25 signatures reached
To: Rochester Public Schools
Caregivers Against Overcrowded Classrooms.
Please consider signing this petition to present to the Rochester Public School District and Rochester Public School Board of Education.
The Rochester Public School District has recently made the decision to combine the two sections of third grade Spanish Immersion program at Riverside Central Elementary into one single section/classroom. Currently, there are 34 students enrolled in the second grade Spanish Immersion program who intend to continue into third grade for the 2025-2026 school year, with one student on the waiting list. The district has decided to cap enrollment at 34 students and has closed enrollment for the third grade Spanish Immersion program, making it very unlikely they would open a second section. By closing enrollment for the second-grade class, the district is doing a great disservice to native Spanish-speaking children in our community, many of whom join the program at various grade levels.
The Rochester Public School District has recently made the decision to combine the two sections of third grade Spanish Immersion program at Riverside Central Elementary into one single section/classroom. Currently, there are 34 students enrolled in the second grade Spanish Immersion program who intend to continue into third grade for the 2025-2026 school year, with one student on the waiting list. The district has decided to cap enrollment at 34 students and has closed enrollment for the third grade Spanish Immersion program, making it very unlikely they would open a second section. By closing enrollment for the second-grade class, the district is doing a great disservice to native Spanish-speaking children in our community, many of whom join the program at various grade levels.
School staff, parents, and students are not in favor of larger classrooms for students! The teacher’s union has a target goal of capping classroom sizes to 28 students per 3rd grade classroom. Overcrowded classrooms negatively affect both students and teachers. When there are too many students in one room, it becomes harder for teachers to give each student the attention they need. This can lead to students falling behind, especially those who need extra help.
Learning in a packed classroom can also be distracting. Noise levels go up, space is limited, and students often feel less motivated. It’s harder to participate in discussions or ask questions when there are so many people trying to speak.
For teachers, managing a large class can lead to stress and burnout. It becomes more difficult to create effective lessons, grade fairly, and maintain classroom discipline.
One of the key narratives in the November 2024 Referendum (Ignite Student Learning - 2024 Referendum) was to protect class sizes and strengthen academic programs. Rochester Public Schools need to keep its word!
Learning in a packed classroom can also be distracting. Noise levels go up, space is limited, and students often feel less motivated. It’s harder to participate in discussions or ask questions when there are so many people trying to speak.
For teachers, managing a large class can lead to stress and burnout. It becomes more difficult to create effective lessons, grade fairly, and maintain classroom discipline.
One of the key narratives in the November 2024 Referendum (Ignite Student Learning - 2024 Referendum) was to protect class sizes and strengthen academic programs. Rochester Public Schools need to keep its word!
Why is this important?
To protect public education.
Why is this important?
To protect public education.