An open house, E-learning and volunteers
Wednesday, October 24, 2012 by: Darren Taylor
Algoma District School Board officials gathered for their regular meeting earlier than usual Tuesday.
Most of the Board officials were in Chapleau and communicated with ADSB officials in Sault Ste. Marie by teleconference, as they were at Chapleau Elementary and Secondary School for an open house.
That school now accommodates students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12.
The Board reported that there are currently 111 ADSB students taking E-learning courses online.
Trustees said there are 76 courses available for semester 2 and the ADSB is still accepting registrations for second semester.
It was also reported Grade 7 and 8 ADSB teachers will soon be attending an E-learning symposium in Sudbury.
ADSB officials reminded there are E-learning tutors available in various subjects such as math and science online, and information is available by contacting the ADSB.
All courses offered online by the ADSB are taught by certified Ontario teachers, and grant students better flexibility in terms of scheduling their studies.
Anyone with questions about E-learning may go to the ADSB website at www.adsb.on.ca for more information or call or email Brandon Grasley, ADSB's E-learning Contact at (705) 945-7111, extension 10216 or by email at brandon.grasley@adsb.on.ca.
ADSB officials also took the opportunity Tuesday to recognize the many volunteers who help within the region’s schools, while reminding the Board that great caution is taken in recruiting volunteers within the ADSB system.
ADSB Chair Jennifer Sarlo stated “we have taken the time to review the volunteer manual with our school principals. The manual is available online, it gives information as to how we recruit, orientation and training. We require reference checks on all individuals who wish to volunteer.”
“”We have done that review as a reminder for our school principals,” Sarlo said.
“We welcome parents and all volunteers to go online and contact the principal of the school they are interested in volunteering at for more information.”
Sarlo praised the many volunteers who have taken part in ADSB soccer programs as an example.
ADSB officials at Chapleau were also entertained by student Keiko Larocque, who sang the song “Glitter In The Air” (by singer-songwriter Pink) as a ‘fight back’ to bullying.
Today marked an anti-bullying day at the Chapleau school.
ADSB Chair Jennifer Sarlo thanked Larocque for her performance, saying “you sang with passion.”
Sarlo stated bullying “is an issue for all of us to own, and we must stand up to it.”
