February/March Update 

Dear Gorham Community,

During the month of February, the K-5 Transition Team met twice and again once during the month of March.  Here is an update:

On February 8th the Team finalized a Special Education Statement to reflect specialized programs in specific locations. The Team spent considerable time discussing aspects of Literacy and Math support.  Much of the conversation entertained ideas on appropriate models of support – specifically how a coaching model might be considered to advance and otherwise support regular education staff at the Tier 1 level of RTI (Response to Intervention) while still being sensitive to the direct support needs of children.  All of these conversations were tempered by the reality of our current fiscal challenges, not only at the local level, but also as impacted by the state.  Math and Literacy Specialists and Support Teachers were invited to the Transition Team meeting of March 14, 2008 to share ideas as we further consider this topic. 

On February 29th, Superintendent Sharp updated the Team on the timeline for the new school.  Lyndon Keck led conversations on space in the new school which have design implications.  He gathered input regarding cubbies and lockers, classroom and administrative layouts, and floor plan relationships.  Last, we reviewed recommendations for local costs.  

K-5 Literacy and Math teachers from the three schools joined the Team on March 14th to share ideas of balanced literacy and math programs as well as appropriate models of support.  Questions posed to them included the following:  What are your thoughts regarding the K-5 Transition?  What   are the elements of best practice in reading and math? If you could change your program tomorrow, how would it be different? The conversation was productive and enlightening and we look forward to continued conversations in the future. 

At our next meeting on April 18th, the Team will host Dennis Crowe, the new Director of Technology and Information Services.

Respectfully,