Cody Middle School - reinstate advanced math

08/24/2023

A quick update. I will expand more when I’ve cooled down. Today I had a meeting scheduled with Vernon Orndorff. I had one other parent show up with me. They refused to let this other parent into the meeting.

Do you know who was at the meeting? Vernon Orndorff, Tim Foley, Jacob Gogan, Jeremiah Johnston, and me, April Conaway.

I had scheduled a meeting with Vernon. Why can they have others attend and I can’t? Feeling like they were purposefully trying to intimidate me.

08/24/2023

Do you know who’s dropping advanced math from their middle schools? California.

Supporters say proposed state K-12 framework will make higher-level math accessible to more. Critics contend it will make poor math outcomes worse.

08/23/2023

Meeting with Vernon Orndorff tomorrow, Thursday the 24th, 8:45am at the middle school. Let me know if you’d like to join us.

08/20/2023

Dear Superintendent Orndorff,

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent decision made by Cody Middle School to discontinue offering advanced math for 6th graders. As a parent, I firmly believe that providing advanced math options is vital for our students' educational growth and success.

While I understand the school's emphasis on building a strong foundation in mathematics, I believe that denying 6th-grade students the opportunity to engage with advanced math courses might hinder their academic progress. By catering to the diverse learning needs of our students, we can ensure that every child remains challenged and motivated in their studies.

I appreciate the efforts the school is making to address advanced students' needs within the existing curriculum. However, a dedicated advanced math course would offer a more comprehensive and specialized learning experience for these students. It's crucial to foster an environment where advanced learners can thrive and explore their full potential, rather than potentially feeling unstimulated in a class that doesn't cater to their abilities.

I understand that managing staffing and curriculum can be complex, but I urge you to consider the long-term benefits of maintaining advanced math options for 6th graders. By offering a broader range of math courses, we can create an educational atmosphere that truly supports the needs of every student and encourages a love for learning.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope that you will take these concerns to heart and work towards ensuring that Cody Middle School continues to provide a dynamic and enriching learning environment for all its students.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

08/20/2023

Dear Principal Gogan,

I hope this message finds you well. I would like to express my concerns regarding the recent decision to discontinue offering advanced math for 6th graders at Cody Middle School. While I understand the importance of a strong foundation in mathematics, I firmly believe that providing advanced math options is equally crucial to cater to the diverse learning needs of our students.

While it's reassuring to know that the 6th-grade teachers will continue to challenge advanced students, I am worried that this approach might not fully engage or stimulate their potential. A dedicated advanced math curriculum would better ensure that these students remain motivated and excited about learning, rather than possibly feeling held back in a class that doesn't challenge them appropriately.

I also appreciate the efforts being made to provide project-based learning extensions and opportunities for students demonstrating above-grade-level proficiency in math. However, having a separate advanced math course would provide a more comprehensive and structured environment for these students to excel and explore their mathematical capabilities.

I understand that maintaining staffing and curriculum offerings can be challenging, but I urge you to reconsider the decision to discontinue advanced math for 6th graders. Offering a range of math courses at this level is essential to fostering a love for learning and ensuring that each student can reach their full potential. I believe that by providing advanced math options, you can truly fulfill the promise of a dynamic and enriching learning environment that Cody Middle School aims to create.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to my concerns. I look forward to your response and hope that we can work together to find a solution that benefits all students at Cody Middle School.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

08/19/2023

What do you think of the letter sent out by the middle school regarding math?

They said, “Our goal is to maintain the availability of advanced math classes for students at the 7th and 8th-grade levels” but they took away the advanced class for 6th graders. How many students will be able to take advanced math later if they’re missing it in 6th grade?

Keep the pressure up, we’re making waves!

💪💪💪💪

08/17/2023

What can YOU do?

**Email Jacob Gogan (middle school principal) and let him know you’re concerned. [email protected]

**Email Vernon Orndorff and tell him that we need to offer advanced math to not fall behind other districts. [email protected]

**Email Donna Myers, Mr Orndorff’s secretary, and ask for a meeting with Vernon. [email protected]

**Email any of the board members

I’ll include sample letters in the comments of this post. Feel free to copy/paste and use my words or add your own.

08/17/2023

I spent several hours today calling other middle schools in the state asking if they offer advanced math and the ability for students to take Algebra I in middle school. Want to see the list of schools that DO offer it?

Powell*
Burlington
Lovell
Glenrock
Meeteetse
Sheridan
Pinedale
Worland
Buffalo

*Powell often has students complete Algebra II in 8th grade!

08/17/2023

Attention parents…. Are you aware that the middle school is no longer offering an advanced math class for 6th graders?

Previously students were placed into either 6th grade math or advanced math, based on their specific needs. If students stayed on the advanced path, they would complete algebra 1 by the end of Middle school.

They are now forcing all students to take 6th grade math regardless of their needs.

I have already spoken to the middle school principals and their “unable to accommodate the needs of these students due to staffing issues.”

The next step is to contact Vernon Orndorf and Tim Foley. I’m hoping to gather a large group of concerned parents to attend this meeting. Please contact me if you are concerned about this decision.