initiated their participation in sixth grade. However, principals of the five northeast area schools recently approved for conversion to K-8 expressed interest in waiting one or two years to begin their participation in a formal athletic league. Garden Place currently is considering its athletic options and may be interested in starting participation earlier. Sports offered as part of the preparatory league include cross county, volleyball, soccer, baseball and basketball.
A growing body of evidence supports the kindergarten through grade eight configuration as a positive environment for highly impacted middle grade students. Research indicates that on both a
national and local level, K-8s are generating improved academic and behavioral results among students.
Data also suggests strong middle schools drive achievement that rivals that of the best K-8s.
Approval of the proposal would not preclude Garden Place families from pursing traditional middle school options. If the plan is approved, the district would provide transportation to Smiley Middle School for those students who prefer to attend a traditional middle school.
A Board decision about Garden Place Elementary School is expected on Thursday, March 3.
The K-8 Picture
This fall, Denver Public Schools could offer 15 neighborhood K-8 schools. Currently there are six neighborhood K-8 schools in Denver.*
On the heels of this year’s resolution reaffirming a commitment to increasing academic options, the Board of Education recently approved proposals to expand five elementary schools to K-8s. Another four elementary school expansions are expected in the next month.
Anticipated K-8s
Garden Place – 4425 Lincoln St.
Del Pueblo – 750 Glapago St.
Fairmont – 520 W. 3rd Ave.
Greenlee – 1150 Lipan St.
Recently-Approved K-8s
Columbine – 2540 E. 29th Ave.
Gilpin – 2949 California St.
Harrington – 2401 E. 37th Ave.
Mitchell – 1350 E. 33rd Ave.
Whittier – 2480 Downing St.
Current K-8s
Park Hill – 5050 E. 19th Ave.
Bryant-Webster – 3635 Quivas St.
Centennial – 4665 Raleigh St.
Dora Moore – 846 Corona St.
Slavens – 3000 S. Clayton St.
Grant Ranch – 5400 S. Jay Circle
* DPS also offers six K-8 charter schools and a K-8 online school.
Bond Goals Are "Being Met"
-Citizens Committee on Bond Expenditures
The Citizens Committee on Bond Expenditures reported this week that the district’s management of the $310 million bond approved by voters in November 2003 is on track, the bond’s goals are "being met," and staff is dealing well with a challenging construction schedule.
The Department of Facility Management "is to be commended for how quickly it was able to begin projects in 2004," the report states. "The required timeline for expenditure of this bond money (three years) has placed extraordinary pressure on the (department). Thus far, it has responded well to that pressure."
The report also cited two concerns and asked for:
- Clear procedures and process for determining how to spend $4.8 million of bond money designated to finance capital improvements associated with school revitalization.
- A "timely" decision on the proposed renovation of Byers. The bond originally included $8 million to renovate Byers with the idea of expanding Denver School of the Arts. The proposal was recently withdrawn.
At the same time, the committee said it’s "impressed" with the efforts to ensure quality construction, timeliness and fiscal responsibility. In addition, the efforts to assure diversity among businesses participating has produced results "far higher than any other comparable programs" in metro Denver and the staff of the Department of Facility Management was recognized for its "competency, professionalism, and hard work."
No Postponement For P.S. 1 Charter Decision
The Board of Education this week turned down a motion that would have given P.S. 1 Charter School two extra months – until April 21 – to develop its plan for improvement.
As a result, the Board is scheduled to make a decision on the recommendation to deny the renewal of the school’s charter at its next meeting, February. 17.
Board member Kevin Patterson argued that a two-month delay might leave students and parents scrambling to make plans for 2005-2006 if the charter is revoked that late in the school year. He also said the school has had ample time to develop its plans. "I can’t go on a hope and a promise," he said. "I fundamentally believe we should move forward."
Patterson was joined by Board members Lucia Guzman, Michelle Moss, and Theresa Pena in voting against the motion.
Board member Bruce Hoyt said P.S. 1 Charter, recently rated unsatisfactory by the state, performs a service as a "second chance" for many students who don’t fit into traditional schools and also serves a large percentage of students with special needs. The school took the state rating as "a big wake up call," he said, "and I’m anxious to see what their plans and commitments are."
The P.S. 1 proposal is scheduled action on February. 17 with recommendations to renew four other charter schools – Denver Arts and Technology Academy; Pioneer; Community Challenge; and Challenges, Choices and Images.
"KIPP: Cole College Prep" Contract Proposed
District staff this week proposed a contract for "KIPP: Cole College Prep," the charter school preparing to operate Cole Middle School next year. Action on the contract is scheduled for February. 17.
Superintendent Wartgow also introduced Denver Public Schools graduate Chris Clemons, who has been named by the Knowledge Is Power Program as the school’s principal.
"It’s a dream come true to come back and lead," said Clemons, who has recently been a fellow with Building Excellent Schools, a Boston-based charter school leadership development program. "I look forward to a good, strong partnership with Denver Public Schools."
The contract calls for a maximum of 360 students in the school.
During the 2005-2006 school year, the school will serve students in grades seven and eight. Fifth- and eighth-graders will be served in the 2006-2007 school year; fifth- and sixth-graders in the 2007-2008 school year; fifth through seventh graders in 2008-2009 and fifth- through eighth-graders in 2009-2010.