Enrollment has climbed to 1,068 as of Friday. We will probably top out at just under 1,100 students on Monday, August 28. This is the day that school bus transportation is provided for students who have chosen to come to Dodgen MS as a result of NCLB. Most of the 120 families who have transfered their children to Dodgen have driven them to the campus these past two weeks. We expect about 20 more to enroll on Monday. Outside of challenges created by traffic in the carpool line in the afternoon, and some slightly overcrowded classrooms, the inclusion of more than 100 children has been an overwhelming pleasure. This is the third year that we have welcomed students from other schools. Once again, I must say how very proud I am of our outstanding talented and nurturing staff.
The traffic congestion should be greatly reduced on Monday as bus routes take effect. As far as the overcrowded classrooms, I continue to interview qualified applicants. I anticipate lowering all class sizes to 28 or less within a few more days. There are a few classes that have 31 and 32 students. The majority of larger classes are at the 6th grade level. There are also a few isolated cases in the 7th and 8th grades. I have been encouraged by the qualifications of the teaching candidates I have interviewed in the past week. I will not rush to fill a position. I appreciate your patience as I continue the search.
