Whereas a 2012 study by the University of Toronto found that children in BC suffer academically in Middle School (http://homes.chass.utoronto.ca/%7Eedhuey/datastore/files/docs/Dhuey_MiddleSchool_April2012.pdf) 

Whereas current research clearly favors K-8 models over and against Middle Schools models (http://educationnext.org/the-middle-school-plunge/ , http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/apr06/vol63/num07/Mayhem-in-the-Middle@-Why-We-Should-Shift-to-K–8.aspx, https://www.cdhowe.org/the-middle-school-report-card-troubling-evidence-from-ontario/19617)

Whereas giving Grade 6 an 7 students leadership roles over younger students is important for their academic and social development.

Whereas younger children benefit from the leadership and example that Grade 6 and 7 students provide.

Whereas the choice of whether or not a child attends a Middle School should be left up the parent(s). 

Whereas there are other ways to address capacity concerns in the district .

We the undersigned are united in our opposition to the proposed changes by the Abbotsford School District to change all remaining K-7 schools in the district to K-5.