Forum: Changing Marysville school’s makeup would hurt students

Dropping sixth-grade students from 10th Street Middle School risks its success in academics and culture.

By Vidona Amezcua and Di Anderson / Herald Forum

As you may know, the Marysville School District is facing challenging times, including proposals to restructure schools.

Among these changes is the potential shift of one middle school to a seventh-and-eighth grade model, which jeopardizes the future of 10th Street Middle School. This decision could lead to the dismantling of a proven educational framework that has consistently delivered exceptional results.

10th Street Middle School has been a shining example of success within our district. Its unique sixth-grade through eighth-grade model fosters continuity, stability, and a strong sense of community. Students who transition from 10th Street to high school demonstrate higher academic achievements, stronger graduation rates, and outstanding extracurricular accomplishments.

Maintaining the current model: The 10th Street Middle School model is worth preserving for the following reasons:

• Continuity of grade structure:Keeping sixth grade as part of the middle school ensures a seamless transition from elementary to middle school and cultivates a strong sense of belonging.

• Strong teacher-student relationships:Teachers work with students over three years, building meaningful relationships and offering personalized instruction that maximizes learning outcomes.

• Cost-effectiveness: Maintaining the current structure involves minimal financial impact, as existing systems for staffing and transportation remain unchanged.

• Preservation of culture and stability: Sudden changes to the three-grade model risk introducing behavior challenges and disrupting the cohesive, positive culture integral to 10th Street’s success.

• Exceptional programs:Programs such as mock trial, art, band, and the recently added choir offer students invaluable opportunities to excel in academics, creativity and leadership. These initiatives prepare students to become well-rounded, high-achieving individuals.

Parent testimony: Additionally, parents have voiced overwhelming support for the school’s current structure. The Anderson family, of Marysville, experience underscores the value of 10th Street’s approach.

They chose the school for its smaller class sizes, enriching programs, and nurturing environment. Over three years, their son flourished academically, socially and emotionally. Now in high school, he continues to benefit from the strong foundation laid at 10th Street.

Their testimony highlights the lasting community bonds forged at 10th Street. Teachers like Mr.

Sackman, Ms. Craig, Mrs. Amezcua, Mr. Hanson, and Ms. Karen Davis go above and beyond to inspire and support students, creating an educational environment where each child feels valued and empowered.

The risk of change: Altering the current model threatens to dismantle these successes. A two-year middle school model would reduce the time teachers have to build meaningful connections with students, affecting both academic outcomes and the holistic growth of young learners. The shift also risks losing the programs and culture that make 10th Street exceptional.

Call to action: 10th Street Middle School is not just a school; it is a cornerstone of our community and an invaluable asset to Marysville School District. The Herald has the power to amplify this message and advocate for the preservation of its current model. I urge you to shine a light on this issue and help safeguard the future of 10th Street for generations to come.

Your support could make all the difference in ensuring that our students continue to thrive in the educational environment they deserve.

Vidonni Amezcua is a teacher at 10th Street Middle School. Di Anderson is the parent of a Marysville student.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Friday, July 18

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

2024 Presidential Election Day Symbolic Elements.
Editorial: Elect Hem, Rhyne, Burbano to Everett council seats

The Aug. 5 primary will determine the top two candidates for Council Districts 1, 2 and 4.

The Buzz: Can we please stop talking about Jeffrey Epstein?

Yeah, I didn’t think so. It’s hard to brand something as a hoax when you won’t stop talking abou it.

Schwab: Rosie O’Donnell, immigrants and other Epstein distractions

MAGA puts up with the outrages because empathy is reserved only for their own prejudices.

Harrop: Will America ever recover from what Trump has wrought?

Pundits and psychiatrists can debate why. We need to answer whether we can restore what is being lost.

Comment: Miller’s immigrant-free utopia is fact-free fantasy

Undocumented immigrants aren’t crowding our ERs and classrooms. Those problems have tougher solutions.

Comment: The flash-flood era is here and we’re not ready for it

Our infrastructure isn’t strong enough, too few of our homes are insured and FEMA is being dismantled.

Comment: Trump wants to sanitize parks’ history for your protection

Park visitors are being asked us QR codes to tattle on exhibits that ‘disparage’ Americans. There’s a better message.

Traffic moves northbound in a new HOV lane on I-5 between Everett and Marysville on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Check state’s transportation road map from now to 2050

A state commission’s Vision 2050 plan looks to guide transportation planning across the state.

2024 Presidential Election Day Symbolic Elements.
Editorial: Perkins, in strong field, best for Marysville council

The fifth-grade teacher hopes to improve outreach and participation with neighborhood meetings.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, July 17

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Stores offer savings to those who spend enough

Here are some hoops you have to jump through to get the… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.