April 26, 2022
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We are excited to announce the Westmoreland Central School District will be offering a grades K-1 “Multi-age Classroom” for the 2022-23 school year. 
A multi-age classroom is a mixed-age group of children balanced by age and ability. The purpose of a multi-age classroom is to support learners at all levels in a child-centered approach. The teacher(s) acts as a facilitator of learning, rather than instructing the whole class based on a predetermined set of skills or curriculum. This unique grouping fosters collaboration, social emotional learning, positive peer skills and the development of age appropriate academic skills while maintaining rigor and high expectations for all students.
Our grades K-1 multi-age classroom will include 24 children – 12 kindergarten students and 12 first grade students. The students will be taught by two general education teachers in a co-teaching environment. Again – the multi-age classroom will support learners at all levels. For example:
· A kindergarten student can receive instruction at the kindergarten level;
· A first grade student can receive instruction at the first grade level;
· A kindergarten student who is already beyond the kindergarten level, can receive instruction at the first grade level;
· A first grade student who needs extra practice or reinforcement of certain concepts previously taught, can receive additional instruction at the kindergarten level; and
· A first grade student who is already beyond the first grade level, can receive instruction at the second grade level.
The individualized instruction – or whatever each child needs – is an innovative way to close achievement gaps, which could be the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, another issue or a combination of factors.
An informational meeting for parents/guardians on the grades K-1 multi-age classroom will be held on Thursday, June 2, in the Primary Elementary School cafeteria, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. The enrollment and selection processes are still being developed, and more information on both, among other topics, will be provided at the meeting.
Westmoreland’s grades K-1 multi-age classroom is being created in partnership with Dr. Sandra J. Stone of Northern Arizona University. Dr. Stone specializes in multi-age learning and will lead staff training and professional development on the unique mode of instruction. She has also been contacted by other districts in our region interested in offering a multi-age classroom.
We hope you will join us on June 2 for more information on this exciting endeavor!
Sincerely,
Stephen Polera
Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Pupil Personnel
Jessica Maine
Primary Elementary School Principal