Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Boston Public Schools Superintendent Carol R. Johnson today applauded the Boston School Committee’s approval to create a “feeder pathway” to the WashingtonIrvingMiddle School for students who attend the six elementary schools in Roslindale. The unanimous vote by the seven-member committee was made Wednesday night.
“What has impressed me most about the process has been the enthusiasm and passion of parents who came together did extensive outreach, and ensured that all families were brought to the table,” said Mayor Menino. “I am confident that this drive and commitment will enhance the quality of education and build on the good work that is being done at the Irving.”
Parents whose children attend the six elementary schools in Roslindale have long been advocating for a K-8 feeder which would allow their children to have a seamless pathway from early through middle grades. Roslindale is the only neighborhood in Boston without a school that serves students from Kindergarten through 8th grade.
“We believe this plan will create the continuity families have been asking for in this area of our city,” said Dr. Johnson. “This plan will give students at these six elementary schools access to options that families in the rest of the city currently enjoy. We appreciate the hard work of the parents who helped lead this effort.”
The Irving Advisory Group (IAG), with representation from all six elementary schools as well as the Irving Middle School, had been meeting regularly for more than eighteen months, working with and surveying hundreds of parents and community leaders on ways to support programming at the Irving Middle School and create easier access to the school for Roslindale families. With the School Committee’s endorsement of the plan, 5th grade students who attend the Bates, Conley, Haley, Mozart, Philbrick, and Sumner Elementary Schools will be offered priority admission to the Irving Middle School.
“Our unanimous decision was made after much research, thought and consideration,” said Rev. Gregory G. Groover, Sr., Chairman of the Boston School Committee. “We heard from parents and community members on both sides of this issue and made a decision that we think best serves the students of Boston.”
Boston families currently have access to twenty-seven K-8 programs spanning kindergarten through grade 8, up from only three such programs in 1995. These schools are popular with parents, who are looking for a seamless K-8 experience for their children.
