Reorganization Plan: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Supporting a Smooth Transition for Students, Staff, and Families
Will the playground at Cold Spring School be relocated to Swift River Elementary School?
Yes. The plan is to move the CSS playscape to SRE. Any changes or delays will be communicated.
Will kindergarten students be able to attend the library?
Yes. Kindergarten students can use the SRE library all year.
Will there be additional adult support for kindergarten students during the transition?
Yes. SRE staff and incoming CSS staff will support kindergarten students as they adjust to the new environment.
Will there be allergy classrooms and tables at SRE?
Yes, all schools have designated allergy-sensitive classrooms and lunch tables
Will you be holding listening sessions for teachers and staff?
Yes, listening sessions were held for teachers and staff at CSS, SRE, and JBMS.
Will there still be Title I services at SRE?
Yes. The plan is to continue Title I services at SRE.
If you have a student in PreK/K and 1st/2nd grade can they be picked up at the same time?
Yes.
Currently, PreK students have a grab and go snack while attending school. Will the PreK students continue with a grab and go snack, or a traditional lunch?
PreK students will continue with a grab-and-go snack. This allows teachers more instructional time during the 2.5-hour school day.
Will Pre K students still have access to bathrooms directly inside of their classrooms like at CSS?
No. PreK bathrooms are located across the hallway from classrooms, and students will be accompanied by an adult.
Will students have access to related service providers (OT, Speech, PT, etc.) at SRE?
Yes. All qualifying students in the district will continue to receive their related services.
Will all of the kindergarten students be at recess at the same time.
Yes
Will Kindergarten students take part in a step up day this year to SRE?
Yes
Will there continue to be a staggered pick up for PreK students?
Yes
What will be the average homeroom sizes for PK-5?
| Grade Level | PK | K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Estimated Total Enrollment | 55 | 113 | 130 | 140 | 136 | 141 | 173 | 169 |
| Number of Homerooms | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
| Estimated GenEd Class Size | 9.2 | 18.8 | 20.7 | 22.3 | 21.7 | 21.8 | 23.3 | 26.5 |
Will staff have time to pack outside of the school day?
Yes. Administrators are working with teachers and staff to ensure they have adequate time to pack and set up their new classrooms.
Can Kindergarten end earlier than planned to allow packing during the school day?
No, the last day for Kindergarten will remain as scheduled.
What will the layout of SRE be for PreK and K?
PreK and Kindergarten will be located on the C side of SRE, while Grades 1 and 2 will be on the A side. Classrooms for each grade will be grouped in the same hallways to support collaboration among educators. Special Education, Title I, English Language Program, and related services will be located throughout both the A and C sides of the building.
Will any construction take place at SRE?
No major construction will take place at SRE. The district is currently working with Pathfinder to remodel a set of bathrooms for PreK students.
Will students in Kindergarten have access to self contained classrooms if determined by the IEP Team?
Yes
Will 3rd grade students be separate from older students?
Yes, third graders will have their own hallway.
What does recess at CHCS look like?
Recess takes place before lunch. Students have various options for recess. Students can go to the fields or blacktop area each day. In addition, classes rotate to the Gaga Pit area and Jessica Boundless Playground according to a set schedule.
What specials do students have at CHCS?
Physical Education, Art, Music, Library
Will SRE traditions like the “Special Person Dance” and singing at the Thunderbirds continue at CHCS?
Ms. Champagne is exploring these beloved traditions and is excited to create new ones that will bring the CHCS community together.
What is the plan for library books that may be too mature for 3rd graders?
CHCS staff will follow existing district policies to ensure materials are age-appropriate for students.
Will there be a beginner band at CHCS?
Yes, beginner band will be offered in Grade 5.
Will there be an intensive reading program for 6th graders at JBMS?
Administrators are currently exploring options to maintain and strengthen student support services, including reading support.
How will recess work at JBMS?
Students will have a combined 30-minute lunch and recess period. During this time, they may use the gymnasium or go outside, weather permitting. Please note that required instructional time has increased for 6th grade at JBMS from 900 hours to 990 hours.
Will parents/guardians need to buy a bus pass for their 6th grade student?
No
Will 6th graders follow the same daily schedule as 7th and 8th graders?
Yes.
Does the number of lunch periods affect how long lunch is?
No, lunch length remains the same.
Will all students have access to specials?
Yes. Sixth graders will have one special per day five days per week (an increase from now), while 7th and 8th graders will continue to have two per day.
Will 6th graders have their own wing?
Yes.
What will the average class size be at JBMS?
20-24 students
How many periods per day at JBMS?
6 periods
Will there be a shift in the way Special Education classes are implemented?
SPED services will continue to be available for those on IEPs
Will computers be required for students at JBMS?
No. The district will have enough devices for all students.
Will 6th grades have advisory?
Yes
Is there a cell phone policy?
On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the School Committee voted to adopt the following Cell Phone Policy for Belchertown Public Schools. Please take a moment to review the new policy, and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your child’s building principal.
Will there be a choir at JBMS?
Not during the school day. We are currently exploring other opportunities.
Will 6th students at JBMS be dismissed the same as 7th and 8th graders?
Yes
Will there be two nurses at any of the schools?
There will be one full time nurse at each building.