Clovis schools to explore sixth grade academy option

An academy for sixth graders is being considered for the Clovis Municipal School (CMS) system as a way to better prepare elementary students for middle school.

Discussion of the proposal was headed by Carrie Nigreville, CMS Deputy Superintendent of Academic Services and Leadership at Tuesday’s December meeting of the school board.

Nigreville told the board the idea for the sixth-grade academy came up in 2019 prompted by Clovis educators noting a drop in sixth graders academic performance from elementary to middle school.

“We would like to have everything in place by next school year,” Nigreville said in regard to the creation of the academy.

Gloria Mendoza, CMS Executive Director of Strategic Planning and School Support told the board about meeting with sixth graders about the possibility of a sixth-grade academy. The students gave a favorable response according to Mendoza.

Nigreville said the process of creating the sixth-grade academy will include public meetings and workshops including one with the school board.

After some discussion board members agreed to meet in their board room in the school administration building on Main Street Jan. 13 at 9 a.m.

Board President Shawn Hamilton pointed out the public is invited to attend the session.

In other business, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, Technology and Athletics, Jay Brady, announced the state Public Schools Facility Authority (PSFA) will be providing money for the district in the form of a 52% match of needed funds.

Deputy Superintendent of Employee Services, Joe Strickland, reported on a number of staff openings in the school system including the need for 14 teachers, 12 pre-K teachers and two Music teachers.

CMS Director of Fine Arts, Corey Pickett, reported on the achievements of Clovis High School choir and band students making the All-State ranks and theatre students doing well at a One Act Play competition in Farmington.

The CHS Choir gave a performance of a few Christmas songs as the meeting began.