Two Scappoose schools will serve different student populations next school year

The Scappoose School District is announcing a significant change for the 2024-25 school year, in an effort to respond to the changing needs of students and staff.

“We have decided to make adjustments to the Warren and Grant Watts school’s settings,” Superintendent Tim Porter said in a Facebook post.

Warren Elementary School will be transformed into a dedicated pre-K/Kindergarten school and Grant Watts Elementary School will be realigned to accommodate all students in first through third grade.

“This decision is based on our commitment to creating the best possible learning environment for every child,” Porter said.

By dedicating entire schools to similar age groups, the district can align its curriculum more closely with the developmental needs and learning styles of its students, Porter said.

The district also addressed consistency and equity in its decision.

“Transitioning to this school setting will promote consistency across all our educational programs,” Porter said. “Students will experience increased continuity in procedures, rules, communications, academic programs and parent involvement initiatives.”

Porter added, “This change creates efficiencies in our programming for our students with disabilities at grades K-3 at both locations. In addition, this restructuring responds directly to the increased workload of our Special Educators at the primary level.”

These changes allow the district to focus efforts and resources, generating increased support and involvement from parents, guardians and community partners, Porter said. Staff will be redistributed to align with age groups in each location.

The district is developing pick-up and drop-off times to accommodate parents with students in several schools.

Warren Elementary Early Learning Center Director will be Jen Stearns, who will continue on as Director of Student Performance. Stearns has spent nearly a decade serving the district.

“The strength of our district lies not only in its physical structures but in the spirit of collaboration and support that defines us as a community,” Porter said.