To Mr. Connolly, Dr. Burton, and who may concern,  

We are a group of parents who have children enrolled in Millburn Middle School. We petition to change MMS's current accelerated class placement policy. Right now, the students need to achieve a grade of 94 or above in order to be placed in the accelerated class the year after. We think it unfair, unnecessary, and puts tremendous amount of pressure on students. We petition to change the criteria from grade of 94 to 90, which is marked as A currently in the transcript. We make the request for the following reasons. 

Several years ago, hoping to reduce students' stress, MMS removed +/- from the transcript. Now, all grades from 90-100 are marked as A. It might have worked towards the original goal a little bit, but not in a significant way. This marking change doesn't really reduce students' stress, because it brings no merit. In order to get into the accelerated class, they still need to achieve 94, which remains the same. It is the 94 mark that makes students to lose sleep in the night, makes them to choose between extended study time and playdates/activities/family functions. So to really reach the goal when removing +/- in transcript, the school should also lower the accelerated class placement grade from 94 to A.  

In May, Millburn High School changed its long-standing accelerated class placement policy, allowing students with A-, instead of A,  in CPA class to move to accelerated class the year after. This change adapts to the new social trends and college admission policy that shifted dramatically in the past two years. As the pipeline to MHS, MMS should take the  measurement accordingly. Those students who get A in middle school are very likely those who can make into high school accelerated classes in the future. The middle school should prepare them with the necessary skills to the accelerated classes in the high school, specially the math, writing, and analysis skills that will help them excel in high school accelerated classes.  

The summer break is here and the current 6th and 7th graders will benefit the most from the change we petition. Please consider it to reduce students' stress and get them ready for the future development.