I just became aware of the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) model plans for North Kitsap High School this next fall. I looked at the district site, read the information letters and studied the bell schedule. To be honest, I am shocked at this new schedule. If I understand this correctly, those students who meet standards are going to be short three class periods a week and be unsupervised during the tutorial times they are not required to attend. There is mention that there “may be some” AP test prep time during this tutorial as well, but no specifics. If I understand PLCs correctly, the intent is to make sure all students are learning and reaching for high standards. When a student meets standards or more we should be challenging them, getting them to dig deeper, not reward them with hours a week of unsupervised, non-academic time.

My husband and I are seriously considering sending our three children to private school or to a neighboring district. It is frustrating to send my children to school each day ready to learn, well-behaved and eager only to have to fight for their education to be any more than mediocre. This is unacceptable to my family. We pay taxes in this district but feel we are unable to have our children challenged and encouraged once they meet standards.

I understand there are federal and state mandates and laws that tie districts’ hands but the PLC model I see being presented is unacceptable.

I urge you to study this plan and take action before more of our eager learners become disenchanted and unchallenged. If we are truly to prepare all our students for work, college or service we need to meet all their academic needs and not just the ones struggling.

Please understand, I know there are many, many hardworking and wonderful teachers in our district.

District policy and laws about making sure all students meet standards, no matter the cost in time and money, make it difficult for these great teachers to challenge and encourage kids who are ready to learn more than just the standard.

Cathleen M. Coleman

Silverdale

Editor’s note: Although Mrs. Coleman’s street address is in Silverdale, her home falls within the NKSD’s attendance boundaries.