Committee to Study Moving 5th Graders to Middle Schools

BRAINTREE, MA - A new committee led by Braintree Assistant Superintendent Jen Fay-Beers aims to study the best way to move the fifth grade to renovated middle schools.

With the school district proposing to bring the grade to East and South Middle Schools, the committee will seek input from the schools’ stakeholders and plan a transition to go from two middle schools for sixth to eighth graders to schools that include the fifth grade.

“It's a change and I think we acknowledge that. I think this team will bring about a positive change and express the importance of communication and collaboration,” Mayor Joseph Sullivan said.

Fay-Beers told the school committee Monday that the group's focus will include curriculum, program delivery, staff, parent involvement, emotional support, scheduling, educational program, and building design.

Fay-Beers will chair the committee that will include parents, teachers, and guidance counselors. Elementary and middle school students will join the group later in the process. How students are chosen for the committee has yet to be decided.

Currently, the town is seeking funds from the Massachusetts School Building Association for the renovation of East Middle School. A statement of interest for a South Middle School renovation is in the works, according to Sullivan.

The committee plans to announce their members by May 1 and hold their first meeting by May 15.