At the Feb. 21 curriculum and technology committee meeting at Salisbury High School, Salisbury Middle School Principal Ken Parliman and teachers David Beyer and Joshua Ecker gave a presentation on a proposed curriculum for a select group of sixth grade students called Project Wonder.

Parliman said as the district has worked for the last two years gaining understanding related to and implementing approaches that the “Profile of a Graduate” and its associated learning beliefs, the middle school has worked on getting the kids curious about learning and giving them a choice.

This proposal, used in other districts, connects student interests to the existing curriculum. There are four units of study: discover, develop, serve and inspire.

Parliman said this would be designed for a select group of approximately 20 sixth grade students at first. Personal learning goals would be established with each student, learning targets would be set as well as grading criteria. Student-led conferences would include the teacher, student and parent or guardian where the work completed would be shared, progress tracking monitored and open communication encouraged.

The timeline shared with the board members included creating a shared district lexicon, an introductory video, a website and promotional materials in March. In April, Project Wonder would be introduced to incoming sixth grade students and their parents or guardians and the district would begin accepting applications. Lesson and project planning would occur March through May.

To be chosen for this group, interested students would send in an application. They are looking for a representative model of students including all types of learners. If more than 20 apply, a lottery system could be used.

“This is not an elite academy,” Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Lynn Fuini-Hetten said. “It is built for all our learners.”

Board member Joseph Gnall had a concern of sixth grade students going through this program and then going back to traditional learning when moving to seventh grade.

Board members also asked if more teachers would be needed to implement Project Wonder.

Beyer said the first year would be a small group which could be implemented with existing teachers but as the program grows, more teachers would be needed. Parliman said adding teachers to the program didn’t necessarily mean hiring new teachers.

Board member Carol Klinger asked what happens if a student is not succeeding in the program. Parliman responded, “They stay.” Parliman said they would work with the student to find a way for them to succeed.

“I applaud you guys for finding ways to work with so many different types of learners coming into the system,” Board member Samuel DeFrank said.

“We want to start small and make sure it works,” Parliman said. He also noted it is working in other districts.

Board member Mary Ziegler suggested a potential information night for parents/guardians and students in the program.

Referring to Project Wonder, Superintendent Dr. Randy Ziegenfuss said as part of profile of a graduate, “This is an example of being entrepreneurial.”

Fuini-Hetten thanked Parliman, Beyer and Ecker and teacher Kelly Wetherhold for their work on Project Wonder.

In other business, SMS Assistant Principal Rob Sawicki said a team of four students - Ryan Mertle, Abby Lipkin, Josue Arroyo and Gavin Jensen created a video for the What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? contest. Winners were expected to be announced Feb. 27.

Building principals provided an update on assessment strategies and Fuini-Hetten provided a TL2020 update.

The next curriculum and technology meeting will be held 7 p.m. March 26 at Western Salisbury Elementary School.