Student Placement Process

Sunset Elementary Student Placement Process

Please scroll down for the optional student placement form

Class Placement

In the best possible situation, we would know in advance exactly how many classes we could offer at each grade level and who would be teaching each of those classes. However, we are still awaiting staffing numbers for next year as the district sorts through the impact of enrollment, budgets, etc.

Unfortunately, it is August when we determine final enrollment. As you know, enrollment determines staffing. I would like to thank you in advance for your understanding of this process and be assured that we will do all we can to ensure thoughtful placement of each child.

Student Placement Information

Many parents ask what opportunity the family has in providing input into their child’s placement from year to year. Hopefully the following information will be helpful.

The classroom placement process is VERY complex and many factors enter into the decision-making process. Each of the following are considered before final rosters are prepared:

• The program needs of the child
• A balanced ratio of boys to girls
• Motivation level of each student
• A balance of achievement levels in literacy and mathematics
• Behavior factors regarding each student
• Compatibility of students with others in the classroom (i.e., separating students who have not worked well together in the past)
• Independent work habits
• Social needs and leadership skills
• Information provided by the teacher.

Our staff takes the task of placement very seriously. We assure you that each grade level team (with assistance of specialists, guidance team, etc.) take much time, effort and care in developing class rosters that result in offering ALL students a quality educational experience. Once balanced rosters are created teachers will be assigned.

Parent/Guardian Information

You may have pertinent information about your child that you would like considered in the placement process. Examples of information we find helpful are: “Please separate my twins, Sally and Suzie,” or “Please do not place my son Joey in the same class as Fred as we are neighbors and they are together all the time,” or “My child has only been in the United States one month and needs ELL support.”

Examples of comments that we all agree upon are: “We want a warm, nurturing, caring environment for our child,” “We want our child challenged,” “We want our child in a structured classroom.” We take these comments as a given; it is each teachers responsibility to provide a nurturing, challenging, safe environment for every student. The task for the current year teachers is to develop balanced classrooms based on the knowledge they have about the students, not the teachers at the next grade level.

Please note that our number one goal is to create balanced classrooms. We are not able to honor requests for students to be placed with special friends. Once balanced rosters are created and staffing is finalized, teachers will be assigned by the principal.

If you choose to provide specific information regarding your child that the teacher does not have or may be unaware of, please fill out the optional Student Placement form, which is available prior to the Spring deadline each year.

Kathy Keegan, Principal
Sunset Elementary