Sentinel & Enterprise Small schools pilot program will go in one wing at LHS By Lisa Guerriero Friday, March 19, 2004 - LEOMINSTER -- One of the wings at Leominster High School will likely house a pilot “small schools” program next year, the school's principal said. A team of roughly 18 teachers and 250 students will be housed in the school's A-wing under the proposed program. “I’m confident when students and parents see it in action and see how well it works, they will want to be part of it,” said Dr. William Hart, principal. Teachers voted 76 to 73 in February against full implementation of the small schools program, which would have lengthened classes and reduced elective offerings to increase core academic time. The teachers participating in the scaled-down pilot program represent each of the departments and were selected from roughly 35 faculty members who volunteered to help plan the program, Hart said. He hopes to publicize the program and have 250 to 300 students volunteer to participate by summer. “I’m confident we'll be able to fill the program,” he said. Administrators are also examining the feasibility of opening a second small school this fall in the adjacent vocational school, the Center for Technical Education, Hart said. Hart said the small school will build a sense of belonging for students, and encourage them to show ownership of the building. The small school environment also creates an opportunity for teachers to share instructional planning, Hart said. Small schools teachers will spend part of their time in “critical friends” groups, comparing assessment and educational strategies and experiences. Hart hopes the periods will eventually include peer observation and review.

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