An 8th-grader at Rishel Middle School reads to MSLA kindergartners.
Part 2 of Ed News’ video series on space-sharing at Rishel Middle School takes a closer look at one of three programs now located inside the building in southwest Denver.
The Math and Science Leadership Academy, created by former Denver Classroom Teachers Association President Kim Ursetta and others, is Denver’s first teacher-led school.
Rishel Middle School is one of a handful of traditional city school buildings that began space-sharing with new programs this fall, part of DPS’ effort to make better use of its emptier middle and high schools.
In the building are Rishel Middle, the elementary MSLA and the new KIPP Denver Collegiate High School. Rishel is phasing out its program one grade per year while the other two schools are growing – also one grade per year – around it.
While the idea of space-sharing has generated controversy in some communities, the leaders in the Rishel building say they’re making it work – and they cite some unexpected benefits.
Click on the link below to see the video Transforming Rishel, Part 2:
Click on the link below to see the video Transforming Rishel, Part 1:
Hats off to all the education professionals in this building that are trying to make this work. It’s not a perfect solution, and the way Rishel was handled was inspiration for me to run for school board in the first place. At any rate, I know all these adults are committed to great education for these kids, and I’m very happy to see the cross-pollination that’s going on between the schools. It’s wonderful to see older kids mentor the younger ones. Great job!