Pilot project at Howitt
John Howitt Elementary school is taking part in a ‘self-regulation’ pilot project that aims to teach student show to regulate their own emotions. Jan Davidson, whose Grade 4-5 class is taking part in the project, said that she’s seen positive results and fewer anxious children already. SD70 Superintendent Greg Smyth said that he’s impressed with the project so far and he hopes to see it expand to other classes across the Alberni school district.
Seismic shift in SD70 funding
School districts will no longer be required to fund capital projects that relate to seismic upgrades due to an amendment to the Ministry of Education’s Capital Cost Sharing Policy. Previously, school districts were required to use any excess money (up to 50 per cent of project cost) that was not earmarked for specific programs to help the province fund capital projects.
Ucluelet K-12 school on hold
Plans to build a K-12 school in Ucluelet are currently on hold following a study done on seismic adjustments. SD70 officials are waiting on a report based on that study that will provide guidance on how to ensure that the school is properly reinforced in the event of an earthquake.
Student needs are SD70 focus
SD70 superintendent Greg Smyth reinforced the school district’s commitment to getting students out the door with a Dogwood Diploma on time without compromising social, emotional or intellectual development. Smyth stressed that the school district would focus on making sure that every single student was being adequately prepared for each new grade in order to pave the way for their grade 12 graduation and to avoid having them come back as adult learners later on.