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To assist in balancing a budget shortfall for 2010/2011 school year, Chisago Lakes Middle school will move from the current seven period day to a six period day. In the new schedule, the day will begin and end as it currently does. What does change? Students will lose elective options, but will gain instructional time in the core content classes along with the remaining elective courses. Class periods will increase to 53 minutes from the current 44 minutes.

Teachers lose some preparation and team planning time as they will be teaching five of six class periods as opposed to the current five of seven.

The middle school budget reduction target was $183,000. By making the adjustments noted above, we were able to reach the targeted amount.

How does this reduction impact my child and course requirements?

• All grades will be required to take: Math, Science, Social Studies, Communications, Physical Education and a music choice of choir, band or general music.

• Sixth grade will not be offered an elective.

• Seventh grade has an additional requirement of Health & Computer Skills with one elective being Spanish, Art or Industrial Technology.

• Eighth grade has an additional requirement of Health and Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) with one elective being either Creative Computer Concepts, Art, Advanced Art, Yearbook, Advanced Physical Education, Introduction to Spanish A, Introduction to Spanish B, Industrial Technology or Advanced Industrial Technology.

The good news - the overall integrity of the middle school's academic programming remains in tact. Students will not be placed in a study hall, but instead will be engaged in class work throughout the entire school day.

Chisago Lakes Middle School stands firm in our commitment to offer a sound, well researched model for our students.

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