To the editor:

It has come to my attention that there will be a “pilot” program started at Pocasset School in Tiverton for select 1st and 2nd graders.  This pilot program will contain 20 students; some from 1st grade and some from 2nd grade, called a multi-age classroom.  This pilot program will have only one teacher, with “para-professionals” and will be implemented, the principal said, “because there are too many students at Pocasset for these grades.” 

When I asked why they did not change the borders to help this situation, the principal said she didn’t want to separate her students.  When my children went to school our side of the street went to Pocasset and on the other side of the street went to Fort Barton!  This did not disrupt these children in any way.  These children had one group of children they were in school with and one group they played with after school.

Also, the school did not bring the parents of these children in for a consultation/ discussion about this program, they just sent a letter with a few questions answered.  I think that is very wrong; not letting the parents ask their own questions, etc.  Also, why did they not ask the local newspaper to do a front page piece about this “exciting new program”?  Also the principal asked me why I cared — I care about my community;  I have lived here all my life as well as being a taxpayer.  I felt that was insulting.

I did call a number of other school districts in Rhode Island to see if any other community had such a program.   I could not find another school district in Rhode Island that has this program.

Is this being done, as the school department is now paying for two superintendents this year, as a cost saving measure?  I spoke to two School Committee members who had not even heard about the program.  Is that because the principal of Pocasset is related to Mr. Rearick?   Who is more important here, the students or the administration that oversees them?   Usually this type of classroom, more Montessori method, continues on up through the grades. This being a pilot program, how are the kids supposed to adjust after being in this for 1st and 2nd grade with no continuum?

I think the most frightening thing about this is, will Tiverton require another elementary school soon?  Isn’t Tiverton “bonded out” right now – and there are new housing developments coming down the pipeline?  This is why, in my opinion, the casino money should be put in the budget and should not be held hostage by seven people making the decision for the rest of the voters.  Vote no to question 10 of the Town Council charter questions on the November ballot that lets this happen!

Madeline O’Dell

Tiverton