Here you will find responses to questions regarding the Transition phase of the project, formerly called Phase 2.
We have attempted to sort questions that we believe relate to the construction phase into this Transition category. We require a transition year during construction when all students will need to be out of SCSS and the 9-12s and/or the 7-12s in SNSS. We are having discussions over where the 7/8s will be located, and if not at SNSS due to space restrictions, what school would look like for them. While our key focus is on the health and safety of staff and students, we want to minimize the disruption in learning and provide the best possible facility while in transition. Please refer to the main Stratford Project page for more information.
We are currently working on a tool to facilitate confidential broad-based input gathering and encourage everyone to participate when it is launched. Please use the form below to subscribe to our mailing list to be notified about the launch and other updates.
How long will construction take?
The plan is to commence demolition and reconstruction by end of June – early July 2019 and complete all work by September 2020. SC student learning will take place elsewhere during that year.
What does a move of all students from SC for the construction year look like?
AMDSB has been gathering input before making that decision. Having researched other boards, one practice would be to move all staff and students into another school. One of the schools would take an ‘early’ shift and one school a ‘later’ shift, with transportation adjusted accordingly. The working committee will gather input from various stakeholders to determine the best way to move forward that will make the transition as smooth as possible.
How will the school’s needs be addressed during this year?
AMDSB anticipates many of the school-based decisions to be worked through during the Transition process at the school level. The school administrators and professional teams in place to help them are highly regarded.
What about extracurriculars? How will they work?
This is a good example of a school-based question that would be addressed in the Transition process. It is possible that space in other facilities will be needed to accommodate gym time and any other extracurricular clubs/teams that might need additional space during the renovations.
How will the school bus transportation change?
AMDSB is reviewing transportation implications as part of the decision for what the Transition Year will look like.
I live on Forman Ave and am concerned about the traffic and parking in front of the school. It is already difficult to get in and out of my lane way before school and especially around dismissal time. Buses park on one side of the road and parents on the other. If you add more traffic to this mess or have this happen twice a day it makes a greater inconvenience for those of us who live near the school.
Parking questions will be answered in the Transition phase (formerly called Phase 2).
How will the existing problem of students’ inability to access the necessary technology for their courses be addressed when two schools are combined?
Computers and other necessary technology from Stratford Central will be moved to Stratford Northwestern for the Transition Year to ensure continuity of program.
My child is anxious about this move and would like to do their schooling online. Is this an option available with AMDSB?
Yes, e-learning through Avon Maitland Distance Education Courses will continue to be offered. This option will be entertained on a case-by-case basis involving school personnel. Both school staffs are committed to providing the best possible learning environment for all of our students.
Has consideration been given to the effect that the late shift will have on our local sporting organizations as they plan teams, on our local economy as businesses plan to hire students and piano teachers, etc. look for clients, and on family life (the majority of parents work during the day and may not see their children during the week), etc.?
This question implies that a decision on the scheduling of the two schools during the Transition Year has been made. Transition Year scheduling (2019-2020) will not be addressed until the Transition phase (formerly called Phase 2). Our goal is to minimize the impact on traditional after-school activities.
Will my child get to pick the school that they want to attend for grade 7 (2019-2020), or will the borders be enforced?
Borders will have to be enforced for grades 7-8 to ensure that the populations are regulated at each building. When students move into grades 9-12, access to programming at both sites will be through concurrent programming which we hope to enhance.
Can you consider other options to this split school day option? I think it is very important that the Avon Maitland District School Board looks at the full scope of the actions that it intends to implement and how it will affect all aspects of a student’s life, not just the student’s life while at the school. Skating clubs can’t change their ice times.
This question implies that a decision on the scheduling of the two schools during the Transition Year has been made. Transition Year scheduling (2019-2020) will not be addressed until the Transition phase (formerly called Phase 2). Our goal is to minimize the impact on traditional after-school activities.
