May 4, 2007 Dear Parents and Guardians, We are writing to you today, to request your input regarding class sizes at the Lincoln Public Schools. The Class Size Policy Review Committee (CSPRC), appointed by the K-8 School Committee, has developed a parent/guardian questionnaire to solicit your attitudes and opinions about class sizes in Lincoln. This questionnaire is extremely important, as it provides a means for all parents and guardians to contribute their thoughts and ideas at this formative stage in the study. As background, the Lincoln K-8 School Committee appointed the CSPRC to conduct a comprehensive study of its Class Size Policy for grades K through 8. The current policy has been in place since the early 1980’s. Changes in educational practice in the intervening years, questions from both parents and the Finance Committee raised during this year’s budget cycle, as well as policy changes from the Federal Government regarding class sizes on the Hanscom campus, have prompted the Committee to initiate this policy review. The charge of the CSPRC is to review the current educational research, gather parent, teacher and community input, draw comparisons to peer school districts, assess the financial and facilities implications of a range of possible outcomes over a 5 to 10 year time frame, and make final policy recommendations to the School Committee in early fall, prior to the start of the 2008/09 budget cycle. Consistent with this charge, we would like all parents and guardians of Lincoln Public School students in grades PreK-8, from the Lincoln, Hanscom, and Lincoln METCO communities, to tell us what they think about class sizes by completing a short, anonymous, on-line questionnaire. It is easy and quick – only about 10 minutes. Just go to the prompt on the Lincoln Public Schools Home Page, where you will find information and a link to this survey If you prefer, you may respond via a paper and pencil survey. These are available in the main offices at Smith and Brooks Schools in Lincoln, and at the Hanscom Primary and Middle Schools on the Base. Our aim is to get 100% participation in the survey. The more parents and guardians that fill out the survey, the more accurate and meaningful the results will be. So everyone, please help us get the fullest picture of the range of your ideas by taking the time to complete this survey. Thank you in advance for your time and interest in this important initiative for our children, schools, and town. The Class Size Policy Review Committee Chair Laurie Manos, Superintendent Mickey Brandmeyer, Fincom Liaison John Robinson, SC member Al Schmertzler, Principal Steve McKenna, Teacher Sarah Wood, Community Representative Barbara Low, and Parent Representatives Timothy Christenfeld, Jennifer Glass, Staci Montori, and Shing Hsieh

Date last modified: May 08 2007

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