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Middle schools options abound for all students
By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA © St. Petersburg Times, published October 29, 2000 A number of other programs and special schools are available to qualified middle school students. Enrollment is based on teacher or administrative recommendations and test results. Interested parents should contact their zoned school for more information. All middle schools have classes for eligible gifted children. In addition, Mathematics Education for Gifted Secondary School Students (MEGSSS) and Integrated Math and Science Technology (IMAST) programs are offered at Bay Point, Kennedy, Pinellas Park, Safety Harbor, Seminole and Tarpon Springs middle schools. Southside Fundamental and Tyrone Middle School offer only the IMAST program. Discovery schools serve students who lack motivation and need extra academic and personal support, or who can't succeed in the regular school program. Lealman and Clearwater discovery schools serve sixth- through ninth-graders, offering small group and individual instruction, parental support, and close communication with community agencies and business partnerships. Enrollment is capped at 420 students. Another type of dropout prevention program at North Ward (St. Petersburg) and Safety Harbor secondary schools serves students in grades 6-8 who have violated the school system's student conduct code. Special attendance permits are yet another middle school option, allowing students who have special medical or other needs or a family hardship to attend a non-zoned school. In the past, students interested in a non-magnet themed school (such as Madeira Beach's marine studies) also have been eligible for special attendance permits. This practice will be strictly limited, however, as a condition of the district's unitary controlled choice plan. Special attendance permits are not allowed for magnet or fundamental programs. Parents can apply for special attendance permits for any zoned middle school in the district but should be aware they will be responsible for transportation to the new school. Special attendance applications for the coming school year normally must be made between March and the last day of school for students. Individual medical or hardship cases are considered throughout the year. Most permits are approved if space is available and the transfer does not upset the school's racial balance. Last year, 7,312 permits were approved countywide out of 9,586 applications.
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