CLIP+Middle+School

= Issues and Discussion Concerning the CLIP Middle School =

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Background
In 2004, CLIP expanded to Middle School and had it's first 8th grade graduating class in 2007. Originally set at Hyde Middle School in 2004, the program moved to Lawson Middle School in 200?. CLIP Middle school began it's current transition in 2010 to Miller Middle School, which will see it's first 8th grade class in 2012-13.

Curriculum
Miller Middle School has 6 periods and 1 "Zero" Period that takes place before school. Current: 4 Core classes include: Math, Science, English Language Arts, and PE.
 * || **CLIP** || **Neighborhood** ||
 * **6th** || Chinese Language Arts, Social Studies Immersion , 4 Core classes + 1 Elective || 5 Core Classes + 1 Elective ||
 * **7th** || Chinese Language Arts, Social Studies Immersion, 4 Core classes + 1 Elective || 5 Core Classes + 2 Electives ||
 * **8th** || Chinese Language Arts, Social Studies Immersion, 4 Core classes + 1 Elective || 5 Core Classes + 2 Electives ||

Electives are as follows (source: []):
 * || **6th** || **7th** || **8th** ||
 * Exploratory Wheel || • ||  ||   ||
 * Foundations of Art ||  || • || • ||
 * Art ||  || • || • ||
 * Communication Arts ||  || • || • ||
 * Journalism ||  || • || • ||
 * Yearbook ||  || • || • ||
 * Woodshop ||  || • || • ||
 * Drafting ||  || • || • ||
 * Fashion Design ||  || • || • ||
 * Foods & Nutrition ||  || • || • ||
 * Leadership ||  || • || • ||
 * Life Skills ||  || • || • ||
 * Beginning Band || • || • || • ||
 * Mustang Band || • || • || • ||
 * Advanced Band ||  || • || • ||
 * Beginning Choir || • || • || • ||
 * Advanced Choir ||  || • || • ||
 * Songwriting & Garageband ||  || • || • ||
 * French 1A ||  || • ||   ||
 * Japanese 1A ||  || • ||   ||
 * Spanish 1A ||  || • ||   ||
 * French 1B ||  ||   || • ||
 * Japanese 1B ||  ||   || • ||
 * Spanish 1B ||  ||   || • ||
 * Math Enrichment ||  || • || • ||
 * Study Skills || • || • || • ||
 * Teacher Aide ||  ||   || • ||
 * Office Aide ||  ||   || • ||

Proposed CLIP Curriculum Changes (not MiCAC)
New proposal from a few parents to eliminate the choice of Miller Electives from all grades.
 * || **Proposed Model** ||
 * **6th** || Chinese Language Arts, Chinese Enrichment + 5 Core Classes ||
 * **7th** || Chinese Language Arts, Chinese Enrichment + 5 Core Classes ||
 * **8th** || Chinese Language Arts, Chinese Enrichment + 5 Core Classes ||

Elimination of CUSD funding for Zero Period
//At our February CLIPCO meeting, Sal Gumina, the Principal brought it to the attention at the CLIPCO Board that it is the intention of the District to eliminate the zero period for the CLIP 6th grade students. The rational behind this decision was based on the fact that the neighborhood 6th grade students did not receive the ability to have a zero period and they were not willing to fund the zero period in light of the tight budget situation the Cupertino School District is facing. The District has requested that if the CLIP parents would like to maintain the zero period for the sixth graders they requested that CLIPCO pay for the zero period. This would add $40,000 to our budget next year and every subsequent year if we are to maintain the zero period going forward. The question remains -- is the zero period something that the Parents would like to keep and should the CLIPCO parents fund this activity. The zero period gives the kids the ability to have an elective. Since this change will affect all parents going forward, I would propose that we establish a committee of parents from the kindergarten to 6th grade to get their input as to how important the zero period is to parents, and whether they are willing to fund this expense. Just to quantify, the zero period costs about $650/student, so this cost is material."//
 * Official e-mail from CLIPCO** (February 27, 2012)**:**


 * Update:** On March 1, 2012, CUSD agreed to fund $20,000 for 2012-13 only. Subsequent years will remain at $40,000 to fund immersion for K-8.

//Dear CLIP parents,// //Today at the Meyerholz CLIP Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting, Miller Middle School principal Sal Gumina announced that after extensive talks with district superintendent Phil Quon and assistant superintendent Linda Denman, the district will continue to fund the Miller CLIP sixth grade zero hour elective. All CLIP sixth graders will have the same English elective options as other Miller sixth graders. This funding is expected to continue for the CLIP program in the foreseeable future.// //As many of you know, our superintendent Phil Quon will retire next summer. Our assistant superintendent of instruction, Linda Denman, who has been in charge of all district alternative programs, will also be retiring after the end of this school year. She will continue to be influential as a consultant through the first half of our next school year, advising her replacement as issues arise. Linda and Phil have both been supportive of CLIP's dual immersion Mandarin program over the years.// //We owe a debt of gratitude to Miller principal Sal Gumina, who has been a persistent and effective advocate for CLIP on this issue. We should also recognize his dedication and commitment to CLIP as he has attended every evening CLIPCO meeting, every afternoon Miller CLIP Advisory Committee meeting, and even occasional Meyerholz CAC meetings.// //Thank you, Sal, for going to bat for us. Thank you also, to all those concerned CLIP parents who took the time to express their varied opinions to not only each other but also to district administrators and teachers. Our voices were heard and heeded.//
 * Update:** On March 9, 2012, CUSD agreed to fund for the foreseeable future. Official E-mail from Meyerholz CAC: