Dear Courtney Davis and Esteemed Members of the School District Board,

We, the undersigned parents, guardians, staff, and community members of Zaharis Elementary School, respectfully request that Zaharis be expanded to include grades 7 and 8, officially transitioning our school into a K-8 institution.

We strongly believe that this change would benefit our students, families, and the broader community for the following reasons:

• Stronger Academic Continuity: Extending Zaharis to 8th grade would allow students to benefit from a consistent academic environment during critical developmental years, supporting stronger long-term academic achievement.

• Emotional and Social Stability: Remaining in a familiar, supportive community through middle school years would promote students’ emotional well-being, confidence, and leadership skills during a pivotal stage of growth.

• Family Engagement and Community Building: A K-8 model fosters closer relationships among families, staff, and students, enhancing parental involvement and school spirit over a longer period.

• Positive Behavioral Outcomes: Research consistently shows that K-8 schools experience fewer disciplinary issues, leading to safer and more nurturing environments for students.

• Tailored Middle School Experiences: With a smaller, community-centered approach, Zaharis  would be able to offer personalized academic and extracurricular programs that meet the unique needs of our students as they prepare for high school.

• We propose to enhance our current model by establishing a choice school that incorporates a literacy-based workshop approach, focusing on inquiry and innovation for students in PreK-6th grade, and expanding this framework to include 7th and 8th grades as outlined in our petition. This expansion will build upon our existing strengths, engaging students through hands-on learning experiences that emphasize 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and effective communication. By extending the workshop model to older students, we aim to deepen their literacy skills and foster a culture of inquiry and innovation  that prepares them for high school and beyond. This initiative will provide families with an enriching educational option that nurtures students’ intellectual curiosity and equips them with the essential competencies needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.

We recognize that transitioning to a K-8 model will require thoughtful planning, resource allocation, and collaboration. We are committed to working alongside the district to ensure a smooth and successful expansion process.

We respectfully ask the district to prioritize this proposal and initiate a feasibility study and planning process to make Zaharis a K-8 school beginning 2025-2026 school year.

Thank you for considering this important request. We are excited about the potential for Zaharis to grow and better serve our children and community for years to come.

Sincerely,

Lamies Nesheiwat
Zaharis Community