NEW: Nathan Bishop Middle School in Providence Cancels Graduation
Sunday, June 07, 2015
Nathan Bishop Middle School in Providence has opted to cancel traditional promotional exercises this year, instead allowing students who have qualified for a "Celebration Day" by adhering to academic and citizenship requirements to participate in an in-school barbecue.
In two letters that went out by Principal Kimberly Luca, parents were told their student either qualified -- or didn't -- to take part in the "Celebration Day" -- and some parents are outraged.
Parent Kim Clark said she "lamented the lack of parental involvement in this decision and also our elimination from this important right of passage."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"My son’s last three years at Nathan Bishop were marred by being surrounded by constant behavioral issues. I can’t fathom why the administration is choosing to deal with this only now, in the last weeks of school, it’s pointless, petty and misguided," said Clark. "Promotion ceremonies are a traditional, inspiring way to move up from one school to another. All of the students (if they are being promoted) should be leaving the school, in a positive and uplifting way that sets them on the best course possible as they enter High School."
Parental Feedback
The letters from Luca have been circulating online regarding the change.
"We at Nathan Bishop Middle School are excited to celebrate our 8th graders moving on up to high school. This year we have decided it would be an honor for us to give the 8th graders who have exhibited great citizenship and consistent academic accomplishments a “Celebration Day” instead of the traditional promotional exercises. We would like to acknowledge those students who have followed the Cougar Code and the Nathan Bishop Contract by giving them the opportunity to enjoy time together in a relaxed and fun atmosphere," wrote Luca. (See Letters BELOW)
Clark said that she heard that a third of the class would not be participating in Celebration Day due to behavior.
"When a third of the class is being called out for breaking a “behavioral contract”, one has to look at the bigger picture and ask how the culture of the school descended to that point. It’s been obvious to me that many of the classroom teachers don’t have the classroom management, or motivational skills necessary to run a functional, inspiring classroom and administration has been well aware of this and has done little to support them," said Clark. "At the same time, Nathan Bishop is overcrowded, surpassing the number of students it was intended to handle which assures failure and that falls on the School Department."
The "Cougar Code" pledge that students were required to sign in and adhere to in order to participate in promotional exercises was that they would: not harass, bully, or harm anyone mentally, physically, or socially and/or engage in a fight (as a participant or instigator); not have more than 3 unexcused absences or tardies; work hard to pass all classes; not be suspended as of April 13, 2015, and pledge that all school materials, text books, and library books will be turned in or paid for by June 19, 2015.
"Regardless, students and parents expect a middle school graduation/promotions ceremony. It would be a lot more effective to reward those with outstanding behavior with special awards and whatnot, than to act punitively, shaming the misbehavers," said Clark. "Pragmatically, how do they expect the school to function when they’ve told a third of the 8th grade that there’s a party and THEY’RE not invited?"
Celebration Day Letters
The following two communications were sent from Luca.
To parents whose student(s) would be participating:
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We at Nathan Bishop Middle School are excited to celebrate our 8th graders moving on up to high school. This year we have decided it would be an honor for us to give the 8th graders who have exhibited great citizenship and consistent academic accomplishments a “Celebration Day” instead of the traditional promotional exercises. We would like to acknowledge those students who have followed the Cougar Code and the Nathan Bishop Contract by giving them the opportunity to enjoy time together in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
This year we are throwing a cookout with hotdogs, hamburgers, corn, watermelon, lemonade and much more. The afternoon festivities will also include a photo booth (at no cost to the students), music, and the dissemination of the promotional certificates and awards. It is important for our faculty and staff to spend time with our 8th graders and show our appreciation and celebrate their accomplishments.
We understand that this is a break from the norm, but we hope to create a new tradition that emphasizes more fun for the students. We pride ourselves by being fair and equitable and each year it seems that the promotional ceremony causes much unneeded stress to many families.
The date for our Celebration Day for the 8th grade students who have successfully met the criteria set forth in the contract will be on Thursday, June 25, 2015 from 12:30-2:30pm.
The parents whose students "did not adhere to the contract" received the following latter.
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We at Nathan Bishop Middle School are excited to celebrate our 8th graders moving on up to high school. This year we have decided it would be an honor for us to give the 8th graders who have exhibited great citizenship and consistent academic accomplishments a “Celebration Day” instead of the traditional promotional exercises. We would like to acknowledge those students who have followed the Cougar Code and the Nathan Bishop Contract by giving them the opportunity to enjoy time together in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
Unfortunately, your child did not adhere to the contract and therefore will not be allowed to participate in the Celebration Day on Thursday, June 25, 2015 from 12:30-2:30pm.
Included with this letter is a copy of your child’s contract which explains the reason (s) why the contract was broken.
Related Slideshow: The Most and Least Diverse High Schools in Rhode Island
The data below reflects the 2012-13 academic year as provided by the Rhode Island Dept of Education. Values have been rounded to the nearest whole percent.
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