How will the existing problem of too few quiet study spaces be addressed when two schools are combined?
Scheduling students from both schools will be addressed during the Transition phase (formerly called Phase 2) (Sept 2018-May 2019) of the project. Students will continue to have access to quiet spaces within SNWSS during the Transition Year. Potential concerns with respect to lack of quiet spaces will be addressed if and when they arise.
Can you guarantee that my child who attends SC will be able to apply for University as an SC student?
SC will continue to operate as a school. Students will be able to apply to post-secondary schools from Stratford Central during the Transition Year.
Has consideration been given to students that may be so frustrated during the transition period that they drop out of school?
We will continue to support all students who struggle in school on a individual basis as we have always done.
How will the rivalry between SC and SN be managed during the transition year?
Stratford Central and Stratford Northwestern are working collaboratively to support a positive Transition Year. We anticipate the friendly rivalry will continue.
Is there capacity to share the overflow of Central students during the construction year with another Board high school and busing students to that location?
Thank you for the question. We will address this issue during the Transition phase (formerly called Phase 2) (Sept 2018-May 2019) of the project.
How will graduation be handled during the transition year?
Graduation ceremonies have been held on separate evenings at the Stratford Festival for both schools. We do not anticipate that this practice will be changing during the Transition Year.
How will traffic flow be impacted with increased city bus, school bus and student/parent traffic at dismissal time?
Thank you for the question. We will address this issue during the Transition phase (formerly called Phase 2) (Sept 2018-May 2019) of the project.
How will parking of additional vehicles be accommodated at SN?
Thank you for the question. We will address this issue during the Transition phase (formerly called Phase 2) (Sept 2018-May 2019) of the project.
How will unity and school spirit be fostered?
Thank you for the question, as this is an important aspect of school life for both staffs and students. We will address this issue during the Transition phase (formerly called Phase 2) (Sept 2018-May 2019) of the project.
From which school will transcript marks be coming from if you currently attend SC but will be graduating during the transition year? (Time sensitive issue for anyone planning for a fifth year)
Stratford Central will continue to exist as a school during the transition. The students registered at Stratford Central will be using Stratford Northwestern’s facilities during the year of transition. Students registered at Stratford Central will continue to be issued transcripts from the school.
Will AMDSB be compensating those students who work after school to save for their post secondary education?
This question implies that a decision on the scheduling of the two schools during the transition year has been made. Transition Year scheduling (2019-2020) will not be addressed until the Transition phase (formerly called Phase 2) of the project. Our goal is to minimize the impact on traditional after-school activities.
Will there be extra spaces opened in online courses to accommodate potential lack of space in 4U courses?
Courses run based on student demand. In the past, students have selected on-line 4U courses for a variety of reasons. These processes will not change during the transition.
What about grade 11 and 12 students who are currently in grade 9 and 10 who have planned their My Blueprint and post-secondary pathway based on current course availability?
Course options and school timetabling will continue as in the past to address My Blueprint plans.
When will you know where students will go in the Transition year?
Thank you for the question. We will address this issue during the Transition phase (formerly called Phase 2) (Sept 2018-May 2019) of the project.
Will there be extra counsellors or staff to help with an anticipated increase in stress over this?
Thank you for the question. We will address this issue during the Transition phase (formerly called Phase 2) (Sept 2018-May 2019) of the project. We will gather input about resources that are needed for all our students to ensure that appropriate supports are in place. Our goal is to make this transition a positive experience for all students and their families.
Will students be able to take electives?
Yes students can take electives. There will be a full palette of courses available throughout the transition and in subsequent years.
Will international and ESL students be required to choose locations other than SN during 2019-2020 to ensure room for local students?
Every year the AMDSB makes decisions on the number of international students entering our schools and their location. There are a number of factors that are considered including the number of local families available to host students. This practice will continue during the transition year.
What happens to the children who have attended grade 7 at Northwestern and are going into grade 8 during the renovation year, but are from Oxford County?
