How does the 6-8 curriculum at
The Sanibel School compare with those offered by other public middle schools in Lee
County?
The core academic subjects—math, science, language arts, and
social studies—are the same as those offered in Lee County middle schools. The
electives for sixth graders are typical of 6th- grade elective offerings. In
addition, because of its small size, the K-8 school will offer unique opportunities for
special projects and independent studies that are not offered by other schools in the
county. The school is proposing offering a foreign language in 7th and 8th
grades, currently unavailable at some of the middle schools in Lee County, including
Cypress Lake.
Will gifted classes be offered?
We anticipate that one of the teachers for the 6th grade
will be certified as a gifted instructor. Gifted instruction will be integrated into the
coursework for gifted students. Currently, full-time gifted instruction for middle school
students in the South Zone is offered only at Dunbar and Bonita Springs.
Will ESE services be available?
The same services will be available for ESE students in grades 6-8
that are available now for K-5 students.
What about students who cannot keep up with the advanced-level
classes?
Students who can’t keep up with some of the concepts will
receive the attention they need, in the same way they are now at the K-5 level. Our
current curriculum for K-5 is taught at an advanced level, and our test scores support
that.
Will there be a science lab?
The new construction will include a science lab. Until construction
is complete, appropriate materials will be made available to suit the curriculum. A
separate science lab is not needed for the sixth-grade science curriculum.
A computer lab?
There will be no separate computer lab for grades 6-8. We expect to
be provided with five computers per classroom from the school district. Computers will
also be a priority in requesting funds from the Sanibel School Foundation and PTA, as has
been the case in the past.
How will the focus on environmental studies be applied?
Environmental studies will be woven throughout the curriculum, as
it is now in grades K-5. The eco-systems on Sanibel will allow for a unique learning
experience, using the special resources available to us in this island community. Classes
every Friday will include a focus on environmental studies, while allowing real-world
application of concepts learned in the four core subjects.
How many teachers will there be for grades 6-8?
The school anticipates adding two teachers each year as each grade
is phased in. In the first year, we will be able to use our current art, music, media
specialist, and computer technology assistant.
What is block scheduling?
Block scheduling has been developed at schools around the country
to provide teachers with longer blocks of teaching time, encouraging more efficient use of
time. It increases time on task by spending less time changing classes each day.
Currently, six middle schools in the Lee County district use block scheduling, including
only one (Dunbar) in the South Zone. Our current 4th and 5th grade
teachers successfully use block scheduling now.
Will the length of the school day change?
No. The hours will be the same as they are for K-5. Though the
school day will be 15 minutes shorter than most other middle schools in the county,
instructional time will be the same or more, because less time will be spent changing
classes.
Where will the 6th-8th graders eat lunch?
The school is exploring options to provide 6th-8th
graders with their own eating area, perhaps under a pavilion outside. Unlike grades K-5,
grades 6-8 will have open seating at lunch.
Will my child have an opportunity to be in a band?
We are exploring this as an after-school, possibly fee-based,
option, depending on interest.
Will the students have lockers?
No middle schools in the Lee County district have student lockers.
This is school-district-wide practice.
Can my child play sports against teams from other schools?
This is a possibility if parents are willing to provide
transportation through car pools. The district will not provide buses for this purpose.
How will grades 6-8 be different from grades K-5?
The Sanibel School will be a K-8 school, not two separate schools,
but the 6th-8th graders will have special opportunities within the
school to allow them to feel older and more responsible. These could include student
council, Sea-TV, school newspaper, a community service requirement in 8th
grade, a mentoring program with the younger students, and independent study projects.
