April 16th, 2015

Summer School 101

Summer School Recommendation Packages are going home with students TODAY! Please ask your child if they received an envelope in homeroom this afternoon addressed to parents. ONLY students who fit the criteria and were recommended by their Math or Language teachers, will be receiving the summer school information and registration forms. Feel free to call the school and talk to Miss Pizzey, Guidance Teacher, if you have any questions or concerns.            Forms are due back to Westheights Friday Apr. 24th

The Waterloo Region District School Board offers 3 different summer school programs for intermediate students:

  1. High School Preparatory Program (HSPP) for both grade 7 & 8 students.
  2. Reach Ahead for only grade 8 students going into grade 9.
  3. ESL Language Support.  

Recommendations will be made by teachers based on the target audience for each program.

All Programs: Registration Details

  • Transportation – to determine eligibility for transportation, visit www.stswr.ca
  • Package include:
    • Parent/Guardian Letter (High School Preparatory, ESL Language Support, REACH Ahead
    • Brochure
    • Registration form (for parent signature).
  • signed registration forms are due to Westheight P.S. by Friday, April 24, 2015

Program 1: Grade 7 & 8 High School Preparatory Program (HSPP)

  • The purpose of the program is to support grade 7 and 8 students through the consolidation of knowledge and strategies in numeracy or literacy
  • Students select either numeracy OR literacy

HSPP: Target Audience

  • received level 1 or 2 on their report card in language or mathematics
  • require further consolidation of literacy or numeracy skills to ensure success in September
  • NOT intended for students that have a modified IEP
  • SEA equipment can be made available, however, the program is intended for students who can be successful with the support of one classroom teacher (e.g., no SERT/EA)
  • will likely take applied level courses in grade 9

When, Where, Time?

  • July 6th to July 24th
  • Bluevale C.I. & Jacob Hespeler S.S.
  • 8 :15 a.m. – 12 :30 p.m.

HSPP: Program Direction

  • uses student work to inform instructional decisions and next steps
  • considers students’ readiness and uses differentiated instruction to support learning needs
  • makes use of small group guided instruction
  • engages students in their learning
  • embeds opportunities to build community

HSPP: Reporting Achievement

  • Language Arts: Reading and Writing
  • Mathematics: two strands
      • Number Sense and Numeration
      • Patterning and Algebra

HSPP: Program Details

  • offered at 2 sites*: Waterloo: Bluevale C. I.

Cambridge: Jacob Hespeler S. S.

* Location availability is dependent on enrolment

  • July 6 to 24, 2015
  • Half Day (8:15 am to 12:30 pm)

HSPP: Typical Day (literacy)

8:15 am Start

  • Block A – Literature Circles

Community Building

  • Block B – Reader’s Workshop

Break (15 mins)

  • Block C – Read Aloud
  • Block D – Writer’s Workshop
  • Block E – Self Selected Reading & Response

                   Community Building

12:30 pm End of Day

HSPP: Typical Day (numeracy)

8:15 am Start

  • Block A – Warm Up & Group Task

Community Building

  • Block B – Sharing & Reflecting on Problem Solving

Break (15 mins)

  • Block C – Teacher Modeling Application
  • Block D – Individual & Partner Practice
  • Block E – Consolidation

                   Community Building

12:30 pm End of Day

Program 2: Reach Ahead – Grade 8 Students

  • for Grade 8 students transitioning to Grade 9 in September
  • provide opportunities to increase student confidence
  • provide opportunities to practice learning strategies
  • earn a high school credit (GLS1O1) prior to starting grade nine
  • offered in a high school setting*

Reach Ahead: Target Audience

  • students who are showing signs of disengagement
  • may have a negative or indifferent attitude toward school
  • may have social/emotional issues such as anxiety that could make the transition to high school more challenging
  • are registered in mainly applied type courses

 

When, Where, Time?

  • July 2nd to July 24th
  • Bluevale C.I.; Jacob Hespeler S.S.; Cameron Heights C.I.; Sir John A. Macdonald S.S. (location availability is dependent on enrolment)
  • 8 :30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Reach Ahead: Student focus on…

  • Time Management
  • Notebook Organization
  • Communication Skills
  • Study Skills
  • Advocacy Skills
  • Listening Skills

 

Reach Ahead: Typical Day

8:30 am Start

  • Block A – Specific Numeracy & Literacy Skills

Break (10 minutes)

  • Block B – Collaborative Learning Time

Lunch

  • Block C – Gymnasium

Break (10 minutes)

  • Block D – Character Education & Social Emotional Learning Strategies

3:00 pm End of Day

Reach Ahead: Program Details

  • typically offered in a high school with other secondary students
  • offered at 4 sites*:
    • Waterloo: Sir John A. MacDonald S.S. & Bluevale C.I.
    • Kitchener: Cameron Heights C. I.
    • Cambridge: Jacob Hespeler S. S.

* Location availability is dependent on enrolment

  • July 2 to 24, 2015
  • Full Day (8:30 am to 3:00 pm)

Which Program Should a Grade 8 Student Choose?

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Program 3: ESL Language Support

  • focus on developing English communication skills (oral, reading, writing)
  • focus on introducing students to programs and supports in the community for newcomer youth
  • offered at the 7/8 High School Prep sites
  • runs from 8:15 am to 12:30 pm
  • settlement worker support provided

ESL: Target Audience

  • ESL or ELD students currently in grade 7 or 8
  • Step 1 or early Step 2 of English Language development (check with your ESL teacher) and in their first year or two of being in Canada

Categories: Grade 8 · Guidance · Helpful Information