Tuition-free transfers for all students

Thursday, 22 July 2010 2:30

The Smith-Green Community Schools Board of School Trustees recently approved transfer of non- resident students to the district without charge to parents effective August 2010 for this school year.

During the 116th General Assembly session this year, legislators amended Indiana Code 20-26-11-6 through Senate Enrolled Act number 252. Approved and signed by the Governor, the amendment allows districts flexibility to charge or not charge tuition to non-resident families wishing to enroll their child or children in Smith-Green while living outside the school district boundaries. Families from surrounding communities of LaOtto, Fort Wayne, Albion, Columbia City, Huntertown, and others are encouraged to consider Churubusco as a great place to educate their children. Board of School Trustees President Tanya Young supported the Board’s unanimous vote on July 6 to waive tuition for parents by encouraging parents to consider Smith-Green as their choice for education.

Smith-Green Community Schools enjoys a small-school setting packed with exciting educational opportunities for its students. With enrollment hovering around 1,200 students in grades PK-12, the elementary school offers exceptional reading, writing, and mathematics instruction for students as well as outstanding “connect” instruction in art, music, physical education, library, and a hands-on science lab based on inquiry-based learning. Class sizes in grades K-2 are capped at no more than 20 students per class. With instructional assistants in select classrooms, class sizes are consistently lower than 20 to ensure the highest impact of direct interaction between the individual student and classroom teacher.

In response to the state’s plan to ensure student reading literacy by the end of third (3rd) grade, the district has focused resources to keep class sizes low while children learn to read. Intensive reading and research-based literacy instruction during these early years at Smith-Green is critical for students to meet the school goal of all students reading at grade level when they exit grade 3.

Small class sizes carry forward to the secondary level for new students to the district in the Junior-Senior High School. Steeped in a tradition of excellence in performing and fine arts and athletics, Smith-Green Community Schools offers a full program of rigorous and relevant academic courses that meet and exceed state academic standards. The career pathways at the secondary level prepare students for post-secondary education and careers in numerous occupations including bio-medical, business/marketing, and engineering occupations. Students have opportunity to internship with local businesses to learn and experience the workplace first hand while receiving their education. Offering numerous advanced placement (AP) courses and being recognized as a “Best Buy” high school by the State Chamber of Commerce consistently over time, Churubusco Junior-Senior High School offers courses to equip students continuing their education at the post-secondary level or pursuing a career.

Boasting a graduation rate last year of 90.2% (state average of 81.5% for 2009), Churubusco Junior- Senior High School offers student services to not only help students be successful in the classroom but also dealing with social and emotional issues that may impede their journey to adulthood while in school. Mr. John Davis, longtime veteran middle school Principal, will assume a new role next year as Assistant Principal of Student Services in an effort to meet routinely with students in need to provide a listening ear for students struggling with being successful. Mr. Davis’ caring approach and counseling background will provide encouragement and enrichment for students in need.

All elementary and secondary classrooms are equipped with computers and SmartBoards for students to use technology on a daily basis for interactive learning. Few districts, statewide, have this type of technology available in every classroom for student learning and discovery.

The mission of Smith-Green Community Schools is to provide a superior education that ensures success for every student through excellence in teaching and learning. This mission is supported by the district’s vision statement of a superior education is the fundamental right of every student. All students will receive the respect, support, and opportunities they need to build the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be successful contributing members of a global society.

To request transfer to the Smith-Green Community School district, parents complete a transfer request form available in the elementary or junior-senior high school office. Request forms are also available at the administrative center (222 West Tulley Street, Churubusco), on the district website (www.sgcs.k12.in.us), or by calling 693-2007. Students will be admitted to the district based on space availability within the grade. Transportation to a bus stop within the district or to the school is the responsibility of the non-resident transfer parent. Transfers will not be accepted solely for athletic purposes and are subject to verification of successful attendance at the prior school and review of the student’s discipline record. Parents are encouraged to complete the transfer request and have it approved as soon as possible to enroll their child on August 10 between 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. during the open enrollment day for the district at Smith-Green.

For more information about this exciting opportunity for students and parents, please contact Steve Darnell at (260) 693-2007 or Tanya Young at (260) 413-9788.

The Smith-Green Community Schools Board of School Trustees recently approved transfer of non- resident students to the district without charge to parents effective August 2010 for this school year.

For more information about this exciting opportunity for students and parents, please contact Steve Darnell at (260) 693-2007 or Tanya Young at (260) 413-9788.