MARYSVILLE – New trends are always popular with educators. But some parents at a meeting Jan. 31 with the Marysville School District were more interested in going old school.
Ray Houser, assistant superintendent, talked to about 150 people at High School Information Night for the Class of 2021. While the meetings take place every year, this one was different in that these eighth-graders will be the first to have to obtain 24 credits to graduate from high school.
Houser likely thought he’d be explaining that to parents most of the night. The new requirement is a concern for the district because it leaves no room for error. Students would have to pass every class to receive 24 credits. The district is setting up a committee to look at options, which could include a seven-period day instead of six.
Houser said the district is trying to build more opportunities for students to earn credits, including showing proficiency in certain subjects. Also, middle school students can earn high school credits for passing subjects such as Spanish, algebra and some Career Technical Education classes
“Will the current six-period day work for our students?” Houser said, adding the bump in credits requires two in a world language, and one each in science and fine arts. Instead, Houser was questioned by parents on how their children would be able to pick which of seven high schools they want to attend without more information. Parents asked if the district could do what it did in the old days: Have open houses at the high schools so students could check them out and have older students return to their middle schools to tell kids about the high school they chose.
Adding to the woes of making a decision is the future of Marysville Getchell High School. A consultant is looking at the school to see if a four-academy system is still best for that school. What makes that hard for parents is they have to choose this month which high school their child will attend. The consultant won’t be done until spring. “We will make sure the transition has minimal impact on the student,” Houser said.
He added that at least in the first two years, there is not much difference between the high schools – four at MG, Marysville-Pilchuck, Arts and Tech and Tulalip Heritage. Because of the 24-credit requirement, those two years are taken up with mandated classes.
The high schools do vary on electives they offer for juniors and seniors. But a student’s interests can change over two years, and students can always transfer, Houser said.
He said many students pick a school based on location, sports or where their friends go. “Look at courses unique to the school,” he said of another way to choose.
Similar presentations will take place from 6-7 p.m. Feb. 9 at Marysville Middle School, 4923 67th St. NE; and Feb. 15 at Totem Middle School, 1605 7th St.
