New Suffolk School District

Students to learn under multiple teachers

CARRIE MILLER PHOTO | The New Suffolk School Board at Tuesday night’s meeting.

Two New Suffolk teachers have proposed a split curriculum for next year, where students will spend time with each teacher who will focus on a certain subject during the school day.

At a school board meeting Tuesday night, teachers Sara Campbell (grades 5 and 6) and Nicole Pollina (grades 3 and 4), proposed the idea of having them focus on teaching the subjects that are geared toward their teaching certificates.

Ms. Campbell’s higher education work focused on math, science and technology, with her undergraduate degree in physical geography. She has been teaching at New Suffolk for the past four years.

Ms. Pollina, who has been teaching there for three years, has a Master of Science in literacy. They are each dual certified in special education.

Students would switch classrooms to spend time with each teacher and would remain grouped by third and fourth grades together, and fifth and sixth grades together, the teachers said.

“It would be a better use of our personal strengths,” Ms. Campbell said during the meeting.

The teachers would also be able to focus on fewer areas of study.

The New Suffolk school board and its president Tony Dill made a motion to begin the split curriculum on a trial basis starting in September, saying it was the next “logical step.”

“We will be able to maximize the personal attention each teacher can give to a student,” Mr. Dill said. “The teacher will be able to follow the student through the years.”

Ms. Pollina said the switch will allow two sets of eyes for each student.

“We will be able to work as a team,” she said.

The board also passed next year’s schedule, which includes a two-week December break.

The budget will be adopted a special meeting, planned for 7 p.m. April 25.

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