Open Houses for Grade 7 and 8 Students with Special Needs

The Rainbow District School Board’s Secondary Schools will host Open Houses to highlight Pathways for Students with Special Needs throughout November.  Grade 7 and 8 students with special needs and their parents/guardians are invited to attend the session at their community Rainbow secondary school.

“Administration and guidance staff will be on hand to help students with special needs make important decisions regarding their transition to secondary school,” says Rita Della Vedova, Principal of Special Education Programs and Services for the Rainbow District School Board. “Many services are available to support students with their learning and ensure success for all.” Special education personnel have also been invited to participate in these sessions.

Course levels offered in secondary schools will be highlighted at each Open House. “We will assist students and their parents/guardians to determine the most appropriate course level for various learning styles and abilities,” says Della Vedova.  “Rainbow secondary schools offer resource support, accommodations and courses such as the  "Learning Strategies" course that may be of interest to students with special needs.”

The various pathways available to students will be explored, with a focus on compulsory courses and optional courses. Participants will receive detailed information about the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, a Certificate of Achievement, or a Certificate of Accomplishment.

“The Open Houses will give parents/guardians and students information that will enable them to make a more informed decision regarding secondary school course options, assistance and programs,” says Della Vedova. “Special Education personnel in elementary schools will attend the sessions in their respective areas to assist students and their parents/guardians.”

Schedule of Open Houses – Pathways for Students with Special Needs

Chelmsford Valley District Composite School
Thursday, November 23, 2006 – 4:30 pm – Library
For students with special needs at Larchwood Public School, Levack Public School and Chelmsford Public School

Confederation Secondary School
Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at 7 pm – Amphitheatre
For students with special needs at C.R. Judd Public School, Pinecrest Public School and Valley View Public School and Lifeskills students from Chelmsford Public School, Larchwood Public School, Levack Public School and Northeastern Elementary School

Espanola High School
Monday, November 13, 2006 at 6:30 pm – Room G1AB
For students with special needs at A.B. Ellis Public School, Webbwood Public School, S. Geiger Public School, Beedabin, St. Mary’s School and Sacred Heart

Lasalle Secondary School
Tuesday, November 14, 2006 at 4 pm – Library
For students with special needs at Carl A. Nesbitt Public School, Northeastern Elementary School, Churchill Public School, Markstay Public School, Wanup Public School and Monetville Public School

Lively District Secondary School
Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at 7 pm – Library
For students with special needs at Jessie Hamilton Public School, R.H. Murray Public School and George Vanier Public School

Lockerby Composite School
Monday, November 20, 2006 at 7 pm – Lab 2000 Room 162
For students with special needs at MacLeod Public School, Wembley Public School, R.L. Beattie Public School, Alexander Public School and Copper Cliff Public School

Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School
Thursday, November 16, 2006 at 4 pm  – Room 244
For students with special needs at R.L. Beattie Public School, Copper Cliff Public School, George Vanier Public School, MacLeod Public School, Monetville Public School, Wanup Public School, Algonquin Public School and Alexander Public School as well as Lifeskills students from Copper Cliff Public School, George Vanier Public School, Jessie Hamilton Public School, R.H. Murray Public School and Wembley Public School as well as ASD students from Copper Cliff Public School, Markstay Public School and Wembley Public School.

Manitoulin Secondary School
Thursday, November 9, 2006 at 6:30 pm
For students with special needs at Little Current Public School, Assiginack Public School, Charles C. McLean Public School, Central Manitoulin Public School, Lakeview and Pontiac

Sudbury Secondary School
Wednesday, November 8, 2006 at 7 pm – Library
For students with special needs at Lansdowne Public School and Wembley Public School as well as Lifeskills students from Churchill Public School and Markstay Public School as well as ASD students from Adamsdale Public School, C.R. Judd Public School, Chelmsford Public School, Churchill Public School, Lansdowne Public School, Larchwood Public School, Levack Public School, Northeastern Elementary School, Pinecrest Public School and Wembley Public School

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Media Contact:

Rita Della Vedova, Principal of Special Education Programs and Services,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-523-3308, ext. 201.