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Districts attempt to smooth school-to-school transition

By Michele Tjin

The high school culture is different from the lifestyle in middle school, but the two school districts in Saratoga are working to provide a seamless transition for middle school students when they move on.

Saratoga Union School District superintendent Lane Weiss presented a report to board members at their Aug. 28 meeting on the progress that's been made in the collaborative efforts between the elementary and the high school districts. Last month, he and board president Michael Gipe met with their counterparts from the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District to discuss common issues, such as curriculum and student data.

"There is the perception that there is no articulation between our district and the high school district," Weiss said. "We're helping people understand the work that we are doing."

Weiss said the two districts looked at the standards that are expected in math and world languages. Last school year, parents at Redwood Middle School rallied to have a full year of algebra for eighth-graders and voiced their frustrations that a beginning level French class was not being offered at the high school this year.

"What are the languages our kids will need to know 20 years from now?" Gipe said. "Is French one of those languages? The discussion that has to continue is what's best for the kids who have to live in a global world."

Weiss also said the two districts are sharing students' data. The high school gets data on the eighth-graders so staff members know how to place them in classes and where they need support. In turn, the elementary district receives information on how its former students are faring in high school courses.

In addition, Weiss said he is on a mission to promote good news from both districts.

"[Much of our discussions] are problem-based or issue-based, and there's a lot of focus on areas to grow on and improve," he said. "But we have to recognize and value what school districts offer to kids."

Board representatives and district leaders also discussed use fees for the McAfee Center. Representatives from the elementary district are seeking a relief in fees for using the performing center, saying parents helped contribute to getting the facility built.

"We respect that the high school has to recover costs to running such a nice place," Weiss said.