Current SN students will remain with their peers.
I go to Avon Public school and will be in grade 7 during the transition year. My sister goes to Stratford Central. Will I be able to go to the same school as my sister when the renovation is complete?
This will depend on the final decisions for secondary programming in the two schools.
What if we put a couple of portables at each elementary school and the kids grade 7-9 go back to their elementary schools for a year? Might be easier to re-house grade 10-12 instead of all grade 7-12 students… Between Mitchell school and Northwestern they may be able to accommodate grade 10-12 easily.
We appreciate your thoughts and will confirm that consideration was given. There is not sufficient space in all K-6 schools so this option is problematic. This could actually further increase student transitions for some students.
Why can’t the board put a bunch of portables up at the old fair grounds? Then if they need technology or gym classes then use the facilities at St. Mikes and NWSS.
During the transition year, the board will consider moving students to Stratford Northwestern and a few satellite sites. Those sites will be determined during the Transition phase (formerly called Phase 2) of the project.
Will kids that currently attend a K-8 school still have the option to attend NWSS for grade 7? or will they be expected to stay at their current school until SC is reopened.
For the 2018-19 school year, SNWSS and SCSS will continue to operate as a grade 7-12 school. A decision regarding the organization of NWSS (grades) during the 2019-2020 school year will occur during the Transition phase (formerly called Phase 2) of the project.
Why have no other viable options been mentioned other than the split school day? Seems logical that the board must have formulated more than one practical option before publicly announcing what those options may be?
No decision has been made regarding the format of the school day during the transition. Other options have been raised, including in the September 12th Focus Group Meeting.
When does Phase 2 planning begin?
Planning for Phase 2, now called Transition, began in September 2018
Has AMDSB considered leaving grade 7 students at K-6 schools to minimize multiple transitions and free up additional space at SN for Grades 8-12?
Yes, consideration was given. There is not sufficient space in all K-6 schools so this option is problematic. This could actually further increase student transitions for some students.
If there is a change in time and students are expected to be at school later, how is it determined as to which students will potentially have to lose their part time jobs, sports, music, dance etc. Many of these things begin at 4-4:30. Could grade 7 incoming students remain at their feeder school for the year of construction? As well is there possibility to utilize dual classrooms effectively, by dual purposing them? When not in use for one subject, another subject or class could utilize the space.
Several of these questions are better answered once decisions have been finalized for the Transition Year.
Have you considered an option to have the secondary school students attend classes on alternate days for each school (Mon, Wed, Fri one week – Tues, Thurs the next) then have online (chat) access to the teacher during the period time on the off day for independent study/assignment support? Most students now have access to technology that would accommodate this model and community resources, such as the Stratford Public Library, could likely help fill the gap. This should mean less impact on current concerns such as part-time employment, extracurriculars, etc.
We have considered many options and timetable versions. Our goal would be to have all grades 7-12 students together at a home base, with the use of satellite sites and blended/e-learning options, in order to maximize breadth of program/ program options.
What consideration has been given to children transferring at Northwestern for the French Immersion at Bedford. Will transportation still be available for their regular school hours?
Thank you for your question. Please refer to previously answered questions about transportation.
Please do not adjust the hours of schooling for the students. It is not feasible to have earlier mornings or later days. What ever is decided keep the school hours normal.
Thank you for your feedback. Please refer to previously answered questions about timetabling.
If it becomes a split day and students have early/late shifts, how will it be determined which students end up potentially losing out on their after school jobs or extra curricular activities (some which begin at 4-4:30)? Some students rely on these jobs to plan for college/university. For Students who may have worked hard to earn their spot on specific groups (dance, hockey, soccer, baseball etc) to potentially lose that spot due to extended school hours, while another group of peers have the opportunity to still do those things.
We understand the concerns and we are considering all opinions and options.
I have a concern about students who have after school job to help pay for future schooling, and how the schedule will effect this.
