Monday, Aug. 29, 2022

NNDSB’s PSW graduates filling community labour gaps

The first graduates of Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) personal support worker (PSW) program are already filling labour gaps in local health care.

The program, which began in February, graduated 24 students this month and all of them – 100 per cent – are hired or have been offered employment in the field. Lisa Spencer, NNDSB’s Secondary Program Coordinator, SHSM and Experiential Learning says the goal of the program was to support community needs, and to contribute to the development of PSWs ready to start a career in healthcare.

Spencer says the wrap-around support that students receiced since inquiring about the program has helped develop “confident and proud PSWs” who graduated ready  to begin their careers as frontline healthcare workers.

The training that PSW students receive in NNDSB’s living classroom settings is outlined by the Ontario Ministry of Health Long-term Care and the Ontario Ministry of Education. The quality is assured by Ontario Association of Adult and Continuing Education School Board Administrators (CESBA), a provincially funded organization that ensures adult and continuing education programs are accessible, affordable and support student success.

The training, she says, “aligns with every other program in the province, and students have the experience and credentials of every other PSW in Ontario.”

The living classroom, however, offers what many believe is an advantage in training. Spencer says having the ability to learn on the floor means that students are instructed in the classroom, and their education is deepened by what they learn from the PSWs and nurses who work there.

In Parry Sound, both instructor Nicole Robinson and Belvedere Heights administrator Kami Johnson say the ability to learn in class then practice on the floor enriches the learning opportunities for students and enhances the relationships between students and staff, and students and residents.

Robinson started her career in health care as a PSW and is now a registered practical nurse at Belvedere Heights. She can’t say enough about the increased learning opportunities provided to NNDSB PSW students via the living classroom.

For example, the students were able to provide palliative care to a resident, and they supplemented in-class learning by practicing and by watching the staff.

Robinson says her co-workers are excited to have the students in the building and will text her to let her know when there are learning opportunities; the students are invited to watch and participate in processes common in long-term care. The students are also invited to Belvedere Heights training sessions, so they are learning about new techniques and equipment.

“Hands down, this is the best way to learn,” enthuses Robinson. “The staff embrace my students and go the extra mile for them. They have been welcoming because they could be their next co-workers.”

Johnson echoes that sentiment. “I am blown away by the benefits of the living classroom,” she says, adding that there has been a huge positive affect on residents.

The addition of students to floor means that residents have increased numbers of interactions and relationships, and for staff, it means they get to know their future colleagues. Johnson says she has preceptors knocking on her door offering to support the PSW students.

The quality of the work of the 10 students who graduated from the Parry Sound program is excellent, says Johnson. “They are confident and competent,” she says. The students’ work has been a great addition to the team, and she says “a consistent team makes for improved resident outcomes and better quality of life. This is a critical program.”

The PSW program is but one example of the outcomes being achieved through the board’s multi-year strategic plan. In this instance, the focus on excellence in relationships and excellence in innovation has resulted in outstanding student success that is benefitting the communities where we work and live.

Johnson says she is excited continue supporting the PSW program, and also welcomes secondary school students who may want to try a co-operative education placement at the home.

The program will be running in Parry Sound and Mattawa in September, and it is the board’s intention to also run the PSW program in North Bay and West Nipissing. For more information on the program and intake requirements, visit the PSW page of NNDSB’s website.

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Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022

First Rider program initiates littlest learners on bus safety

Riding the school bus for the first time can be both a scary and exciting experience for the Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) youngest learners. That’s why since 2012 Nipissing-Parry Sound Student Transportation Services (NPSSTS) has run the First Riders program.

NPSSTS Safety Officer Anna Leppinen said the First Riders program introduces students and families to the process of riding the school bus and what is expected of everyone involved. The roles of the bus driver, bus company, the consortium, families and students are all discussed.

The program is a wonderful introduction to how to ride the school bus safely, Leppinen said. Students watch a school bus safety video, receive a lesson on the rules of the school bus, and have the opportunity to ride on a school bus for the first time. Students learn safety tips, rules and expectations of their behaviour while riding the school bus and while waiting for the school bus to arrive at their stop.

