This upcoming 2026-2027 school year, after years of conversation, scheduling, and planning, fifth grade will join the middle school.

This transition was considered when the school noticed a decline in enrollment. Middle School Guidance Counselor, Kristen Amato, shared similar sentiments and said, “This has been in the works and a process that’s been going on for a couple of years now, where we, as a district, had noticed there were lower enrollments coming forward into the school.”

This decision also aligns the school with nearby districts such as Putnam Valley Middle School and George Fischer Middle School in Carmel. In addition to declining enrollment rates, a different schedule allows for more utilization of teachers to their full capabilities and certifications, while also allowing the school to be more “fiscally responsible,” as Middle School Principal Dr. MaryAnn Seelke phrased it. Amato said, “[We] needed to be able to utilize our teachers and their certifications to the fullest extent possible, so we have the ability to flex some of our teachers if we align with the fifth grade coming up.”

While most people are in support of the change, there are certain mixed feelings surrounding this change. According to Seelke, “People are fairly understanding because they want their children to have all of the same opportunities of middle school while continuing to be fiscally responsible.” Superintendent Dr. Gail Duffy said, “When I first started here, I asked parents, the PTA, the BOE, and students what they thought of the change, and everyone was aware of the changes, which made me feel like there had been open communication. So, I think there’s been a fairly positive response, which really shows how strong Haldane is with communication.”

Although similarly aligned, Amato said, “There are some nerves; not sure what to expect.” Amato has a unique view on the change because, not only is she involved in the district, but she also has a rising fifth grader. “I think I have both the parent hat and the counselor hat, so I know that our middle school teachers are incredible. They are so supportive and wonderful that I have no reservations and anxiety when it relates to my fourth grader coming up.”

The middle school environment may also experience several changes in the coming school year. Firstly, the fifth and sixth graders, and the seventh and eighth graders will be split into two separate “cohorts,” as described by Amato and Seelke. This means that those two separate groups will be eating lunch together and will be changing classes at different times. “Fifth and sixth graders will move at the second bell while seventh and eighth graders move at the first bell,” Seelke said.

Additionally, Amato added another positive take on this change. She highlighted a unique feature of Haldane, stating, “I think it also impacts our older students in a great way, reminding them that they’re role models, and that the younger ones are looking up to them and emulating their behaviors, so, I think it’s a very wonderful experience that you don’t see everywhere.”

Duffy said, “I don’t believe (the school environment) will change physically. Concerts and plays may feel different, but to me, it’s an upgrade. It’s a lift, but it’s not a huge lift because we’re on the same campus.”