BETHEL SCHOOL DISTRICT — The Bethel School Board is committed to advancing student learning opportunities and educational services within the district’s boundaries. At their Jan. 24 meeting, the Board…

Voted 5-0, to extend district funded all day kindergarten programs to three additional schools. The newly participating schools have yet to be announced. The cost of the expansion is expected to be about $425,000. Full day kindergarten is currently an option at 10 of the district’s 17 elementaries. Free all day kindergarten programs are offered at Camas Prairie, Evergreen, Roy, Spanaway, and Thompson elementary schools. Tuition based, full day alternatives are available this year at Graham, Elk Plain School of Choice, Naches Trail, North Star, and Pioneer Valley.

Voted 5-0, to adopt as a pilot project the Proposal 2 Middle School Teaming Model. Under this plan, 7th and 8th grade students would have a six period day, plus an advisory class. Sixth grade students would follow a separate schedule. At least 75% of their day would be focused around the core subjects such as the humanities, math, and science. Time for health/fitness and arts classes is also included. District administrators believe the new model will allow more time for smaller group instruction, individual interventions, extended learning, and enrichment. There is also extra teaming time built in for sixth grade teachers. The model is expected to cost about $600,000 more than a traditional six-period schedule. The district has been exploring teacher teaming models because they can be more nurturing, offer fewer transitions, and allow time for teachers to have very focused conversations about students and their individual needs.