After the video and discussion of bus rules students line up at several mock bus stops and safely board the bus as it makes the rounds. The First Riders then go on their first school bus ride all by themselves while families get their own lessons in school bus procedures.

First Rider hosts review the primary policies and procedures of student transportation with families. These include procedures around inclement weather days, arranging pick-up and drop-off locations, the process for locating a misplaced student and student behaviour management.

Parent Logane White said her daughter, Hali, had never been on a school bus and was nervous about riding for the first time. “We thought this was a great opportunity for her,” said White.

“She was very excited to participate in the First Rider program. She loved learning and asking questions, the bus ride and playing with the little demonstration buses. The package from NPSSTS with the colouring page and magnet were also a hit,” White said.

“I was happy about the safety video shown to the children and that my daughter was able to ride the bus alone. That really allowed her to have the full experience,” White said. “It is comforting to know she’s done it once before school starts.”

White feels it’s very important for both students and families to attend the program for many reasons. One being that the little riders are used to riding in car seats in personal vehicles.

“If we had not gone to this program, the first day would be very confusing for Hali to climb onto a giant bus that has no seat belts or car seats,” White said. “This helps ease the parents’ mind and children’s mind on that first day of school. It’s a big transition for little ones and this program helps with that transition,” she added.

Leppinen said bus drivers report overall satisfaction in young learners’ feelings of safety and comfort with loading onto the school bus for the first time. Families also seem to have a greater sense of direction in terms of who to approach for different requests for changes to transportation, she said.

The program has been popular and successful since its creation with participation numbers increasing steadily each year leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. In-person sessions had been paused for the last two years but all areas of the program experienced steady participation numbers for its return in 2022.

Sessions ran in all areas served by NPSSTS and were offered in French and English. NPSSTS manages and coordinates all school transportation services for NNDSB and its four co-terminus school boards.

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For more information, please contact:

Brett Hanson
Communications Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5083
E. Brett.Hanson@nearnorthschools.ca

Thursday, June 30, 2022

NNDSB brings Hockey Canada Skills Academy to Parry Sound, Seguin

A partnership between Near North District School Board (NNDSB), Hockey Canada and the Townships of Parry Sound and Seguin will enable students in Grades 8-12 at Parry Sound High School (PSHS) to earn credits while building their hockey skills and confidence.

The program will launch in September 2022 and run for the first semester only (September through January) at the Bobby Orr Community Centre in Parry Sound and in the second semester only at Humphrey Arena (the program in second semester will also be open to Grade 8 students at Humphrey Public School).

The program delivery will be provided by PSHS teacher AJ Wheaton, who is a qualified Hockey Canada Skills instructor. Students will be able to work towards a high school credit and a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) pathway in health and wellness.

“We look forward to providing this innovative programming for our students that will improve their learning experience, student success and student engagement,” says Dawn Buckland, principal of PSHS.

Participants in the program will do their off-ice learning at PSHS as part of a physical education credit and the hockey skills curriculum from Hockey Canada, then apply those skills on the ice at the arenas. Students will spend time on specific skills areas like skating, shooting, passing and goaltending. They will also develop essential life skills such as learning about balanced nutrition and mental health. Students will have an opportunity to experience the game of hockey in a non-competitive environment that focuses on a holistic approach to health, wellness and skill-building.

NNDSB Director of Education Craig Myles has been instrumental in seeking out opportunities for the board to provide innovative programming. “It’s imperative that NNDSB meets the needs of our communities, while providing innovative programming that engages students. The Hockey Canada partnership is a great opportunity for our students to build their skills and learn about health and wellness. Sport provides the opportunity for people to develop in a multitude of ways, and this partnership will enable students to develop many essential life skills.”

Board Chair Jay Aspin says the partnership embodies the board’s commitment to Excellence in Relationships and Excellence in Teaching and Learning. “Staff continue to create partnerships that offer NNDSB students the best opportunities for learning. There are many ways to teach about health and wellness, and the Hockey Canada partnership is just one way NNDSB is transforming educational experiences in tandem with Canada’s game.”

