Q: Why is GCMS changing to a grade-level team structure?
A: After conducting a thorough review of our current community-based model, we found that moving to a grade-level team structure will provide more balanced class sizes, increased access to academic programs, improved scheduling efficiency, consistent grade-level expectations, stronger student-teacher connections, and an increase in whole school pride.

Q: How will this change affect my student’s daily experience?
A: It won’t. Students will continue to learn in a supportive, team-based environment, where a core group of teachers work together to support their academic and social-emotional growth. They will benefit from more consistent teacher collaboration, enhanced scheduling options, more time spent with their grade-level peers before entering high school, less congested hallways, and a more streamlined middle school experience.

Q: When will this change take effect?
A: The grade-level team structure will begin in September 2025 for the beginning of the 2025-26 school year.

Q: Will my student still have access to the same programs and electives?
A: Yes! This new structure will actually improve student access to academic pathways, enrichment, intervention services, and elective courses.

Q: How will this change impact students receiving special education, English language support, or academic intervention services?
A: Students receiving specialized programming services will continue to receive the same level of support they currently do, but in a structure that provides more scheduling flexibility, greater access to resources, and more time spent with their peers in general education.

Q: Will my student be moved to a different group of peers next year?
A: Students in the same grade level will all be in the same hallway. While all students will now be organized by grade level rather than community, we are committed to minimizing disruptions to friendships and peer connections whenever possible. Our student support team will ensure a smooth transition for all students.

Q: How will the new structure support my student’s transition to middle school?
A: The grade-level team model is designed to provide a strong sense of belonging for sixth-graders. Each student will be part of a small team with dedicated teachers, ensuring they receive personalized support while adjusting to the middle school environment. Students will no longer need to be worried about being separated from their good friends from their elementary school years.

Q: Will sixth-graders have their own designated area of the school?
A: Yes! Sixth-graders will have a specific area of the building to help with their transition, while still having access to middle school resources and programming.

Q: Will my student still have exploratory and elective classes?
A: Absolutely! Sixth-graders will still experience a variety of exploratory classes, including music, art, health, FACS, and more. This change will actually provide greater flexibility in scheduling exploratory and elective courses.

Q: How can families learn more about this transition?
A: We encourage families to attend our Family Information Session on Tuesday, April 8 at 5:30 p.m. at our middle school and via Microsoft Teams on Thursday, April 10 at 5:30 p.m. A link to the Teams meeting will be made available through communication leading up to the meeting. 

Q: How can families provide input or ask questions?
A: We welcome your feedback! Families can reach out to Dr. Zdanowski, our GCMS principal, or attend one of our upcoming Parent/Guardian Q&A Events for additional discussions.

Q: Will there be additional updates before the start of the school year?
A: Yes! We will send regular updates via ParentSquare and the school website throughout the spring and summer to ensure families feel informed and prepared for the transition. We are going to continue to host all of our existing transition events, including tours of the middle school, middle school counselors visiting elementary schools, and a sixth-grade welcome event over the summer.