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Inman Middle: Is it good that it's changing to an only 4th and 5th grade school?
In the past month, parents are on edge because APS decided to reduce all elementary schools to a K-3rd school and make Inman a 4th-5th school. The work on Inman has been delayed by one year so that the staff and equipment can be ready. What do David T Howard students think about it?
“I guess it would be a good idea so kids could make friends before middle school, but maybe it would be unnecessary to make a school for only two grades. There's probably a better option, but I wouldn't mind it happening.” said one person from Howard.
The other option was already given to APS. “APS hired consultants to determine the best use for the Inman site. APS also surveyed parents and community members on their priorities for schools. The consultants recommended the creation of a new K-5 elementary school and parents indicated that walkability was their top priority.” APS decided against their recommendations.
Another reason the consultants did not recommend Inman to be a 4th-5th was as the AJC wrote “By the district’s calculations, enrollment in the proposed academy would approach the building’s capacity by 2025.”
“If there is not enough room in the elementary schools, then we don’t personally see an issue with a fourth and fifth grade academy. Of course, APS needs more high school and middle school as well. ” said two random 8th graders. “I think it’s awesome that there are so many kids in our school system that we need another building. But, while it will give the elementary school more space, will an extra drop-off make parents unhappy?” said Cela Einhorn from 6th grade.
To her point, more kids and parents and buses would add to the same area with Midtown High and Howard Middle making traveling to all three schools tougher than ever by 2 whole grades. Will 4th and 5th graders at Mary Lin, Springdale Park, Hope Hill miss walking to school? Won’t an extra drop-off make parents unhappy because it will create more car traffic? Do Howard’s buses need lots more traffic on the road? How do late busses and angry parents affect your learning if you can’t walk or bike to school?
Let me know what you think through Outlook. Send it to Geraldine Harding or gharding2387@apsk12.org.
Sources:
Parents Protest recommended fourth and fifth grade academy
Inman should turn into a fourth and fifth grade academy
Reverse the Recommendation for Inman 4th/5th Academy
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