The Pleasant Valley School District is planning two Move Up Days for students in second, third, fifth and sixth grades. The first one is tonight.

The first of these events will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. today for sixth-grade students and their parents at the Pleasant Valley Middle School. This will be followed by a presentation from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. for fifth-grade students and their parents.

Each presentation is tailored for that specific grade, so families should attend the presentation for their child’s grade.

The next Move Up Days will be held in May at the Pleasant Valley Intermediate School. One presentation for third-grade students and their parents will be held on May 17, and a session for second-grade students and their parents will be held on May 18. The time has not been announced.

The programs are part of the district’s effort to help students and families become acquainted with the school buildings and answer any questions about the grade realignment process.

“We understand that change is uncomfortable and as a result, we are beginning the movement and transition planning now,” said Superintendent James Konrad in a letter to parents and guardians. “Students will have the opportunity to tour new buildings in order to ensure a smooth transition in the fall.”

The Pleasant Valley School Board approved the grade realignment in early April. Grades kindergarten through second grade will stay at the Pleasant Valley Elementary School. Third grade will move to the intermediate school with grades four and five. Sixth grade will move to the middle school with grades seven and eight. The high school will remain grades nine through 12.

Konrad said the grade realignment will use building space and staff more effectively. It also will decrease the traffic flow at the elementary school during parent drop-off and pickup.

Konrad said the change will make the elementary school a true primary center. It will focus on the appropriate teaching methods for the young students with an emphasis on reading, writing and math.

The realignment also places all the grades that take the PSSA tests within the intermediate school, Konrad said.

“This realignment provides developmentally appropriate instruction and programming with a 1:1 technology model,” he said.

The realignment also utilizes space more efficiently at the middle school. Before the realignment, the middle school had empty classrooms, Konrad said. Moving another grade to the school will use that space and reduce congestion at the elementary school.

If parents are not able to attend the Move Up Days, they are welcome to tour the school buildings in August. Just call the school to set up a tour.