Manager of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Parry Sound, April McNamara, says, “I thank NNDSB for bringing an exciting program to the youth of Parry Sound. There are so many benefits to bringing youth together on the ice.”

Seguin Township Manager of Community Services Dominique O’Brien says staying active is fundamental to support youth mental and physical health. “We are so pleased that Hockey Skills Canada is making this program accessible to Seguin kids. The Township looks forward to welcoming the organization to our arena this winter.”

Anyone interested in more information should contact Principal Dawn Buckland at Parry Sound High School, 705-773-7979.

NNDSB central program staff are also working to expand the program to other secondary and elementary schools for the 2023-2024 school year in different regions of the board. Details on the progress will be released accordingly.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Measuring metrics substantiates board’s efforts to improve accountability, transparency

As it wraps up the first school year operating under its multi-year strategic plan (MYSP), Near North District School Board (NNDSB) is forging ahead with plans to make evidence-based decisions that contribute to student achievement and well-being.

NNDSB staff regularly gather evidence in a variety of initiatives to create a fulsome view of progress toward achieving excellence in the four priority areas. The board has chosen two key indicators upon which to provide regular reports for each of the four priority areas of the MYSP – Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Communication and Excellence in Relationships – and will be measuring to assess progress and alignment. The use of quantitative metrics contributes to NNDSB’s commitment to improved accountability and transparency.

Board Chair Jay Aspin says, “Our board is pleased with the implementation of these quantitative metrics for the purpose of assessing the board’s progress with its Multi-Year Strategic Plan. Coupled with the qualitative metrics we recently released, these metrics provide a full assessment of the progress of our plan. Our board has spent much time and effort developing and implementing an effective five-year plan which is regarded as our ‘road map for success’. It is commendable that we are among the top boards in the province that have actually extended the effort to develop these metrics to fully measure the progress of our strategic plan which speaks directly to accountability and performance.”

At the Board meeting Tuesday, June 14, MYSP Committee Chair Bill Steer spoke to a report that outlined the indicators that have been selected for each of the four priority areas.

“The MYSP is the key document that brings all educational matters and audiences of our Board together,” say Steer. “Now we can continue to share quantitative and qualitative measures that will make a difference and reflect upon the four pillars contained within the plan,” he says.

In the pillar of Excellence in Teaching and Learning, metrics that address supporting students’ success in literacy and numeracy were measured. In literacy, it was noted that 33 staff members have been trained to identify students at risk of reading outcomes without supports, and that 500 PowerUp literacy licenses were purchased to support the needs of students in Grades 7 and 8 who may benefit from targeted literacy learning opportunities. All math educators learned about the new de-streamed math curriculum, which includes coding and financial literacy.

The Excellence in Innovation pillar, the metrics being measured are the number of students participating in experiential learning opportunities (Special High Skills Majors and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship programs), as well as the use of a profession learning portal for staff.

New partnerships were measured in order to evaluate progress in the Excellence in Relationships pillar of the MYSP. In the 2021-2022 school year, six new partnerships were forged. Two of these resulted in the emergence of two significant programs – the personal support worker (PSW) program and the coop program with Northern Ontario Film Studios.

While looking at Excellence in Communications, the MYSP committee looked into engagement in website and social media platforms, and the number of positive news stories that were published by media outlets. Analytics shows that the number of visitors to the board’s website has increased more than 48 per cent since September with longer session durations during a visit. The board was featured in 91 positive news stories between September 2021 and May 2022, an average of 10 per month.

The setting of key indicators and measuring their affiliated metrics is further proof of NNDSB’s commitment to goal setting and achievement at school, department and board levels.

More information about quantitative data related to the MYSP can be found in the Board’s agenda package.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

 

 

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

NNDSB approves $168.3 million compliant budget

At its meeting last night, trustees of Near North District School Board (NNDSB) approved the 2022-2023 budget, as recommended by the finance committee.

Finance Committee Chair John Cochrane provided a report and presentation of the compliant budget, which will have revenue and expenses of $168.3 million with a $62,930 surplus.

The budget process is managed through the lens of the board’s multi-year strategic plan (MYSP) ensuring that NNDSB is managed efficiently and is financially sustainable year over year.

