Schools Share Parent Information Timelines, Readiness Plans in Preparation for 2009
Schools have implemented school readiness plans, and followed parent information timelines in preparation for students’ smooth transition to new grade levels.  Click here for details.

Schools implemented Successful Completion Components for Transitioning Ninth Grade PSD Students    

PSD is following a 6th Grade Athletics Plan (27 KB) for students moving to Middle Schools

PSD STAFF INFORMATION (prior to August 2009): 

Information Technology checklist for grade reconfiguration (33 KB)

Instructional materials movement to new schools: Timeline (34 KB)   for Movement of 6th Grade (71 KB) and 9th Grade (52 KB)   Instructional Materials

View District-Wide Key Dates and Activities for a Smooth Transition (62 KB) (October 2008)

Staff Movement:  PSD Human Resources Department update on grade level changes (44 KB) (October 2008)

See links to in-depth information BELOW RIGHT under:
(1) Grade Configuration Implementation
(2) Staff Movement, and
(3) Middle School Development and Middle School Transition Video! 

Objectives
Plan and coordinate activities to assure a smooth transition for students and staff, as PSD schools move to a K-5 elementary, 6-8 middle, and 9-12 high schools in fall 2009. 

Timeline, Activities,  and Decision-Making Process	Critical Background Information	Ongoing Communication, Sources, and detailed information
June - Aug. 2007: Principals, directors, district administrators provide input on implementation design. June - Oct. 2007: Human Resources staff develops staff movement plan, including information on teacher licensure. Aug. - Oct. 2007: A definition of an atypical school will be reviewed and finalized.  K-8 criterion will be reviewed and finalized.  Feeder systems and schools will make decisions regarding configuration. Sept. - Dec. 2007: K-5, 6-8, and K-8 Feeder Readiness Plans completed. Sept. 2007: Form personnel movement advisory group comprised of cross-representation from staff groups. Oct. 2007: Human Resources staff movement plan is complete. Nov. 2007: Schools confirm grade level plans; PSD determines whether levels will change in 2009 or 2010.  Voluntary staff movement plan options are communicated widely. Dec. 2007: Committee establishes criterion and guidelines for School Readiness Plans (each school), the middle school concept, and transitions for recommendation to Superintendent’s Cabinet. Jan. 2008: Schools receive overview, process, timeline, and templates for site readiness plans.  Planning begins for levels, feeder system and district readiness. Feb. 2008: Essential Components of Successful Middle Schools recommendations from Middle School Study Group and DGCIC go to Superintendent's Cabinet. Apr. 2008: Schools submit draft readiness plans for Fall 2009 implementation.  Includes transition plans for staff, students, instruction, materials, and facilities. Oct. 2008: PSD Staff attend National Middle School Assn. conference in Denver. Nov. 2008: Schools submit final plans for Fall 2009 implementation.  Elementary and secondary assistant superintendents will approve site team, level, and feeder plans. Aug. 2009: Implementation of grade configuration changes.	Goals for implementing grade level changes include increased academic and extra-curricular opportunities for students, improved curriculum alignment, and successful transitions for students between all levels. Grade level changes are being made in order to accomplish the following objectives: • Encourage more students to complete Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) and dual enrollment college classes, • Better prepare students for post-secondary challenges and options, • Assure more students complete high school, • Design graduation requirements that present students with additional pathways, and • Potentially create more early childhood education opportunities.	(1) DISTRICT GRADE CONFIGURATION IMPLEMENTATION INFORMATION: • Key Dates and Activities for a Smooth Transition (56 KB) (Sept. 2008) • Open and Closed Campus Information Shared (35 KB) (May 2008) • Monthly Updates (Sept. 2007 - April 2008) • Funds available (121 KB) for schools to plan, implement grade level changes (Jan. 2008) • Site Readiness Plans (overview and process (18 KB) , elementary (163 KB) , middle level (192 KB) , high school (187 KB) plans) • Grade Configuration Implementation Plan (87 KB) (Dec. 07) • List of Issues, Concerns, Questions & Suggestions, grouped by schools, feeders, levels, and district • Grade Configuration Implementation Committee Members (25 KB)  (Aug. 07) • Timeline (20 KB)   for Grade Configuration Changes (Aug. 07) • Meeting Schedule (64 KB) for Committee (Sept. 07) Information and questions: mortega@psdschools.org or call 490-3011 (2) STAFF MOVEMENT INFORMATION: • October 2008 Staff Movement Update (44 KB) • February 2008 Staff Movement Update (98 KB) • December 2007 Staff Movement Update (71 KB)   (87 KB) • Responses to Frequently Asked Questions from Staff (142 KB) (Nov. 07) • Personnel Advisory Committee Minutes & Teacher Meeting Schedule (127 KB) (Sept. 07) • Personnel Advisory Committee Minutes (94 KB) (Oct. 07) • Teacher Licensure (188 KB) & qualifications for Grade Level Changes (Sept. 07) • Personnel Movement Planning & Goals (79 KB) (Sept. 07) • Personnel Movement Timeline (18 KB) (Sept. 07) Information and questions: ashore@psdschools.org or 490-3123 (3) MIDDLE SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT: • Middle School Transition Video (April 2008) • Esstential Components of Successful Middle Schools (chart (79 KB)   and detailed information/definitions (117 KB) ) • Inventory of Current Jr. High Practices (95 KB) (as PSD moves toward Middle School model) (Sept. 07) • Middle School Committee Members (62 KB) (Sept. 07)

The Grade Configuration Implementation process is dynamic and the timeline and information are being updated periodically to reflect changes, as needed.