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Another Gatewood parent here. “Parentof2” has it correct – when Fairmount Park closed, Gatewood received an influx of BD kids – more so than anyone anticipated. Word is that Roxhill received kids in the K-3 grade bands where it is easier to address – Gatewood received kids in the 4-5 grade band where kids are set in their ways and is more challenging.
The principal has continually asked the distict for support, but none has been forthcoming. The staff really did get blindsided with this as there were more BD kids assigned to the school than anticipated. A majority of them are 5th graders, so will move on from the school after this year. Come Fall, there should be a more realistic expectation set and hopefully additional support from the district based on projected need.
I have a child in the 4-5 grade band, and she has not reported much in the way of problems. Gatewood has always been an “inclusion” school – meaning that BD and special needs kids have been in mainstream classrooms. Historically, it has been manageable and even educational for all students. The influx of Fairmount kids simply tipped over the apple cart this year and there has only been so much that the school administration can do.
The families that have left the school have been a fairly vocal minority – perhaps justifiably so. Every kid and family has a different relationship with the staff and school in general. There are just as many families (like mine) that has had and continues to have nothing but positive experiences. If anyone has any concerns or reservations, please feel free to contact the principal, Rhonda Claytor. She will be more than happy to speak with you and give you the straight scoop – no sugar coating.
As usual, this is only one parent’s opinion – your mileage may vary. In the end, we all are simply trying to do what’s best for our kids.