Challenger Elementary Student Placement Process 2025-2026

Challenger Elementary Student Placement Process 2025-2026

The classroom placement process is complex and many factors enter into the decision-making process.  At this time, we are not sure how many classes we will offer at each grade level and who would be teaching each of those classes.  We are still awaiting staffing numbers for next year as the district sorts through the impact of enrollment, budgets, etc.

Our staff takes the task of student placement very seriously.  We assure you that each grade level team, with the assistance of specialists, paraprofessionals and support staff, take much time, effort and care in developing class rosters that result in offering all children a quality educational experience.  Following are factors that are taken into consideration as class rosters are developed:

• the program needs of the child
• a balanced ratio of boys to girls
• a balance of academic achievement levels
• behavior factors regarding each student
• social needs and the compatibility of students with others in the classroom
• independent work habits and leadership skills
• information provided by the teacher

Once balanced student rosters are created and staffing is finalized, teachers are assigned.

As parents, you may have pertinent information about your child that you would like considered in the placement process.  Examples of comments that we all agree upon are: “We want a warm, nurturing, caring environment for our child,” “We want our child challenged,” “We want our child in a structured classroom.” We take these comments as a given; it is each teacher’s responsibility to provide a nurturing, challenging, safe environment for every student.  The task for teachers is to develop balanced classrooms based on the knowledge they have about the students, not the teachers at the next grade level.  Since the goal is to have balanced classrooms, we are not able to honor requests for students to be placed with special friends.

Examples of information staff find helpful are: “Please separate my twins, Sally and Suzie,” or “Please do not place my son, Joey, in the same class as Fred as we are neighbors and they are together all the time,” or “My child has only been in the United States one month and needs English Language support.”

If you choose to provide specific information regarding your child that the teacher does not have or may be unaware of, please email your letter to Jennifer Kessler, Principal. Letters may be emailed to kesslerj@issaquah.wednet.edu  All letters are due by Friday, April 25 by 4:30 PM.  Please note: We do not accept letters that specify individual teachers by gender, experience level, or name.  Letters turned in after the due date will not be accepted.

 

Thank you in advance for your understanding and support of this process.