Here are
answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the proposed
Valley Inquiry Middle School (VIMS).
When do you hope to open?
We hope to
open in the fall of 2013. However, in
order to open on this timeframe VIMS must receive a charter from the
Salem-Keizer School District and also line up the funding needed to pay startup
costs, including books, equipment, and furniture. VIMS had hoped a federal charter school grant
would cover these costs. However, Oregon
has not received a federal charter school grant, which may delay opening of the
school.
What size do you expect classes to be, and
how big will the school be?
We plan to
have about 56 students per grade, with classes of about 28 students. There will be about 170 students total. This will offer a small school environment
conducive to learning and student growth.
How will students be admitted?
Admission to
charter schools is by lottery. Students
are randomly selected from among all those who submit applications.
When will you be sending information out
about the lottery?
The lottery
will be held as soon as the school has firm plans to open after receiving a
charter and lining up the resources needed to open its doors. This could be as early as late spring or
early summer of 2013. Information
packets will be sent to all those on the mailing list once the lottery is
scheduled.
Will Valley Inquiry Charter School students
have to enter the lottery to enter the middle school?
If VIMS
receives a federal charter school grant, it will have to be a separate entity
from Valley Inquiry Charter School and will require a separate lottery; VICS
students would not receive automatic entrance into the school. If VIMS finds
another source of funding to cover startup costs, it would likely be an
extension of the elementary program and students would be able to continue on
into middle school without going through the lottery. However, because VICS
only has 28 students per class, at least half of the VIMS slots would be
available to other students.
Will transportation be offered to the
school?
Parents will
be responsible for getting their children to the school. Buses will not be offered, but the school may
provide assistance in setting up carpools.
What languages will be offered?
English will
be the primary language of instruction, and all students will also be offered
Spanish.
Will band and art be offered?
Yes, music
and visual arts are key parts of the IB experience.
How will VIMS handle sports?
Although
VIMS will not offer sports, students will be able to play sports at their
neighborhood schools.
Is International Baccalaureate only
appropriate for high-end students?
While IB is
a rigorous learning experience designed to challenge and engage students,
students at all levels and abilities can thrive in an IB school.
Is there a disadvantage to students coming
into the IB Middle Years Programme who didn’t go through the Primary Years
Programme?
Students who
did not go through the Primary Years Programme may need some introduction to
the Middle Years Programme but will still be able to thrive in the program.
How will students go from the IB Middle
Years Programme into the Diploma Programme if they don’t live in the South
Salem High territory?
Students who
complete the IB Middle Years Programme at VIMS and want to go into the Diploma
Programme at South Salem High can request an in-district transfer if they live
outside the South territory.
