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Post by vickysmallman on Feb 15, 2013 17:21:13 GMT -5
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Post by marthadulmage on Feb 15, 2013 18:31:57 GMT -5
I wonder if the Board could save some of that $200K for moving Devonshire JKs to Connaught, by giving parents of incoming JKs the CHOICE between FDK at Connaught or half day at Devonshire? Isn't there room for half of a JK class at Devonshire (I mean one half day class), even with the grade 6s staying? That would help parents with siblings already at the school, but I'm assuming that the more attractive option for the majority would be FDK at Connaught. A lottery system could be used if everyone can't have their first choice.
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Post by vickysmallman on Feb 15, 2013 20:25:58 GMT -5
I suspect they would find that too complicated. Also, remember that they are using a class this year that is not actually suitable for kindergarten.
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Post by Nicholas Olmstead on Feb 15, 2013 21:02:03 GMT -5
This isn't entirely unexpected... Looks like I'll have two kids going to two different schools come September (I'm sure I'm not alone though.) Hopefully care arrangements can be accommodated properly to help minimize the disruption. If the Board dual tracks Connaught though, this could end up being a solution that works for everyone...
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Post by vivien on Feb 15, 2013 21:07:40 GMT -5
Hi there,
New DEvonshire JK mom - to be in the 2013 fall. Trying to get caught up on school speak and this accommodation business.
I really like the idea suggested that parents could decide on half day JK at Devonshire or fullday JK at Connaught. Its a major factor for me as my JK kid is the oldest.
So who made the recommendation? Is it the super or the director of education. Who in what committee? I guess I am surprised after the Devonshire school council's recommendation.
They don't seem to include the cost of bussing Grade 6's or JK's, its not in the budget?
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Post by vickysmallman on Feb 15, 2013 22:28:32 GMT -5
I wouldn't hold out hope they will allow people to choose. Too many variables.
Recommendation would have been made by staff. Grade 6 students wouldn't be bussed. JK bussing would probably cost the same - less, maybe, since they might not need as many busses to move the JK students in the middle of the day.
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Post by kellskitchen on Feb 15, 2013 22:38:27 GMT -5
Welcome Vivien! You are about to enter the weird, wonderful and sometimes crazy world of school boards, teachers, principals, homework, bake sales, reading groups, field trips, and fundraisers. My name is Kelly, current co-chair of the school council (of which I highly suggest you become involved  and I am in my 11th year as a Devonshire parent. The recommendation is coming directly from OCDSB (Ottawa Carleton District School Board) staff members. (Planning and facilities department) They listened to parent's, community groups, daycare and other invested members and are now making these recommendations to the Trustees, who have the responsibility of voting/approving the new arrangement. Busing is likely not a factor as any JKs eligible for the bus to Devonshire, would likely need and be eligible for the bus to Connaught. Conversely, if you live close to Connaught, you may not need or be eligible for a bus and can easily walk. Grade 6s are expected to walk further and any student at Devonshire should be able to walk to Fisher Park. Please stay tuned to this forum and to our Devonshire Facebook page and our website; www.devonshireparents.wordpress.com for more info. |
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Post by smehra on Feb 15, 2013 23:04:19 GMT -5
Do I understand correctly that they are recommending that all Devonshire JK's at Connought should receive FDK? Who thinks that half the recommendation will pass ( JK's at Connought) but the other half won't (FDK)?
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Post by cwhitehead on Feb 16, 2013 0:01:24 GMT -5
I would think the FDK would pass, expecially if they're approving money for more portables.
Is the projection still 3 SK classes for 2013? If so, that leaves one class free for a half-day JK class of 20 at Devonshire. The unsuitable room will be used for an older grade, as will one of the current 3 suitable kindergarten classes.
I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for this, since it actually saves money (ca. $50,000) and the space is there. Unless we get enough SK registrations for 4 classes, in which case the space isn't there.
As an aside, I don't see any long-term solution that DOESN'T include French Immersion at Connaught.
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Post by markscrivens on Feb 16, 2013 8:07:23 GMT -5
"As an aside, I don't see any long-term solution that DOESN'T include French Immersion at Connaught."
Yup Chris, I think that's what we need to push for. Hopefully having JKs already there (assuming this recommendation is adopted), will increase the chances of that happening.
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Post by darciedoan on Feb 16, 2013 20:18:42 GMT -5
If the recommended solution is adopted, it will have a big impact on the kindergarten before and after-care program at Connaught, run by Ottawa Day Nurseries Inc. My daughter attends the program now in the mornings and is bussed to Devonshire for afternoon SK. In my opinion, the caregivers at Connaught do a fantastic job. I plan to let the director of the program, Michelle, know about the recommendation next week (of course, she may already be aware). At minimum, it would change the # of full-day vs. half-day kindergarten kids they have in the program, but I can also see them coming under pressure to give up space if additional kindergarten classrooms are required at Connaught.
