Aug. 1, 2024 11:20a
(WGTD)---Administrators and teachers in Kenosha Unified are getting ready to welcome an unusually large number of new faces this fall as the result of the decision to consolidate enrollments in a money-
saving, downsizing move.
For instance, at Harvey Elementary on the city’s north side, enrollment is projected to increase by 53
students to 329. The school will be receiving 40 students who previously attended Grant. 21 additional students are coming from several other schools—all the result of enrollment boundary changes.
Speaking on a recent edition of Education Matters, Harvey Principal Ursula Hamilton-Perry said the assimilation process began last spring with an event that featured giveaways, food and school tours. "We are also working right now to pair our new families with existing or returning Harvey families so we're setting up this buddy family system," she said.
At the middle school level, four middle schools are picking up the enrollment from Lincoln Middle, which is closing. In addition, one of those four schools—Washington Middle-- is being moved to new quarters in the former Edward Bain School of Language and Art.
So far, the move and renovation of the former Edward Bain is going as planned, according to Washington principal Shane Gale.
One advantage of the new quarters: The building is air conditioned. And unlike the old Washington, the new building has an elevator. The school is laid out in distinct wings, making it ideal for Washington's grade groupings and curriculum.
In addition to being in a new location, Washington’s enrollment will be much larger. Another 200 students will be added to bring the total enrollment to over 550 students. 70 students will be coming from Lincoln as that school is closing as a middle school. Another 50 students will be coming from Bullen as a result of boundary changes.
With the transfers and the new 6th graders, just over half of Washington’s enrollment will be new to
the building.
Gale said that he hopes by the end of September everyone will be settled in.
For the program featuring the two principals, click https://www.wgtd.org/playlist/education-matters/education-matters-your-host-week-dr-karin-sconzert-harvey-elementary
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