Schools Host Open Houses to Highlight Pathways for Exceptional Students

The Rainbow District School Board’s Secondary Schools will host Open Houses to highlight Pathways for Exceptional Students throughout November.  Grade 6, 7 and 8 students with special needs and their parents/guardians are invited to attend the session at their community Rainbow secondary school.

“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 Margaret Stringer, Principal of Special Education Programs and Services for the Rainbow District School Board. “Early planning will ensure a smooth transition from elementary to secondary school.”

Administration, Special Education and Student Services staff will be available to answer questions. Special Education personnel in elementary schools may also attend the sessions in their respective areas to assist students and their parents/guardians.

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,” adds Principal Stringer.  “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.

Schedule of Open Houses – Pathways for Exceptional Students

Chelmsford Valley District Composite School


Monday, November 16, 2009 – 3:30 pm – Library
For students with special needs at Larchwood Public School, Levack Public School and Chelmsford Public School and Intensive Support Program/Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) students from Chelmsford Public School, C.R. Judd Public School, Larchwood Public School, Levack Public School and Pinecrest Public School

Confederation Secondary School


Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 6:30 pm – Amphitheatre
For students with special needs at C.R. Judd Public School, Pinecrest Public School and Valley View Public School and Intensive Support Program/Lifeskills students from Chelmsford Public School, Larchwood Public School, Levack Public School and Northeastern Elementary School



Espanola High School


Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 6:30 pm – Room A-1
For students with special needs at A.B. Ellis Public School, Webbwood Public School, S. Geiger Public School, Biidaabin, St. Mary’s School and Sacred Heart



Lasalle Secondary School


Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 6:30 pm – Lecture Theatre
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 and Intensive Support Program/ASD students from Adamsdale Public School, Churchill Public School, Markstay Public School and Northeastern Elementary School



Lively District Secondary School


Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 7 pm – Library
For students with special needs at Jessie Hamilton Public School, R.H. Murray Public School and Walden Public School



Lockerby Composite School


Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 7 pm – 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


Monday, November 23, 2009 at 3:30 pm  – Room 244
For students with special needs at R.L. Beattie Public School, Copper Cliff Public School, Walden Public School, MacLeod Public School, Monetville Public School, Wanup Public School, Algonquin Public School and Alexander Public School as well as Intensive Support Program/Lifeskills students from Copper Cliff Public School, Walden Public School, R.H. Murray Public School and Wembley Public School and Intensive Support Program/ASD students from Copper Cliff Public School and Wembley Public School



Manitoulin Secondary School


Thursday, November 26, 2009 at 6:30 pm – Room C3/C5
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


Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 6:30 pm – Library
For students with special needs at Lansdowne Public School and Wembley Public School as well as Intensive Support Program/Lifeskills students from Churchill Public School and Markstay Public School and Intensive Support Program/ASD students from Lansdowne Public School and Wembley Public School

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Media Contact:

Margaret Stringer, Principal of Special Education Programs and Services,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-523-3308, ext. 8201.