MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dear RLAS-116, Parents, Families and Community Members:

As the 2007-08 school year comes to a close, we would like to share information on two significant changes that will occur relative to the 2008-09 school year. As we have indicated in previous newsletters, students in grades 6-8 who will be returning for the 2008-09 school year will see the debut of a new middle school configuration for RLAS-116. Round Lake Middle School and the “new” Magee Middle School next year will house students in grades 6, 7 and 8. Currently students in grades 7 and 8 attend Round Lake Middle School. The new 6-8 middle school format will provide an opportunity for improved continuity of curriculum and instruction. It will also provide a better transition for students from the elementary K-5 program before they enter the high school 9-12 program. If parents or students have any questions as to which middle school they will be attending and/or curriculum or other middle school issues, please contact us at the RLAS-116 District Office.

The “new” Magee Middle School building is progressing at a much quicker pace now that the winter weather conditions have abated and warmer weather has consistently occurred. At this time, we expect Magee Middle School to be completed in time for student occupancy on August 18, 2008. The “new” Magee Middle School will have new cafeteria facilities, new band and music classrooms, a refurbished gymnasium and a different building layout. Staff, administration, the Board of Education and the School Finance Authority are very excited about Magee Middle School and will be scheduling an open house in early fall for community and parents to view this new facility.

Another significant change for the 2008-09 school year is the offering of an all day kindergarten program for all of our kindergarten students. We are extremely excited about the benefits this type of program will bring to our students. The opportunity to provide extended instruction for our kindergarten students provides a significant positive contribution on all aspects of their educational program. The “new” program will provide for an important extension of curriculum in reading, mathematics, science, social studies and emotional development. We expect that this program change will reap many positive results in the future.

Again, I continue to be impressed with the dedication of the students, staff and the support of both the Board of Education and School Finance Authority at RLAS-116. The accomplishments and success of our students has been a very impressive occurrence this year. We are also appreciative of the dedication and support of our families that certainly help contribute to the success of our students. I look forward to additional improvements next year at RLAS-116 whether it is in our academic areas, athletics, fine arts performances or whether it is in building stronger relationships between our schools and community.

I consider myself very fortunate to be a part of RLAS-116. We are very excited about the accomplishments that have been achieved during the 2007-08 school year and are eagerly awaiting the challenges and opportunities in the 2008-09 school year.

Sincerely,
Dr. Ben Martindale