During Monday’s meeting of the Gettysburg Area School District School Board, parents of students in Franklin Township Elementary School again expressed concerns about the large class sizes in the school’s 3rd grade.
Parents said although other grades in the school and third grades in the other elementary schools had three teachers for about 55 students, there are only two third grade teachers at Franklin Township.
Parents noted that their children found the classes noisy and they were concerned that learning in the classroom environment was compromised.
Shelly Mahoney, parent of twin third grade students at Franklin Township said “I am very concerned and frustrated with these large class sizes these children have had to endure for the past three years.”
“I hear from my children, Mommy, did they email you with any answers after the last meeting? Mom, I’m worried we’re only going to have two teachers again in the fourth grade. I need some help at school,” said Mahoney.
“We know it takes a village to raise a child. Now more than ever we need your help. I just want it fixed for my twin third graders. I’m scared for their academics. Please help me help them,” said Mahoney.
Logan Sieg said “as a parent of a student at Franklin Township, it is enough to wonder why there have been no answers provided. Franklin has been one teacher short for the past two years.”
In other public comment, Mike Shestok of Gettysburg again asked the board about the parking lot on the corner of Schoolhouse Alley and Wall Alley. He said the parking lot was dangerous. “That’s what I live with; the silence,” he said.
Shestok also commented on the lack of traffic cones during school hours on the crosswalk near the Middle School on Baltimore Street.
“Communication is key,” said Shestok “It’s more than about education; it’s about safety.” Please get back to me.”
As he did last week, Council President Kenneth Hassinger again said the board would take the comments under consideration. “The silence that you hear from the board is not silence that we are not listening. We respect and appreciate people who take time out of their day to address issues with us. We do see and follow up with who it gets referred to. Hopefully you’ll get your answers in a relatively appropriate time. We do listen to everybody who comes in,” said Hassinger.
The board passed motions related to building access, attendance, and school security.
Public Relations Communications Coordinator Andrew Robinson said the district was making progress on updating the school logos, both the “Arrowhead” and the “Crest.” Andrew said the district would be studying the history of the two logos.
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.