Patterson Irrigator

Patterson Unified School District trustees toughened Creekside Middle School’s promotion policy for eighth-graders this week.

School officials said the changes give the policy “teeth,” especially for students who do not pass the Constitution test — required by the state for promotion to high school.

Letters informing parents and students went out this week.  

In the 2006-07 school year, 20 local students failed to pass the test and attended summer school. However, the eight students who still did not pass the test will not be retained at the middle school level, though school officials worry about moving them on to their freshman year of high school.

Under the revised policy, Patterson High School freshmen who did not pass the test will return to Creekside to take a Constitution class at the end of each school day for the first quarter of their freshman year, instead of being kept back for a full year.

Board member Ruben Piña was concerned about students who are new to the district or to the United States and who do not speak English. However, Creekside Principal Shawn Posey assured him such students are exempt.

Board members also were worried about letting students go on to another level, and President Bruce Kelly said parents must get involved.

“We need to raise the bar here and create more alternatives,” trustee Michele Bays added. “The kids need to see it: Here’s the things you need to do — do it.”

District officials said students will have the opportunity to take advantage of the class and pass the test — and yet, they say, some may not.

“They flat-out are not doing the work,” said Kathy Pon, assistant superintendent of educational services. “Some refuse to attend summer school.”

The new policy also says Creekside students must pay library and other fines by the end of the eighth-grade year to participate in the promotion ceremony. Also, students must have no suspensions within the last six weeks of school.

Students who have been suspended during the school year will be given the opportunity to be promoted if they participate in 10 hours of assigned community service.

Students also must have a at least a 1.5 GPA — a D average — with no second semester F’s.  
Superintendent Patrick Sweeney said he’s pleased with the revised policy.

“I’m glad to see that Creekside is raising the standards,” Sweeney said. “It’s showing in their test scores.”

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