Parents with children in the EMR (Educable Mentally Retarded) program in the Arcadia schools have written letters to the state, county and local school officials outlining the difficulties EMR teachers are having controlling their students without help from aides (lost due to Prop. 13).
Approximately 147 students who have attended Hugo Reid will be transferred to Holly Avenue next year if the proposal is passed by the school board. The transfer and boundary change are designed to alleviate over-crowding at Hugo Reid.
The School Board and the Administration have debated optimum class size and decided that in any class where there are more than 32 students, a paid aide should be provided to assist the teacher.
The School Board reversed an earlier decision to order construction of two modular buildings at Holly Avenue School to permit the transfer there of 150 students from Hugo Reid, thus emptying one classroom there for future growth. It may not be possible at this late date to get the necessary work done by September 15.
Teachers and parents at Camino Grove and Holly Avenue elementary schools are in communication with the Arcadia Board of Education to restore the School Improvement Program.
Arcadia High School is instituting two P. E. classes for handicapped youngsters this fall. A survey showed the need, so a program has been worked out which will be titled Adaptive P. E. and is designed to strengthen and condition those students.
For the first time ever, there is a proficiency examination, which if passed successfully, would permit a student to leave school at 16. A certificate issued by the State will be legally equivalent to a diploma. The student must also have parental approval.