Dear IRIS 25-26 Families,

Each summer we complete a thorough and thoughtful process to place students in classes for the following fall. The classroom placement process is VERY complex and many factors enter into the decision-making process. Our primary priority is to create a mix of students in each class to promote a positive social and learning environment, which means a balance of academic and social factors. Each of the following areas are considered before final rosters are prepared:

*Program needs of students

• Balanced class size
• Balance of achievement levels in literacy and math
• Behavior factors regarding each student
• Compatibility of students with others in the classroom
• Teacher, Guidance Team, SpEd, Specialists, and Principal recommendations
• Independence levels and social needs
• Equal consideration for each child

The staff takes the task of placement very seriously and the team of teachers takes much time, effort, and care to make the most thoughtful placement of each child.

As parents, you may have pertinent information about your child that you would like the placement team to consider in the placement process. Examples of information staff find helpful are: “Please separate my twins, Jimmy and Johnny,” “My child has recently been diagnosed with anxiety and I would like the principal to be aware of this new diagnosis,” or “My child will do best with a firm teacher,” &, etc.

 If you choose to provide specific information regarding your child that is unique or regarding information that the current teacher, administration, and PPS team does not have or may be unaware of, please complete the IRIS 25-26 Parent Input Form.

Any information shared on the form will be considered confidential and will only be utilized by the IRIS placement team.

You will receive an automated confirmation email upon completion of the form.  Please ensure that your form is completed by June 15th, for your input to be considered. If you do not receive a confirmation email please contact the main office at (315) 642-0405. 

Please do not write a letter to ask that your child be placed with specific friends. We expect all students to make new friends and work with a variety of students in their classes. The parent input process is also not intended to offer the opportunity to request or describe a specific teacher by name. Any request to be placed with a specific teacher will be disregarded. Such input cannot be part of our classroom placement process as it is not always in the student’s best interest and staffing also changes from year to year. 

Once a Parent Input Form is received, the placement team will read and review the parent input. Please note, that submission of the parent input is not a guarantee that the school will be able to accommodate the parent request.

If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to email or contact me at any time. 

Educationally yours,

 Carrie A. Smith, IRIS Principal