Bayless Shifts 6th Grade to Create Middle School

Current 5th graders can expect to move across the street a year early, thanks to shift approved by the Bayless School Board Wednesday.

The board voted unanimously to move the 6th grade into the School building, effectively turning it into a middle school. The change will take effect with the 2012-2013 school year.

“Middle school is a concept,” said Bayless Jr. High President Paul Sharp, who presented the middle school proposal to the board.

Sharp said that while junior highs are more like small high schools, middle schools focus on a more full-bodied approach to student development at a crucial period of adolescence. Bayless Jr. High was already using this approach, he said, and it would make sense to include 6th graders as well, increasing their opportunity for extracurricular activities.

The shift also reflects a larger trend in education across the state and country. Missouri now places greater emphasis on aligning curriculum vertically across grades six through eight. Paul also said the shift would make things easier in 2015, when accountability for schools becomes more focused on progress across grades six through eight and grades six through 12.

The move comes at a time of upheaval for the district, as it struggles with dwindling revenue and prepares to change superintendents this summer. But Paul said the changes made it a good moment to make this switch.

“We are in a real neat opportunity at the moment to redefine what’s possible at Bayless,” Sharp said. “I really think this is the time to do it.”

The move also comes at a fairly minimal cost to the district. Moving furniture and equipment from one building to another will cost just under an estimated $2000. New technology needs will cost an estimated $950.

Paul said the move could reduce traffic dropping off and picking up students on the Bayless Intermediate side of the street.

According to Sharp the proposal has been very popular with teachers, students and parents, who were polled about the idea. In a survey handed out to parents who attended a meeting on the concept Feb. 29, 81 percent supported the creation of Bayless Middle School. In a survey of current 5th grade students, 91 of 109 students said they were excited about moving across the street next year.

When the proposal passed, teachers attending the school board meeting applauded.

“With just two years, by the time we get to know them they leave. This way we really get to know them,” said Christa Hessler, counselor at Bayless Jr. High.

School Board President Jeff Preisack said that was a sign the board takes seriously.

“When the teachers are excited for something, we know its going to promote student achievement,” he said.