User-pay education has arrived in the Sea to Sky with a new all-day kindergarten program at Valleycliffe Elementary School.
At a board meeting Wednesday (March 11) the Sea to Sky school district board voted in favour of permitting an all-day user-pay kindergarten program at Valleycliffe Elementary School starting Tuesday March 31.
The program is designed to serve as a transition for students entering Grade 1 next year. Dr. Rick Erickson, Sea to Sky School District superintendent said the arrangement works for the teacher and the students.
The provincial government considered the idea of a full-day kindergarten program, but Erickson said there is not enough money in the coffers. Erickson adds that the provincial government has committed to study the concept when the economy improves.
"The provincial government funds a half day kindergarten programs for all students but has agreed to cover the costs of a full day for aboriginal and English as a Second Language [ESL] students," Erickson said.
The kindergarten program at Valleycliffe Elementary has six ESL students, and vice principal Marilyn Caldwell said the full-day kindergarten program focuses on language development. Other students will have to pay for the full-day option.
"While the province looks at options, we've had parents offer to pay for fulltime kindergarten. We have agreed to do that for a couple schools last year," Erickson said.
User-pay education raised concerns of a two-tier education that offers one program for students whose parents can pay and nothing for those who cannot.
"We would prefer to see the provincial government fund full-day kindergarten. We want to encourage them to get over the staffing and facilities and go forward when the money becomes available," said Chris Vernon-Jarvis, school board trustee.
Board provides buses for Dry Grad
Graduates of Howe Sound Secondary School can takes the bus on their big night. The school board approved the use of school district buses for a one-way trip from Brennan Park to Quest University on May 30.
The buses will transport the graduation class and 275 guests from the Mocktails event to Prom. The bus drivers have been asked to donate their time as a cost saving measure.
The Dry Grad Committee also asked the board to waive fees normally charged for the buses.
Accessibility brought to Blackwater Creek
The playground at Blackwater Creek Elementary School could become one of the most accessible in the district.
The school board supported an application for a School Community Connections grant to pay for an accessible preschool teeter-totter set. The elementary provides the neighbourhood playground for the Darcy, Divine and Birken areas.
The Parent Advisory Council has raised $50,000 to replace the 51-year-old playground and funds from the grant would provide accessible additions to the new playground.
Summer school established
Some students may cringe, but the Sea to Sky School District will offer summer school this year. Magy Odorfer, district gifted enrichment coordinator, said the district will offer summer learning opportunities for students.
Last year the school district offered a variety of literacy and math programs at schools throughout the Sea to Sky. In total, 146 students took part.
Thus summer Odorfer said the Ministry of Education will provide $200 per student with minimum class sizes to run programs. Students at Mamquam, Spring Creek, Myrtle Philip and Signal Hill Elementary will be offered literacy and numeracy programs.
"Programs offered at the secondary level will be based on student surveys. Courses will be offered through a combination of direct instruction and web-based curriculum delivery," Odorfer said.