Board Chair Jay Aspin says, “Our board is very pleased with all the contributors in our system that have assisted us in achieving our financial goals for this past year. Moving forward, our board has endorsed a 2022-23 budget that will continue to move the board solidly forward with many positive enhancements. Among the most notable for the coming year will be the consolidation of three elementary schools to a new Fricker elementary school in North Bay, and the consolidation of two elementary schools with an existing high school to build a combined K-12 school in Parry Sound. As well, we have invested in the second year of implementation of our multi-year strategic plan, focusing our priorities on student well-being and achievement which includes the tripling of the student mental health allocation.”

The Board heard that enrolment is expected to increase by 3.2 per cent and it is projected that there will be 141 more elementary students, and 161 more secondary students enrolled in NNDSB than this year. As a result, there were no teacher layoffs this spring.

NNDSB will receive $1.8 million as one-time funding through the COVID-19 Learning Recovery Fund to provide temporary staffing supports for learning recovery, the implementation of the first year of de-streamed Grade 9, delivering remote learning, supports for special education and maintaining enhanced cleaning standards. The board will focus these funds toward administrative and special education support for the virtual school, supporting early and later literacy, and English language learners across the board.

The board continues to budget for a deficit in special education, with a projected deficit of $192,000 in 2022-2023. The board continues to allocate additional funds to ensure that the special education needs of students across the board are well-supported, and special education staffing has remained consistent.

As prepared, the budget shows a $1.3 million transportation deficit. The Ministry will be allocating a two per cent increase included in the provincial allocation, and if the board receives a full two per cent increase to its transportation funding, the deficit would be reduced to $1 million.

This year, the Ministry of Education provided a 5.45 per cent cost update to the non-staff portion of the school operations allocation. This funding is to help boards manage increases in commodity prices (electricity, natural gas, facilities insurance, etc.) and additional money to support the increased costs of running ventilation systems longer and replacing filters more often.

Funding also included a provision for labour negotiations, as collective agreements expire on Aug. 31, 2022. The provision is subject to the outcome and conclusion of negotiations

The Ministry’s Pupil Foundation Grant includes a new component for broadband network operations. The funding supports network connectivity, infrastructure, security and operations in schools and board buildings.

There is a significant increase in funding for mental health. The Ministry has increased the base amount of the allocation to support student mental health from $100,858 to $301,723 per board and increased the per pupil amount from $1.34 to $6.67.

The board continues to examine staffing to ensure that positions, roles and responsibilities match Ministry funding parameters, and the four priorities of the MYSP. This ensures alignment of resources and initiatives to the goal of student achievement and well-being.

“It has been a challenging year to keep our staff and students safe in the midst of the second year of a very difficult and disruptive pandemic and remain fiscally responsible” says Chair Aspin. “We have approved a solid, strategic financial plan and look forward to the year ahead.”

Details on the budget may be found within the Board’s agenda package. Information about education funding process can be found on this page of the Government of Ontario website.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

 

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Students, community partner laud board’s PSW program

The first class of personal support worker (PSW) students is about halfway through Near North District School Board’s (NNDSB) unique program, which re-engages learners while assisting to close the gap in employment needs in the healthcare sector. The program sees students learn in living classrooms – they learn theory and often within hours are on the floor putting into practice what they’ve just learned.

The program is running in Parry Sound and North Bay, with community partners Belvedere House and Cassellholme, which are providing the classroom space and mentorship of the PSW students.

The in-class sessions will wrap up June 30, then students will have to fulfil placement hours in both long-term care and community care settings.

In North Bay, instructor Nancy Corbett is no stranger to Cassellholme. She’s been a registered practical nurse (RPN) there for 25 years and has worked as a preceptor for practical nursing students.

She loves teaching in the living classroom, where students start to learn slowly with portering and feeding residents before they learn about hygiene and other aspects of care. Corbett says when students get to shadow PSWs, they learn by seeing others do the work, then get to try it themselves. She says living classrooms “are the way to teach. It’s the way to go,” because of the shortened timeframe between learning and doing.