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Post by cmaraj on Feb 17, 2013 13:26:52 GMT -5
I would think the FDK would pass, expecially if they're approving money for more portables. Is the projection still 3 SK classes for 2013? If so, that leaves one class free for a half-day JK class of 20 at Devonshire. The unsuitable room will be used for an older grade, as will one of the current 3 suitable kindergarten classes. I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for this, since it actually saves money (ca. $50,000) and the space is there. Unless we get enough SK registrations for 4 classes, in which case the space isn't there. As an aside, I don't see any long-term solution that DOESN'T include French Immersion at Connaught. I think it is at least worth asking about considering one morning class of JK students at Devonshire, to help alleviate the stress for parents with kids at two schools. Outside of child care which is our main concern, even the logistics of bussing or driving or walking two kids to two different schools in the morning can become an issue. In the long-term I do hope that Connaught becomes additional EFI school for this community though. Chris I am assuming you are on of the parent reps, is this something your delegation would consider raising, that is a JK class staying at Devonshire? |
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Post by Joan H. on Feb 17, 2013 19:54:28 GMT -5
I'm not sure what the projection is for next year's SK, but there are 4 SK classes this year. They created a fourth class in September because all three classes were over the 20 student cap. They made three small (15 children in each) SK classes in the afternoon; I think the morning SK class is still slightly over 20, although I'm not positive. Given that they never really know the final numbers until September and they have to abide by the cap, the Board may be very reluctant to agree to a morning JK class at Devonshire in case the same thing happens. Doesn't mean you can't ask, though ...
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Post by cwhitehead on Feb 17, 2013 21:52:33 GMT -5
I do think it's worth asking about one class of JKs at Devonshire, but it really does depend on SK registrations. The board's projections assume 5-6 kids who weren't at Devonshire for JK joining each year's cohort for SK. So, if this year's cohort of JKs is less than 55, it could be feasible to have 3 SK classes and one JK of maximum 20 kids for half-day in September 2013 at Devonshire. I would assume that this would appeal to those who have an older child at Devonshire (me),those whose incoming child would be in Devonshire daycare (also me) and those who know that their school for 2014 and beyond won't be Connaught (anyone north and/or east of Devonshire, also me). With those groups we would probably be in a situation where there would have to be a lottery for the 20 theoretical spots, so it may not wash. I'm happy to push for this as a parent rep, but recognize that it's also self-interested of me to push for it.
Does anyone know the actual size of this year's JK cohort? I just have a board projection of 61, and an impression that they're in 3 classes this year.
There's a bit of wiggle room with the caps - up to 10% of primary classes across the board can be over 20 kids (maybe up to 26? but don't quote me). It's not enough wiggle that we could plan ahead to use it, though.
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Post by cmaraj on Feb 17, 2013 22:21:55 GMT -5
I do think it's worth asking about one class of JKs at Devonshire, but it really does depend on SK registrations. The board's projections assume 5-6 kids who weren't at Devonshire for JK joining each year's cohort for SK. So, if this year's cohort of JKs is less than 55, it could be feasible to have 3 SK classes and one JK of maximum 20 kids for half-day in September 2013 at Devonshire. I would assume that this would appeal to those who have an older child at Devonshire (me),those whose incoming child would be in Devonshire daycare (also me) and those who know that their school for 2014 and beyond won't be Connaught (anyone north and/or east of Devonshire, also me). With those groups we would probably be in a situation where there would have to be a lottery for the 20 theoretical spots, so it may not wash. I'm happy to push for this as a parent rep, but recognize that it's also self-interested of me to push for it. Does anyone know the actual size of this year's JK cohort? I just have a board projection of 61, and an impression that they're in 3 classes this year. There's a bit of wiggle room with the caps - up to 10% of primary classes across the board can be over 20 kids (maybe up to 26? but don't quote me). It's not enough wiggle that we could plan ahead to use it, though. Our family is almost in the same situation, older child at Devonshire and also in the daycare, and while I would like to be a part of Devonshire in 2014 and beyond we are currently outside of the boundary the Board is proposing, however I do think this will change especially if Connaught becomes a dual track school. If you are willing to push through as the parent rep, I would like to help if I can, we are planning on following up with Jennifer McKenzie this week. I don't know the actual size of the 2013 cohort, if that is what you are asking, I haven't even registered our new JKer yet, we were waiting to see the outcome of the review, as I suspect many parents are. |
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and I am in my 11th year as a Devonshire parent. 