A new $33 million elementary center is set to open in the fall for all K-5 students in Lehighton Area School District and district officials kicked off a series of public meetings Tuesday night to update the community on the transition process.

Superintendent Jonathan Cleaver gave a PowerPoint presentation at Franklin and Shull-David elementary schools. Around 40 parents attended the Franklin session.

“We’re required to have meetings anytime you close a school and we wanted to take the opportunity to let everyone know the process of how we got to this point and where we’re going from here,” Cleaver said.

Office alignment

The elementary center, located adjacent to the high school, will function as two schools within a school, he told parents. Shared areas such as the library, cafeteria and gymnasium in the middle will separate two wings, a K-2 section and a 3-5 section.

“All of the teachers have been told where they will be and what grade level they will be teaching. The office staff also has their roles.”

The K-2 office staff alignment includes Aaron Sebelin as principal, James Blakeslee as guidance counselor and Karen Shaffer and Lori Porambo as main office secretaries.

At the 3-5 level, Mark McGalla will serve as principal with Deborah Lindh as guidance counselor and Kristin Simmons and Debra Lilly as main office secretaries.

Coleen Harleman, Lori German and Deana Blasiak are the nurses for the entire building, while Cynthia Kemmerer is the guidance/attendance secretary.

Class sizes

Class sizes have been determined for the most part, Cleaver said, with small fluctuations possible if enrollment numbers change.

The Pre-K program, which is wrapping up its first year, will have 40 students split between morning and afternoon sessions.

Kindergarten will have eight teachers and an average class size of 17-18 students. First grade will have seven teachers and an average class size of 19-20 students.

Second grade will have eight teachers and an average class size of 19-20 students.

Third grade will have nine teachers and an average class size of 19-20 students.

Fourth grade will have eight teachers and an average class size of 20-21 students.

Fifth grade will have nine teachers and an average class size of 21-22 students.

“Since I’ve been here we’ve had unbalanced class sizes depending on what school you are at,” Cleaver said. “We’ve had class sizes of 34 and 35 students and then at other schools there has been 12 or 13 students for the same grade level. This makes it even across the board. We’ll also have paraprofessionals assigned to assist the kindergarten and first-grade teachers all day.”

Curriculum

Cleaver said bringing all of the elementary students under one roof has allowed the district greater flexibility with its curriculum offerings.

“All funds we get for the Title I program can now be used throughout the elementary center,” he said. “In the past we have been targeted. Shull-David had the highest percentage of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch meaning that around 60 percent of the funds we received had to be spent for Shull-David. Now, with one center, we can spread those funds across the board.”

Science and social studies will be offered at all levels, which is something new for K-2 students.

Mystery Science, Cleaver said, will be the curriculum used in K-2 and the FOSS Science Program, a hands-on learning curriculum, will be used in 3-5. It will also be piloted in second grade.

“Every student will now have technology or STEAM as a special course, or as we call it, our Encore program,” Cleaver said. “We’re also talking about instrumental lessons for fourth and fifth grade with potential drama and chorus options as well.”

Fourth and fifth grades will see teams of two teaching English language arts/social studies and math/science.

Staff, student and parent transition

The district started the discussion with students this school year about their transition to a new building.

Both parents and students will be afforded opportunities to tour the building and have a question-and-answer session, Cleaver added.

Email updates are also being prepared weekly with procedures for the elementary center transition.

“Teachers continue to pack up their supplies in the anticipation of the move,” Cleaver said. “We’re developing a brochure that has pictures of staff members that are assigned to the elementary center. Leadership team meetings taking place on a weekly basis, class lists are being completed and bus routes should be finalized by the middle of June.”

Public meetings are scheduled for Mahoning Elementary tonight from 5-6:15 p.m. and at East Penn Elementary from 6:30-7:45 p.m.

A final meeting will be held at the middle school on Thursday from 6-7:15 p.m.