Thank you. We hear your concerns.
My son is in a specialized sports program and school scheduling changes during what will be grade 11 for him, will almost certainly require that he takes some of his courses on-line. Further to that, he is in French Immersion and the transition year will likely cost him the FI program because he has made being a competitive athlete his chosen priority. I recognize that the lack of flexibility in his schedule is unique but am still concerned that his grade 11 year will be far less than optimal. Has any thought been given to having some courses offered during the 2 summers of the transition year and the possibility of some teacher interaction available for those who are forced to do on-line schooling when they normally would not choose to do so?
Yes, we do offer some courses in summer learning and online. Currently, we have e-hub sections in every school to support students in online courses. This format has been extremely successful.
How will you handle the influx of students? Would sending some to St Mike’s be an option?
We are working on a solid plan for students that will keep the grades 7-12 students primarily together at our Stratford Northwestern site.
What are the current options being considered for out of town students already enrolled at Stratford Central this year?
They will be housed at SNSS, as announced.
What will happen when we have too many teachers?
We are not clear on this question. We expect to maintain the staff at SNSS and SCSS, subject to enrolment numbers.
The halls are already crowded enough. What happens when they all come next year?
We are looking at timetabling and scheduling to maximize efficiency of student transitions. Many schools in the province have 1500 – 2000 students, so there are models we can learn from.
How will all of the students have lockers?
We anticipate that we will be adding lockers at SNSS.
What will the timetable look like?
The timetable is currently being worked out, a process which takes some time. More information will follow.
The response “this will be answered after phase 1” is really frustrating. Some of these questions need to be answered now and there is no reason to wait. Why offer to answer people’s questions if you’re just going to put them off? Obviously I’m not referring to the questions that still need consultation, but certainly you can tell us which 300 kids are going to be cut from the school or whether existing Central students will be grandfathered to finish their high school careers in the school they love?
This project is complex and will involve input from staff, students, parents and families. Solutions and processes are determined using the input gathering process which takes time. When construction is finished, SNWSS will house more students than SCSS. Borders for students entering grade 7 will likely have to be established as a result.
Option 1 and 2 with regards to Central and Northwestern – are they not identical?
The Stratford Schools landing page (portion of the Board website) provides a description which differentiates each of the options, one from another. In summary, Option One sees both schools continuing as grades 7-12 and relies on boundary changes and concurrent registrations to shift students from SCSS to SNSS. Option Two also has both schools continue as grades 7-12 with boundary changes, concurrent registrations and program shifts to move students from SCSS to SNSS.
Additionally, with the logo “Better Together,” are we to assume that the Board is making a statement about the outcome they anticipate?
Can you speak further as to *why* this meshing of the two schools would be at all necessary? Would a boundary change not accomplish the same goal?
The “one mega school” idea is not only completely unappealing in terms of community (ie. the smaller schools foster a much greater sense of community when teachers know students), but seems a logistical and scheduling nightmare. The bundling of grade 7/8 students in the high schools already reduces opportunities for playing sports and being involved in school plays (instead of competing for a spot with 30 or so kids from your elementary school, you’re now competing against hundreds for the same number of spots), so a mega-school would have the same effect for high school athletes and arts students. Please put students’ quality of life above whatever organizational needs seem to be prompting this somewhat baffling initiative.
No, sorry, the “Better Together” logo is meant to identify the Transition Year when students from SCSS will be accommodated at the Northwestern site, with some use of satellite spaces.
Senior Administration has analyzed and come up with 6 possible options, which require significant analysis to determine feasibility. This is a very complex task as we need to take into consideration the needs of all students in all pathways, profiles of students (students with special needs international, newcomers, LGBQT, students at risk, etc.), extracurricular activities, teams, what our buildings can offer, available space, ability to timetable, and several other factors.
In addition, the electronic input-gathering platform thoughtexchange is being used to capture broad-based confidential input from all stakeholders, as we want to hear all voices.