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Marshall Public Schools The vision of the Marshall Public Schools (Independent School District #413) is "to work as one in the pursuit of excellence" and never has that been so true as during the past year. In 1999 the citizens of Marshall voted to provide additional funding for the school system through the passage of a bond and excess referendum levy, and to support a commitment from the district to reduce class sizes in the elementary schools and to improve the course offerings in the senior high schools, particularly in the area of industrial technology. Since that time, the district has been implementing program changes quickly. In the elementary schools, this has included a change to all day, everyday kindergarten programs, a reduction in class sizes in grades 1 through 6, and expanded programs in grades 5 and 6 that continue into junior high. Perhaps most exciting has been the placement of computer clusters in each elementary classroom, giving students immediate access to new technology and vast resources found on the internet. A new block scheduling system in both the junior and senior high allows teachers to offer more in depth instruction, while focusing student's attentions on fewer classes per quarter. Expanded course offerings in agriculture, business education, industrial technology, foreign languages and the other fine arts offer students greater career exploration. Among its many offerings, the district is proud to offer secondary courses in CAD/CAM, web site construction and CISCO router systems, preparing students for future job placements. There are new opportunities for students to develop personal fitness and life-long healthy attitudes through the addition of a new student fitness center. A summer talents academy for grades 3-6 is in its third successful year, and a Mentor Connection program for high school seniors exploring their future career paths continues to be popular. For students requiring a different approach to succeed, the Marshall East Campus Learning Alternatives campus, housed on the Market Street Mall offers a flexible path to obtaining a diploma to those willing to exercise personal responsibility in individuals and small group settings. The Area Adult Learning Center adds yet another option, offering high school equivalency programs at an individual pace, English as a Second Language classes, and adult basic education in a small and informal setting to help students brush up on basic skills. The District also provides ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) classes for the preschool set, and special programming for special needs student of all ages. The Marshall Public Schools are truly a part of the future of Marshall, working to ensure success for both our students and the community. |