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Search starts for students in Medford experiment By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune Coordinators of a pilot program that allows 232 sixth-graders to attend Medford middle schools will soon begin their search for a new batch of students for next year. The program is the initial step in creating a middle school curriculum at both Hedrick and McLoughlin that, until this year, only had seventh- and eighth-graders. Parents of fifth-graders have already begun receiving brochures and other materials about the program. Informational meetings will be held at Hedrick and McLoughlin during the week of April 8-11 and interested families can submit applications to their current elementary schools by the end of the day on April 16. Schools will choose the students by May 1. Angie Mytinger, who has one of her three children at McLoughlin, said the program this year has worked well for her daughter. "She went from having sometimes babyish behavior to maturity," she said. Many educators believe that sixth-graders are developmentally ready for middle school scheduling, which offers separate teachers and classes rather than a home room as in elementary school. Most school districts in Oregon have shifted over to a grade 6, 7 and 8 format partly because it conforms better to state testing in grades 5 and 8. "A lot of people think it's not for all kids, but I do," said Mytinger. However, she would like the district to consider expanding the program to offer blended classes for sixth- and seventh-graders as a way to offer a more academically challenging environment. The curriculum offered for these students includes language arts, reading, math, social science, physical education and science. Students also participate in vocal/instrumental music, exploratory electives and other programs. Fifth-grade elementary students from the Medford School District's 14 elementary schools will be eligible for the project. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.