Big changes for Plymouth-Canton Schools high school draw process
Plymouth-Canton Community Schools students won’t have to wait until middle school to learn where they’ll be going to high school, thanks to a recently-approved policy that will expedite the high school reveal protocol.
Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Kurt Tyszkiewicz announced in a recent correspondence to P-CCS employees that students will learn their high school assignment at the point of entry into the district (usually kindergarten unless a family moves into the district post-kindergarten).
For several years, students learned their high school assignments in sixth grade.
Enhancing school spirit
The changes are the result of multiple discussions shared by a committee of parents, students and staff “related to school spirit”.
“After thoughtful discussion and multiple meetings, the committee concluded that assigning high schools at a student’s point of entry into the district would better support school identity and continuity,” the correspondence from Tyszkiewicz stated.
“The Spirit Committee Co-Chairs and I presented these findings to the Board of Education, and the Board endorsed the committee’s recommendation.”
“As a result, we have begun implementing this new assignment system. This transition will be phased in over time, with the goal of assigning all current students by the end of the next school year.”
Staff can request assignment change for their kids
Additionally, P-CCS staff members will have the opportunity to change their child’s high school assignment within 30 days of receiving notification that the assignments have been completed.
“Staff members will have the opportunity to request a change to their child’s assignment within 30 days of receiving notification that the assignments have been completed,” the correspondence said. “You will receive an email from me once your child’s grade level has been assigned, along with instructions on how to request a change if needed.
“Please note that the current staff choice process will remain unchanged until all students have received their high school assignments.”
“Implementing this change will enhance the overall educational experience for our students, foster a stronger sense of community, and promote a smoother transition to high school,” the school spirit team’s recommendation stated before a decision was made on the changes.
Unlike most Michigan school districts that place students in high schools based on where they reside geographically with their school district, Plymouth-Canton Schools have used a random draw during each student’s sixth grade year.
