(February 28, 2003) -- On Feb. 6, Principal Doug Dall took the microphone at the PTSA Founders Night to give his monthly principal’s report. It was then that he publicly announced that Clark may see 60 eighth graders attending Clark in a new program called ‘High Jump’ as soon as a year and a half from now. The audience reacted with mixed feelings from surprise, to delight, to “What the heck?”

Originally, Dall said he hoped that the program would go into effect next year, but Supt. Jim Brown later confirmed that it would not go into effect until at least fall 2004.

“Mr. Dall originally suggested this to me a few weeks ago due to the overcrowding issue,” said Brown. Dall told the audience at Founders Night that this program would help out Rosemont’s overcrowding problem.  “I thought it was a good idea and I hope the matter receives fair consideration, but we frankly need more time to think it out,” Brown said.

The proposed program will deal only with Rosemont, Clark’s separated twin of sorts.

GUSD Public Information Coordinator Vic Pallos said that Rosemont Middle School and Clark Middle School were both built in 1961 to accommodate 1,100 students each. Currently, Rosemont enrolls about 1,386 students compared to Clark’s 1,055.

“I see this as a way to help Rosemont and some of their students who want to obtain what Clark offers early on.  It’s a win-win situation,” said math department chair JoAnne Koch. Math teacher Verjinia Karnik disagreed, saying, “Eighth graders wouldn’t be a good mix in this untraditional high school.”

Students share similar reactions. Freshman Ben Tjoelker said, “There isn’t a big difference between an immature freshman and a mature eighth grader. I would’ve liked to start high school early.”

Wilson Middle School started a similar program two years ago, the only difference being it was for sixth graders eager to enter middle school. Principal Richard Lucas said, “The voluntary, lottery chosen program we run at Wilson has been very effective.” About 50 sixth graders currently attend that program.

Counselor Linda Doll added that such a program at Clark would be “similar to having seniors attend college classes, which has been very successful.”