PETITION FOR SMALLER CLASS SIZES - HAWORTH NEW JERSEY

As a parent of a child or children at Haworth Public School, I am concerned with the proposed plan to increase class size in the kindergarten through 3rd grades through reducing the number of sections in some or all of those grades. I believe that:

*Large class sizes limit a teacher's ability to identify at risk children, provide more tailored and individualized instruction and teach the full curriculum by direct instruction.

*Large class sizes adversely affect the quality of education my child receives by causing increased disruption, distraction, behavioral and disciplinary issues.

*Large class sizes put my child at a disadvantage with other students in the School District and students from neighboring school districts who are in smaller classes (with 18 students or fewer in kindergarten through 3rd grade).

*Reduced class sizes will benefit my child educationally and socially for years to come.

*Large class sizes are not conducive to inclusive class rooms and create a negative learning experience for children of all abilities.

*Large class sizes contradict research which finds that smaller classes sizes provide long lasting positive learning experiences for children throughout their educational experience and result in increased achievement.

*Large class sizes are contrary to the Haworth School District's mission and dedication to the quality education and well-being of all its students and its reputation for providing exceptional learning experiences for our children and its commitment to excellence in education.

As a concerned parent, I am asking the School Board and Administration to:

1.) Protect our children by implementing a preferred class size philosophy of 18 students, particularly in the kindergarten through 3rd grades.

2.) Invest in our children's future success by improving the learning experience of all children of all abilities through the implementation of smaller class sizes.

3.) Create a task force on class size consisting of parents and other community members to, among other things, reallocate funds to support smaller class sizes and address this recurring issue.

The continuation of the Haworth School District's commitment to excellence in education, the furtherance of its mission, and the preservation of its reputation as an outstanding school district that provides quality learning experience is tied to smaller class sizes. Please hear our petition and make the necessary changes for the sake of our children.