Staying put

Garrett’s fifth-graders won’t to go middle school

Cumberland Times-News

Wisdom and some common sense must have contributed to the Garrett County Board of Education’s decision not to place fifth-grade students in middle schools.

A proposed move to do so was part of a five-year reconfiguration plan designed to address staff and space problems and offer fifth-graders a chance to take foreign language and technical education classes.

Parents were concerned about the consequences of fifth-graders associating with other students who were older, chiefly the potential for bullying of the younger students. Fifth-graders have SpongeBob lunch boxes and could be “made fun of” by eighth-graders who do not, said one parent.

The fifth graders also would have had to do without recess and the opportunity for exercise it provides.

Those who are familiar with grade schools know there is a marked difference in the maturity level of students from year to year, and the younger the student, the greater the difference — and the difference can be traumatic.

We commend the Garrett County school board for listening to parents and recognizing this fact. Parents seemed to be relieved by the decision.

Another plan is now being considered that may act to both solve the logistical problems and address parents’ legitimate concerns, but the details won’t be known until later this year.

More here.

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