The hands-on learning is what appealed to Arianna Poullas. The North Bay resident studied for a year at college but didn’t enjoy learning in a classroom from a textbook. The PSW program appealed to her because after theoretical learning, there is application of the knowledge.

“I like being able to do things with my hands,” says Poullas. “It makes things make sense to me.”

She says the small class size helps the group all feel like family, and says it’s been like that since the first day. The students are supportive of each other, and Poullas says this is the best program she’s ever been involved in. She says learning by reading “just doesn’t stick in my head”; she likes being out on the floor and is happy to not be learning solely by books.

PSW student Jillian Hewitt is also a part-time employee and single mom who enjoys the flexibility of the program.

She enjoys observing and learning from the PSWs, as she finds every person does things a little differently. Watching the others lets her find the best way for her to do the job.

Hewitt says the program is well-organized and the way it’s been taught has made the content “easy to absorb.” She feels supported by Corbett, her peers and staff at Cassellholme, and is confident in the skills she will have when she graduates after her placement hours.

Poullas loves working with Cassellholme’s residents and is hoping for a job in long-term care. She’s already been hired in the home’s Helping Hands program; Cassellholme Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jamie Lowery says it’s like a pre-PSW job position in which staff assist the PSWs.

Poullas is one of seven of the PSW students who have been hired as Helping Hands at Cassellholme. Lowery says the work that was done in vetting candidates has created a class of students who have “an inherent desire to be a PSW.” He says staff is “blown away” by the quality of students and of the course being taught.

NNDSB’s intake process is credited with successful inaugural classes.

Lisa Spencer, who facilitates specialist high skills majors and experiential learning for NNDSB says, “Our intake process consisted of an initial literacy assessment and interview where our team had the opportunity to meet and support each student individually. As a continuing education program, not all our students came to us with their high school diploma so really understanding the pathway for our students helped us to support the initiation process. We can see that our intake process is supportive, and we are very proud of all our students. They can earn their high school diploma while participating in a state of the art post-secondary program.”

Corbett says the interview process gleaned candidates who were best suited to the work of a PSW and who displayed the commitment needed to complete the course. Lowery says he was impressed with NNDSB and its flexibility in designing the program. Teaching learners to deal with difficult people is a skill that the PSW students can use in many aspects of life, not just at work.

He adds that for some, working as a PSW may be only the first step in a healthcare career. Cassellholme has a training budget for its staff which can help people meet their career goals.

There are plans to run the PSW program in September in West Nipissing and Mattawa, too. People interested in taking the PSW course can visit this page for more information. It contains links to an information session, information about the literacy assessment, and a fillable form to register interest in the program. Spaces are limited so potential students are urged to register as soon as possible.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Thursday, May 19, 2022

NNDSB staff get Caverhill Road Race running again

Near North District School Board (NNDSB) staff put in hundreds of volunteer hours to ensure that the Caverhill Road Race took place after a two-year hiatus caused by COVID-19 and its resulting restrictions.

The race, initially known as the Nobel Road Race, has been an annual spring staple in the community. This year, organizers Brigid Wright (principal of Nobel Public School) and Dawn Buckland (principal of Parry Sound High School) organized the May 7 event on short notice.

Buckland says, “In times of extreme staff shortage, it was amazing to see countless NNDSB staff and student volunteers work tirelessly to get the event up and running.” In addition to attending planning meetings, there were volunteers on race day all along the route.

The organizing team knows how important extra-curricular activities are to students and staff and are excited to begin the transition back to participation in such events.

The Caverhill Road Race is a single event organized and run by NNDSB staff, and features student-only categories. This year there were categories for Grade 3 and 4 girls, Grade 3 and 4 boys, Grade 5 and 6 girls, Grade 5 and 6 boys, Grade 7 and 8 girls and Grade 7 and 8 boys. The route is approximately three kilometres, finishing at Nobel Public School.

Among the race volunteers were Parry Sound High School students whose efforts on race day exemplify the character traits encouraged at NNDSB; the board supports students in being strong role models for their younger peers.

NNDSB is proud of its staff who are willing to go the extra mile and create memorable experiences and opportunities for students.

