Editor: I read with interest and elation that our school district has unanimously supported the motion for an eventual district-wide middle school model (the Times, Nov. 4).
Contrary to what was stated in that article, that the intentions to restructure H.D. Stafford into a middle school in 2008 were made purely for financial reasons, this was not the case.
I was one of the parents actively promoting the middle school structure at H.D. Stafford as well as at Betty Gilbert because of the educational advantages offered to students at all levels of schooling.
There were benefits for every age grouping, whether it was for the kindergarten to Grade 5s at the elementary level, for Grades 6 to 8 or Grades 9 to 12.
At the time, many voices were against putting Grades 6 to 8 into a school with a very special environment for their particular age level; where they could retain their youth while exercising their active minds with programs like Explorations, as well as learning independence and responsibility.
Perhaps the thought of changing the grade levels at their school is what clouded their vision but whatever it was, it is extremely inspirational to see that things have changed and we now have unanimous district wide support for middle schools in Langley.
I continue to appreciate that our trustees at that time, Steve Burton, Hattie Hogeterp, Rod Ross and Alison McVeigh held firm in their decision to support middle schools in Langley.
It’s clearly been a huge win for students and will continue to be moving forward.
Kari Medos,
Langley
