Times Visit Denied

Editor's Note: After The Times ran a story in our Sept. 20 edition titled "Parents Air Frustration Over Class Size" about the fourth grade class in Dayton, Reporter Morgan Smith wanted to sit in on this fourth grade class to see for herself the pros and cons of such a large class. On Sept. 18, The Times informally emailed Super- intendent Doug Johnson to see if Smith could sit in on the fourth grade class for one day. That request was denied by Johnson. How- ever, he said parents were more than welcome to sit in on the class. On Sept. 26, The Times formally requested again to spend the day in fourth grade, citing the school is in a public school district funded by taxpayer money and special levies voted on by the public. The Times also said it would be happy to have Smith undergo a background check to at- tend class for one day. Here is the response The Times received on Oct. 3.

Jillian and Morgan,

After meeting with our Elementary Principal and both teachers we are choosing to defer your visitation request at this time. This deferment is based on the following;

Since our decision to leave the class as a single group of 34 students we have made some changes and modifications to the student schedule in order to better meet the needs of all students. Some of those changes have just recently be implemented and others will be next week. Included in those changes; a new schedule that pro- vides for two groups of 17 for the purpose of writing instruction. (60 minutes each day). This change also provides the necessary reduction in students in the computer lab and a safer environment in Physi- cal Education. Students and teachers alike are still learning their new routine and smoothing out the rough edges.

A substitute para-professional has been work- ing in the classroom for the past week for most of the rest of the student day. Application and interview process was just completed and we hope to have our full time para in place beginning next week. During the first couple of weeks the teacher and para will work together to determine how their skills can best be used to meet the needs of our students. A later visit would provide more information related to how students needs are being met by our schedule and personnel.

We share parent's con- cerns for their child's edu- cation and are working hard to meet every child's needs. Our teachers are aware of the large group and are in process of developing and using instruc- tional tools that will provide the time and attention each child deserves.

As of today, we have not spoken to or met with any parents since the deci- sion was made, who have brought specific incidents to our attention regard- ing learning issues that might be attributed to the large class size. While it is certainly appropriate for all concerned to support smaller classes, it is our belief that since the decision has been made students, teachers, administration, and parents are working to insure that all students have their needs met.

My principal and teach- ers are willing to meet with you, answer questions electronically, or provide you with other information you may need. You may contact them at 509-382- 2507.

As you suggested in your request we are a public school. To that end the public has elected five members of their community to serve as their eyes and ears in regards to the education delivered to the students of this community. The Board of Direc- tors will remain in touch with this issue and respond to the needs of the District as a whole. Chairman Martin does serve as their spokesperson if you wish to contact him.

Thank you for your interest in our District.

Respectfully,

Douglas Johnson

Dayton School DistrictSuperintendent