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For more information, please contact:

Deb Bartlett
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, extension 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca

Friday, May 13, 2022

Board Highlights of May meeting

The following are the highlights of the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) meeting of Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

In-person graduation ceremonies return

For the first time in two years, in-person graduation ceremonies are taking place at NNDSB schools.

Secondary school graduations are planned at each of the six secondary schools, and the Laurentian Learning Centre. Ceremonies are taking place between June 27 and 29.

Board Chair Jay Aspin, in speaking about graduation, called them “a special time for trustees. It’s kind of like watching your garden grow.”

Outdoor education and PD opportunities

Director of Education Craig Myles’ monthly update included a rundown of professional development for staff in outdoor education.

The board’s early childhood educators and kindergarten teachers were invited to express interest in the Forest Practitioner course being offered by the Child and Nature Alliance in Canada. The course involves four days of in-person learning at the Canadian Ecology Centre in Mattawa, and 11 months of independent online study. The course is being offered in May and June.

The Outdoor Ways of Learning and Sharing (OWLS) program is another of the ways in which outdoor learning takes place at NNDSB. Initially a pilot project in 2019, OWLS delivered interdisciplinary outdoor learning experiences to primary students. The program has expanded to provide these opportunities in all grades.

Director Myles also updated the Board on the status of the newly created outdoor classroom at Sundridge Centennial Public School and noted that NNDSB has been asked to give a presentation on the success of the board’s CAN Bike program at the Ontario Healthy School Conference later this month.

Updates on 3:2 consolidation work

In his update, Director Myles provided an update to trustees on the status of work in the 3:2 consolidation.

At Chippewa Secondary School, the auditorium interior and exteriors updates are almost 90 per cent complete and power to the new field scoreboard and maintenance building will begin this month. A weather-related event damaged the new learning commons space, and assessment and correction work are beginning.

At West Ferris Secondary School, the hospitality suite and cosmetology classroom are complete, and the learning commons has some adjustments to be made, but the book collection and technology has been reinstalled and space will be ready for use this month.

Student Trustees’ reports detail school activities

Student Trustee Cecilia Darling reported on a busy spring for students at all NNDSB secondary schools.

Spirit days included “anything but a backpack” day and student versus teacher sports games.

Darling also reported that information about Student Senate has been distributed to schools and elections for next year’s senators will be taking place soon.

Indigenous Student Trustee Allen Lewis Trodd’s report updated trustees on the work of the Indigenous Youth Circle and the meaningful ways NNDSB schools recognized May 5, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People.

His report spoke to how he was personally impacted, and how important it is for others to see from an Indigenous point of view. Trodd also outlined his commitment to mentor the next Indigenous Student Trustee.

Infrastructure tenders awarded

Trustees moved to accept two recommendations to award tenders for work to be done at Argyle Public School ($526,562 plus HST) and Mapleridge Public School ($490,000 plus HST).

The work will see HVAC upgrades at Argyle Public School  and washroom and public announcement system upgrades at Mapleridge Public School.

These projects are part of more than $20 million in upgrades at NNDSB schools across the district. The work has been made possible in part by school condition improvement funding and by staff application for joint federal and provincial funding through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream (CVRIS).

A media release issued May 12, 2022, outlined infrastructure investment in more detail.

Report shows board progressing towards goals

Trustees received a report that detailed survey results and progress that has been made towards achieving the goals outlined in the board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP).

Data collected from responses to an online survey shows the board is moving positively in the priority areas of Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Communication, Excellence in Relationships and Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

Trustee Bill Steer, who chairs the MYSP Committee, says the committee will continue to identify data points and assess operations in order to evaluate progress. Among the next steps resulting from survey responses are improvements to web pages with literacy and numeracy content, increasing understanding of where information can be found, and increasing opportunities for stakeholders to be heard and increasing community involvement opportunities in schools.

This media release provides more details about the survey results and on-going assessment.

The full progress report can be found here.

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Note: the full agenda package is posted on the website prior to meetings, and official minutes are posted after they are approved at the next board meeting.

For more information, please contact:
Deb Bartlett (she/her)
Communications Officer
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170 ext. 5010
E. Deb.Bartlett@nearnorthschools.ca