In this part of New Hampshire, the majority of communities have broadband and/or DSL service available. Many technology corporations, web designers, computer/peripheral sales outlets, and new media purveyors are already established in the area, and growth in these industries is virtually certain. Deerfield is home to www.forumhome.org, a unique online newspaper staffed by volunteers; this is a venture that has received worldwide attention. One of the NHCIC founders, Bill Millios, owns Back Lot Films, Inc., of Fremont-a digital filmmaking company. DEKA Research and FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) are in Manchester. Portsmouth's Pease International Tradeport has numerous high-tech businesses in residence. This is a prime area for a school where students will integrate tradition and knowledge of history with new media and technology.
We are aware of the growth in population that Deerfield has been experiencing. We know that Deerfield Community School is overcrowded and that voters have been reluctant to invest a great deal of money in new construction. Middle Village School would not solve the problems that Deerfield is facing, but could ameliorate conditions somewhat. Middle Village's success could be used as a model for the town; small, specialized charter schools could be gradually opened around Deerfield.
A charter school is a public school operated by a group of parents, teachers, and community members as a semi-autonomous school of choice within a school district, operating under a contract or "charter" between the members of the charter school community and the local school board. The New Hampshire Dept of Education says, "Charter schools are responsible to their sponsor-usually a state or local school board—to produce positive academic results and adhere to the charter contract." According to the Colorado Dept of Education, the spirit of the nationwide charter school movement is "to offer parents choice, and for educators to take responsible risks, and to create new, innovative, more flexible ways of educating children within the public school system." The Los Angeles Unified School District views charter schools as "part of the District's family and as an asset from which we can learn."
There are currently no chartered middle schools in New Hampshire. The early adolescent years are a critical time in a child's life; a time when the child's inherent curiosity can be fostered - or a time when the child may choose to disengage. This school will serve as a lab school and model of the educational concepts of integrated, multiage education that the NHCIC advocates. It will offer both a rigorous, integrated curriculum and a commitment to individualized instruction with close involvement of parents and families in the education of their children.
All students attending Middle Village School are to be provided with a deep and challenging curriculum that will prepare them for the journey toward college. This school will not attempt to serve every type of student, but for the appropriate population our school will provide a rewarding experience that will nurture academic, physical, personal, and social growth.
Proposal for Middle Village Charter School
Deerfield School Board Meeting, August 16, 2007
A charter school is a public school operated by a group of parents, teachers, and community members as a semi-autonomous school of choice within a school district, operating under a contract or "charter" between the members of the charter school community and the local school board. The New Hampshire Department of Education says, "Charter schools are responsible to their sponsor-usually a state or local school board—to produce positive academic results and adhere to the charter contract." According to the Colorado Department of Education, the spirit of the nationwide charter school movement is "to offer parents choice, and for educators to take responsible risks, and to create new, innovative, more flexible ways of educating children within the public school system." The Los Angeles Unified School District views charter schools as "part of the district's family and as an asset from which we can learn."
Middle Village at a glance:
• Open enrollment public school of choice with integrated curriculum
While building knowledge about'-and maintaining respect for'-tradition and history, students will develop skills needed to succeed in a world being changed by new media and technologies
Students will be engaged in authentic projects with actual audiences
• Commitment to individualized instruction
• Multiage classes comprised of grades 6, 7, 8
• 1 to 20 teacher-student ratio
• Full enrollment of 80 students (by year four)
• Accountable to sponsor for carrying out the objectives indicated in the charter
• Potential location: Historic Progressive Grange Hall on Middle Road
• Close involvement of parents and families in the education of their children
Projected financial highlights:
• Per pupil cost to Deerfield: $4800 in FY1, $2600 per pupil in subsequent years
• Average cost to Deerfield per year over first five years: $191,800
• Average cost per pupil per year over five years: $7971
• Charter schools can access grants and gifts not available to local educational districts