The word is out— the final decision has been made on the wild debate of the sixth graders transferring to Berner Middle School. On February 9, members of the Board of Education approved the reconfiguration of our district.

Superintendent Mrs. Lucille Iconis has been pushing for this movement for many years, and now it is officially happening.

This is an exciting and transformational time in our district,“ Mrs. Iconic said. “Moving grade 6 to Berner will create a true middle level learning environment and open limitless opportunities to our students.”

This change will result in no negative effects to the teachers or staff members in the sixth grade. In fact, It will create more job opportunities for prospective teachers.

This will also give sixth graders the chance to take a foreign language a year earlier than what normally would have happened.  After the transition, sixth graders will have the chance to take a language every other day.

These big movements will be happening September 2017, the earliest. Mr. Esposito loves the idea of welcoming more kids into the building.

“It should be a rich opportunity for our students. I think it will really better prepare students for high school.” Mr. Esposito said. “Its overwhelming beneficial.”

Adding a whole new grade of children to Berner will influence all of the departments, especially the middle school music department.

“I am confident the music department at Berner will adjust very easily to the changes being made,” Mr. Einhart, a Berner Music Teacher said. “I look forward to having more students, more music, and more performances throughout our building.”

All in all, this decision made by The Board of Education will benefit our community. “The District’s goal is to create the most outstanding middle school possible,” Mrs. Iconis said. “[by] working together we can make this aspiration a reality.”