School Within a School Program September 2005

School Within a School Program September 2005

Overview of Pilot Program • 4 schools participated • Bawating C & VS • Northern Heights Public School • Tarentorus Public School • Kiwedin Public School

Who, What, Where???? • Three grade 8 classes • Two grade 7 classes • March 21st – April 21st • Same schedule as secondary students • Use of facilities and resources

Collection of Data • Student surveys • Parent surveys • Teacher surveys • Student reflections • Teacher observations • Administration observations • Evaluation and assessment

Teachers/Administrators Responses Pros • Academic/Learning • Larger block of time for teaching • Intermediate teacher networking • Minor disruptions during the day (not being interrupted for students to help set up chairs etc.) • Enough equipment for the whole class Social • Minimal problems – regarding yard (no recess) • Social issues for some students improved (they were able to make new friends) • Some behaviours improved for some students (more focussed on assignment completion)

Facilities • Larger facilities suited the size of the students • Library facilities • Science labs – equipment • Access to grade 9 resources (math for students who are excelling) • Drama room • Computer lab – enough computers for class – large room with tables and chairs provide more opportunities for students to work • Use of the main gym – the whole class able to participate at once • Dismissal – 3:00 pm, students ready to go then

Cons • Lunch hour too late in the day for students • A longer break needed during the morning • Opportunity for extra curricular activities • Late students during transitional times • More exposure to smoking • Washrooms not close enough to be monitored properly • Phys ed equipment not always accessible • Dress code, code of behaviour expectations alignment • Access to immediate support i.e. administrator • Lunch time – too long for some students – wanted to roam the halls • Sense of intimidation on the part of elementary students

Student Responses – (taken from student surveys and reflections) • Pros • Loved the cafeteria • Enjoyed science lab and using equipment • Really enjoyed large gym • Really liked the lockers • Loved meeting new kids • Dismissed earlier • Great computer lab • No little kids around (felt more mature) • Cons • Always supervised • Did not like the late lunch • Small gym equipment needed to address elementary curriculum • Missed recess • Wanted to interact more with secondary students • Wanted more freedom to roam around • Computers too slow • Chairs were attached to the desks (had to stay in their seats) • No leadership opportunities • Too long of a wait for bus

Parent Responses – (taken from Parent Surveys) Pros • Use of resources for curriculum i.e. science • Maturity level improved with some students • Enjoyed going to school • Good experience for Grade 8 students • Some children were more focused • Cons • Age difference too great • Limited benefits to students • Secondary setting too impersonal • Grade 7 students too young • Interaction with secondary students • Not enough supervision • Minimal communication with teacher during pilot

Overview of School Within a School ProgramSeptember 2005

Based on the recommendations from the pilot program and the feedback from students, parents, school councils, teaching staff and school administrators, the Algoma District School Board is prepared to consider offeringthis program to interested parents and students.

Schools Participating • Bawating Collegiate and Vocational School • Mountain View Public School • Tarentorus Public School • Northern Heights Public School • Prince Charles Public School • Etienne Brule Public School • Kiwedin Public School

In order for the program to proceed there must be a commitment of: 100 or more students from Bawating’s feeder schools (Grade 7 & 8), and will require board approval

School Day 8:55 - 10:10 Classes begin 10:10 – 10:15 Class changes 10:15 – 11:30 Class 11:30 – 12:20 Lunch 12:25 – 1:40 Class 1:40 – 1:45 Class changes 1:45 – 3:00 Class 3:00 Dismissal

Staffing • Modified rotary • Specialty teachers • Appropriate level of administrative support • Appropriate level of support for SERT • Appropriate level of support for secretarial duties (safe school arrivals) • Appropriate level of support i.e. attendance/school counselor, educational assistants, care staff, cafeteria staff, noon hour assistants

Teaching Staff Mr. A Home room teacher – English – Science Ms. B Home room teacher – English – Math Mr. C Homeroom teacher – English – History/Geography Ms. D Homeroom teacher – English – Phys. Ed/Arts Mme. E French Instruction Mr. F SERT

Facilities • Homerooms located on second floor of Bawating C & VS • SERT room and French room on second floor • Lockers located on the second floor • Washrooms located on second floor • Science lab located on half floor • Computer lab on third floor (elementary imaging) • Drama, Music and Art room north wing of school • Gymnasium – small gym located in north wing of school • Library – east wing of school

A New Entity for Our Board! • Naming the program???? • Graduation ceremonies (awards, recognition) • Leadership opportunities (students’ council, year book committee, graduation committee) • Interschool sports/Intramural activities • School council • School code of conduct

Moving Forward Based on parent response and Board approval • scheduling of classes will take place over the next few weeks • Allocation of administrator, teaching and support staff before the end of June • Transfer of resources (textbooks) to take place over the summer • Transportation details confirmed • Placement of students with home room teacher

Next Steps • Complete registration form • Forward to home school • Compile information • Confirmation of student’s registration will be made before the end of June

School Within a School Program September 2005