Gettysburg Area School District leaders say they are seeing success with a new way to teach fourth and fifth grade students.
During their meeting on Monday, James Gettys Elementary School Principal and Kindergarten teacher Nicole Roy touted the school’s many accomplishments. Departmentalization, or having teachers teach one subject matter, topped the list.
Wells said departmentization allows teachers to better focus their attention, which leads to more informative lessons for the students. Wells added teachers are constantly asked to do more, so departmentalization was one way to help lighten the load.
“It also builds consistency with one teacher teaching the subject to all of the kids,” Wells said.
Wells said the teachers are divided into three subject areas: Content Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA), Science/Writing, and Math.
What is CKLA?
Roy said GASD introduced CKLA last school year. Students read fiction or non-fiction in social studies, science, or literary genre. Teachers then engage students in the content through various lesson styles such as dramatic representation, STEM activities, or model creation.
“Students experience the joy of learning through reading,” she said.
Students Share
Wells said departmentalization benefits students as well as teachers. Instead of sharing anecdotes on their behalf, the principal handed the microphone over to students Jacob Hiller, Hope Roy, and Nora Spinks.
Hiller told the board he enjoys seeing different teachers and students throughout the day.
“I also like moving around and not sitting all day,” he said.
Roy echoed her classmates’ thoughts and expounded on the benefits of changing classrooms.
“It prepares you for middle school and keeps you focused. If you sit in a class all day, you may zone out,” she said.
Spinks said she appreciates all of her teachers and is happy she gets to spend time with three each day.
“The teachers have different personalities, which I really like,” she added.
New Principal
Gettysburg Area High School’s assistant principal is moving up in rank and down in grade level. As part of a block motion on human resources recommendations, the board voted 7-1 to promote Kristy Caywood to Gettysburg Area Middle School principal. She replaces Nancy Herb and will be paid $115,039.
Cynthia Ayers opposed the motion. Last month, Ayers said she would be voting against all human resources recommendations until the board evaluates the necessity of each position. Michelle Smyers was absent.
The district first hired Caywood in 2016.
“It’s well deserved,” Board Member Al Moyer said. “I look forward to the job she is going to do to move our middle school forward.”
Alex J. Hayes has spent almost two decades in the Adams County news business. He is passionate about sharing stories focused on the people in our communities and following local governments in an age when few journalists report on their meetings. Alex is also a freelance writer for several other publications in South Central Pennsylvania. Alex encourages readers to contact him at ahayes83@gmail.com.