Student Placement Process

Please scroll down for electronic Class Placement Form and policies and procedures.

2024-25 Class Placement - Message from the Principal

Dear Apollo Families,

The classroom placement process is complex and many factors impact the decision-making process. Enrollment and staffing numbers are not considered accurate until August, and even then, they can change. We strive to create and maintain classroom environments that are warm, structured, nurturing, caring, supportive, and challenging for every child.

Our staff takes class placement very seriously. The task for each grade level team is to develop balanced classrooms based on the knowledge they have about the students; therefore, teams will not consider specific classroom teachers when creating class rosters. We assure you that each grade level team (with assistance of specialists, counselor, guidance team, etc.) take much time, effort and care in developing class rosters that result in offering all children a quality educational experience.

Following are factors that are taken into consideration:

the program needs of the child
a balanced ratio of boys to girls
a balance of academic achievement levels
social and behavioral needs and the compatibility of students with others in the classroom
independent work habits and leadership skills
information provided by the current teacher

Parent Information and Input

Parents have pertinent information about children which may be considered in the placement process. Examples of information staff find helpful are: "Please separate my twins, Justin and Jason," or "Please do not place my daughter Mary in the same class as Jane, since we are neighbors and they are together all of the time," or "My child has only been in the United States one month and needs ELL support." Please note we do not accept letters that specify individual teachers by gender, experience level, or name.

Once balanced rosters are created and staffing is finalized, teachers will be assigned by the administrative team. Thank you in advance for your understanding and support of this process. Please be assured we do all we can to ensure thoughtful placement of each child. Again, we strive to create and maintain classroom environments that are warm, structured, nurturing, caring, supportive, and challenging for every child.

Sincerely,

Jane Harris, Principal
Apollo Elementary

Class Placement Form 2024-25 School Year
Policies and Procedures

Class Placement Form 2024-25 School Year

Policies and Procedures

We are fortunate to have an excellent cadre of teachers at Apollo Elementary School. I am confident that in whatever classroom your child has been placed, he or she will encounter a warm and well prepared teacher who is committed to student learning, to student success, and to your child.

The process used to assign students is a comprehensive one. As a staff, we take the responsibility of class placement very seriously. Beginning in the spring, and continuing through the summer, many factors are considered in the process of placing every child. This includes adjustments necessary in the summer to incorporate new students. If you are new to Apollo and have only recently registered, please realize these factors were considered as closely as possible in placing your child in the classroom that will best meet their needs. Such factors involve:

The program needs of the student;
A balance of achievement levels in reading and math;
The social needs of students and their leadership skills;
Independent work habits of students;
Behavior factors regarding students;
The compatibility of students with each other (such as separating those who have not worked will together in the past);
Information provided by the teacher through previous parent/teacher conferences;
Recommendations of former teachers, principal, parents, guidance team or related information forwarded from a previous school;
Classroom configuration; and
The ratio of girls to boys.

In late August the District staff and principal will review staffing based on increases/decreases in enrollment. If significant enrollment changes emerge, then we would need to make building changes in class sections. However, with the exception of such enrollment issues, because classroom placement has been so carefully determined with such a wide range of factors taken into account, parental concerns and requests for changes in classroom placement must follow a CLEAR PROCESS and are considered very carefully.

Jane Harris
Principal, Apollo Elementary Harrisj@issaquah.wednet.edu

Policies and Procedures

For Classroom Assignment Changes at Apollo Elementary

First Two Weeks of School		No changes considered until the 3^rd week of school. Class rosters and student assignments remain
After “Two” Weeks		Arrange to meet with the Teacher. If serious concerns still remain after this period of time, the parent is invited to schedule a meeting directly with the classroom teacher to identify concerns and work together to resolve the issues (i.e., create timeline, intervention plan; member of Guidance Team may be invited to the meeting).
Following Formal Teacher/Parent Meeting		Review of assignment form. If it appears a change is still desired at this point, the parent should complete a Review of Assignment form. (Teacher may initiate the form.)
Principal Receives Request		The principal reviews the form and contacts parents and teacher to set a course of action in which any or all of the following may take place: class observations of the student by parents and school staff, parents and teacher continue to communicate and may meet with the principal, the school Guidance Team may hear the concerns, student may be involved at any point, other teachers at a grade level may be consulted.
Decision made by Principal		After looking into the situation and consulting with everyone involved, the principal determines if and when a placement change may be made. The principal will then notify all parties of the status of the request.

Review of Classroom Assignment Form

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Student Placement Process

2024-25 Class Placement - Message from the Principal

Parent Information and Input

Class Placement Form 2024-25 School Year

Policies and Procedures

Policies and Procedures