facebook~~Ideas For New School

I am going to cut and copy some issues that have been addressed on facebook, for those who haven't signed up for the group on facebook, or for those who are not on facebook.

If this goes against protocol of ARC, then this post may be taken down.

For privacy issues I will not post names.
Post #1
(Kitchener, ON) wroteon February 6, 2009 at 12:25pm
I figured I would start a thread to generate discussion around what we want to have in the new proposed school. So far in the discussions, I have heard many good ideas.....from a full fledged Music and Arts program, to science and computer labs, to before and after school childcare. So...what are you ideas? What kind of resources do we want our kids to have access to. Don't be afraid to dream big...

Post #2
You wroteon February 6, 2009 at 1:08pm
Solar panels, small wind turbine, green roof, geothermal heating, green wall (like at Toyota), partially strawbale, insulated concrete forms. . . the greener the building the better. Drama program.Access to "gifted learning" for all children. The more we value our children, the more value our children receive.

Post #3
wroteon February 6, 2009 at 3:50pm
I would love to see a swimming pool... indoor , salt water. Regular swimming lessons throughout the year. Lets make learning to swim a priority. I realize there is a pool in Wingham, but it isn't salt water and if we want to talk about the future, chemicals are out (as much as possible). I bring this up because my 2 eldest kids each have issues with chlorine. You said think big, so this would be one of my dreams !!!!


Post #4
You wroteon February 6, 2009 at 4:42pm
Michele, I hear you with the chlorine~~~~it's so toxic!


Post #5
(Kitchener, ON) wroteon February 7, 2009 at 1:19am
omg!!! the chlorine at the wingham pool is a killer. Every time we swim there, my son's eyes are red for two days. I like all the Green stuff. What a legacy to leave.


Post #6
You wroteon February 7, 2009 at 9:00am
What about filtered water~~~without chlorine or flouride or added chemicals, right now I forget the name of the "descaler" added to town water that clears the pipes. Add a huge softener with media guard and possible a reverse osmosis treatment, for water to be ingested. Many health related issues when it comes to municipally treated water. . .

Post #7
you wroteon February 7, 2009 at 7:20pm
A separate play yard for the kindergarten children.Internet cameras set up in each classroom so parents can view their children from work via the computer as they have them in daycares.A workout space for kids and parents to get healthy and invite in communities.A special needs resource center. The two organizations have a lot in common with each other and could be beneficial.outdoor equipment the children can actually use through the winter months.Okay, I'm sure there is more but I have been hit in the head with paintballs all day and I am tired.


Post #8
(London, ON) wroteon February 11, 2009 at 1:18pm
love the idea of the camera in the classrooms,wouldn't that be neat as a parent to checkin and see what is going on.or even the teachers could monitor this over lunch times,

Post #9
wroteon February 13, 2009 at 10:11am
I agreed with a comment at last nights meeting, that the best isn't necessarily better. With alot of the high tech gadgets available I agree that you need to step back and look at the basic essentials needed for their education. If there was to be a pool and theatre, etc. does this not take away from the community involvement? What happens to our local pool if their is one at the school? Why not look at salt water into the current pools? Would this also mean that those children would be seculded at the school, since they have everything there and not experience field trips and valuable community involvement?

Post #10
You wroteon February 13, 2009 at 11:00am
I agree, why not look at current pools? Trickle down effect, possibly that having the best would make current facilities (schools, pools, whatever) start thinking about new options, could be a point. Another person at the Blyth Parent Meeting had the same worries of "disconnect" from the community. I do agree. One thing that would have to be put into place would be field trips/workshops to local venues, be it the Blyth Festival, Thresher's, (those are the ones in Blyth, I am not sure where you are located, and you would have an idea of what are important community activities in your area). This is just my opinion, but you make very valid points. :)

Post #11
wroteon February 16, 2009 at 8:12pm
I visited a day care that has the camera's in each room. It was possible for the parent's to look in any time they wanted. It would be a great way for the children to be able to stay informed with school if they missed a lesson because of a sick day as well. It could maybe help them also if many school days were missed due to snow. It could help parents stay in tune with what the kids are learning and alleviate any abuse allegations.In looking at what our schools needs we need to consider what we have already and where our children's education is lacking and where cut backs are going to directly in pack our children. Cafeteria food and hungry children are an issue so why not create a green house the children can assist in growing food for the school in, which would dub as a science lab and a job site for after school??After school care/before school care. Why not include a daycare for siblings? This creates not only a lasting place for students to stay (which is what the board wants so we don't lose our kids to other forms of schooling) but it prevents more running around for our children and shortens their over all day.Specialty classes and Help.The size of our towns are the reason we do not have access to specialized tools/people. Being a larger school will draw those people to us and having them on site invites more opportunities to utilize them.Out door seating for the kids that would allow the teachers to invite children outside to learn on nice days and gives the children a place to study while outside. (This would include picnic tables and a chalk board and a roof)A covered area to run. Getting enough gym time was always an issue. Having an outside dry shed to run around in would be so beneficial and wonderful for large family events and could be rented out.A volunteer car pool for parents.. lets attempt to bus our own children when possible. Let's get them off the buses and show how we can work together as a community.Just some thoughts as I am sure many of you have.

Post #12
wroteon February 24, 2009 at 9:25pm
If a new school were to be built I think having separate wings created that could be closed down if enrollment was low would be a good investment. I think having a separate heating/electrical system would also mean if there was a fire it would not close the entire school. It could also be rented out as it would have an independent source of heat and hydro. Perhaps building a few smaller, community buildings and one main campus building to be shared (gym/library/offices) might be a good idea as well. Again if one building had issues it would not affect the others. It could also be closed up and cost the school very little to maintain if the need ever arose.The entire reason this has begun is due to low enrollment. Preparing for that for the future seems like a wise investment.