Jenks Public Schools to place 5th and 6th Grades in Same Separate Building

The Jenks school district will soon complete plans to move fifth graders out of elementary school and into another building with sixth graders. The model has been in place on Jenks' west side for

Tuesday, March 7th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The Jenks school district will soon complete plans to move fifth graders out of elementary school and into another building with sixth graders. The model has been in place on Jenks' west side for three years with students east of the river scheduled to make the change this fall.

Jenks Public Schools developed a plan to restructure some grades several years ago after looking at population trends, and what was developmentally best for students. "What we decided to do was to group our students pre-school through 4th grade, then 5th and 6th grade with out intermediate, and then 7th and 8th, and 9th through 12th, with 9th being separated at the freshman academy," said Jenks Public Schools spokesperson Dr. Diane Bosworth.

While it might seem that moving 5th graders out of elementary school would cause some to grow up too quickly, Bosworth says the reverse actually happens. "The 5th and 6th graders being together and the school operating more like an elementary than a secondary school will keep the elementary model in place a little longer for the children," she said.

Some Jenks West 5th graders like being out of elementary school. For one thing, it's less crowded. "When I was at the elementary there was like a lot more kids," said student Mitchell Shotts. "It's just nice having a lot more room."

They say there haven't been any problems between 5th and 6th graders. "We're not really around them and they don't do anything to us so it really doesn't bother me that much," said Erica Edwards. "I think they get along really well," said student Seth Charles. "They're pretty much learning the same things."

Parent Vicki McDonald has reared three children through this age, and says the intermediate model works very well. "Because your 5th graders usually feel like they're too old to be in elementary schools, yet your 6th graders are too young to be with 7th and 8th graders," she said.

All 7th and 8th graders will be at a new center scheduled to open this fall. Bosworth says response to this grouping of graders has been overwhelmingly positive with most educators and parents ultimately agreeing it's the best way to serve Jenks students.

Bosworth says next year's 5th and 6th graders on the east side of the river will be most affected by the change, and there are a number of transition plans in place to answer any questions that families may have.