Welcome Letters - please read them before school starts!

School is approaching.

Welcome letters are posted.

For anyone having trouble accessing the letter from Ms. Steele, click here

The other letters are here

Enjoy!

Classroom configurations for 2013/2014

Per Ms. Ayer, as of today:

Below are the classroom configurations for both programs for next year. 

Contemporary:

K/1 – 3 Classes

1/2 - 1 Class

2/3 – 2 Classes

4/5 – 3 Classes

Montessori:

K – 1 Class

K/1 – 1 Class

2/3 – 1 Class

1/2/3 – 3 Classes

4/5 – 3 Classes

Classroom configurations now set for 2012/2013

Per Principal Ayer:  In 2012/2013, the classroom configurations will remain the same as this year:

Contemporary
K/1: 2 classes (Mrs. Stone & Ms. Hansen)
1/2: 1 class (Ms. Filep)
2/3: 2 classes (Ms. Scordas & *TBD*)
4/5 2 classes (Mr. Bauer & Ms. Manley)

Montessori
K/1: 3 classes  (Ms. Norton, Ms. Messom & Ms. Richards)
2/3: 3 classes (Ms. Green, Ms. Forselius & Ms. Humphrey)
4/5: 2 classes (Ms. Stackhouse & Mr. Moore)

... so, two contemporary K/1 and three Montessori K/1.  That's good news for anyone on the Montessori waitlist.

Still not registered for kindergarten? + some notes about next year

If you are in the attendance area, your child will be automatically be given a spot at Bagley, regardless of when you register.

However, if you aren't registered, you will miss communication from the PTA, Daniel Bagley and Seattle Public Schools.  By registering early, you can help Ms. Ayer and the staff plan classroom assignments, and provide some insight to the hopeful families on the waitlist.

All the registration details are on the SPS website.

p.s. This year, we have three K/1 Montessori & two K/1 Contemporary classes.  Possibly the same for next year. TBD.
p.p.s.  The new double-wide trailer that will be installed over the summer will NOT be a K-1 classroom next year.  Hopefully not a classroom at all...

The deal with mixed grade classes and Montessori

(Original post 8/26/2011; updated with some new information 8/30/2011)

You will have noticed by now that all the classes at Daniel Bagley are mixed grade (K-1, 1-2, 2-3, or 4-5).  I understand that this is common practice in Montessori programs to accommodate a range of ages and skill levels; our school's Contemporary program has mirrored this.  I'm not sure whether it is for consistency, or flexibility with maintaining class sizes, or ensuring equivalent learning opportunities, or best practices, or a combination.

How big are the classes, and are they all mixed grade?

****UPDATE #2: last year's data from Dan is posted in the comments - shows # kids per grade****
****UPDATE: actual info for 2011-2012 from Erin is posted below and in the comments. ****

"Great information! The class sizes are spot on.
Here's some additional information based on the Principal's update at our last PTA meeting.
All classrooms will be multi-grade this year. The Contemporary program will have K/1, 1/2, 2/3, and 4/5 classes. The Montessori program will be K/1, 2/3, and 4/5.
The district projected our enrollment to be a little over 400 and our average enrollment last year was 389.
The class configurations in the Contemporary program are subject to change if summer enrollment numbers shift significantly from projections. The Montessori program is less likely to change since it is an opt-in program and Montessori teachers are more difficult to hire.
Hope this helps and welcome to Bagley!
Erin Reid, PTA Co-Treasurer"