SOMENOS RURAL TRADITIONAL SCHOOL TO THINK, TO VALUE, TO KNOW PRESENTATION OCTOBER3, 2012 SD79 BOARD MEETING

The Rural Traditional Program is committed to using a structured, teacher-directed approach to sequential learning to promote reflective thinking, responsible citizenship, and continuous learning. Our academic and character education programs foster respect for self, others, and the environment, and prepare students to meet future moral, academic and global challenges.
At a Board meeting I attended last June a motion was put forth. June 20, 2012 District School of Choice The Main Motion as Amended: "That the Board of Education SD 79 directs staff to recognize The Rural Traditional School at Somenos as a district school of choice in the same manner as French Immersion Schools and provide bussing in accordance with this acknowledgement starting in the 2013/2014 school year." CARRIED unanimously It is important to note that the School Board voted unanimously on this motion which we all know happened very rarely for the last few years. We found it very disheartening that after being recognized as a school of choice in this school district since 2003 and at Somenos School since 2006, a motion was necessary to make the District start treating the program as such. This district is made up of many excellent schools. We are here today to show you why Somenos is such an important part of this district and what it offers this District. Unfortunately this school and traditional program has lost many supportive families and potential enrollments as families have lost trust and faith regarding the decisions made in this school district.

Somenos is more than just a school, it is more than just a Rural Traditional Program. It is made of many unique qualities, and it is all of these qualities working together that make it so special and important to School District 79.
LOCATION: Somenos is uniquely situated in an area that is boarded by farms, forests, and rivers, with the advantage of being close to all amenities. It is located in a serene rural setting, situated just four minutes north of Duncan on Hall Rd and visible from the Highway behind the municipal hall. With the majestic Mt. Prevost behind it, the area is quiet & relaxing for our students. There is very little road traffic and away from the noises of the city, students arent distracted. The close proximity to town also makes this choice school easily accessible to all the families of the Cowichan Valley. Our school name and mission statement reflects our desire to utilize our rural surroundings to enhance student learning. SIZE: A growing body of evidence points to the size of schools as a significant determining factor in academic achievement. Large schools are often far less successful at educating students than small schools. Studies have shown that small schools create conditions which encourage learning (see Bank Street
School of Education) Small schools where teachers and students know each other well seem to encourage learning. At larger schools students can become numbers, not individuals. Children fall through the cracks and their needs, both academic and personal, fail to be addressed. They feel even more isolated, frustrated and hopeless. Discipline problems escalate. These are the kind of examples we hear from parents who have chosen to come to Somenos from a larger school.

Somenos gives parents a choice in this District they would not have otherwise, the choice to send their children to a smaller school. Being a smaller school allows Somenos the advantage to build positive values that fosters a family atmosphere, good standards of behavior and close links with parents and the community. What our small size does is to provide an optimal setting for high-quality schooling to take
place. It facilitates the use of organizational arrangements and instructional methods that lead to a more positive school climate and higher student learning. The size of Somenos allows the school to function efficiently because we are able to include everyone in the decision-making process, and as a result can rapidly identify problems and implement appropriate solutions. Small faculty size is often far more conducive to the creation of a collaborative environment, in which teachers know and trust one another, and are able to participate in a free exchange of ideas. Some might argue that a small school doesnt allow for the same opportunities for students. At Somenos we have very active school sports teams and clubs. Soccer, Volleyball, Field Hockey, Track and Field, Cross Country, Chess, Sewing, and Environmental are just some of the teams and clubs we have on a yearly basis. The reason that although we are small we can still offer all these activities for the students is because of our dedicated staff and community support. Somenos staff fosters an environment of team work, confidence and fun and they encouraged all students to participate. This leads to very high participation from our students. The students feel confident, secure, valued enough to try something they maybe wouldnt have before. At Somenos we are able to have school wide events that include all the students. Examples of this are skating, swimming, fieldtrips, special guest assembles which include all students. Being able to do these types of activities as a whole school, again adds to our ability to build a stronger school community. In short the size of Somenos simply lays the foundation which makes it possible to create an

environment favorable to education.

RURAL TRADITIONAL PROGRAM Each Traditional school is unique and particular to its community. However, there are commonalities. Traditional schools are defined by their greater emphasis on the following: the traditional values of, educational structure, citizenship, responsibility and respect; student uniforms; active parent involvement. Somenos Rural Traditional School is a school of choice, offering an alternate program operating within the public school system. The Rural Traditional Program adheres to provincially prescribed and/or locally developed curricula, with an emphasis on a consistent, structured approach to instruction. What make SRTS Program different? A Common Focus: Somenos Rural Traditional School has a common Focus on the following: Student uniforms Orderly, structured environment Maximized instructional time for curriculum Importance of accuracy and care in the work that students produce Teacher directed, structured learning with some active cooperative learning Homework that reinforces and applies what has been taught On-going communication with families Teacher commitment to the school model and philosophy Recognize achievement through academic excellence, art, music and athletic awards.

Somenos Rural Traditional School Goals: Reading- to improve student achievement in reading comprehension school wide using a reading structure called the Daily 5: read to self, read to others, listen to reading, word work, and writing, in addition to the use of specific comprehension strategies at each of the grade levels. Social Responsibility: Staff has developed a school wide behaviour matrix that relates to our High 5 of Respect and code of conduct, and we will be teaching specific behaviours that are appropriate to the various settings around our school. Currently, we are teaching respect of self and others, in all settings. Students will be using kid-friendly social responsibility rubrics for self-evaluation 3 times per year. We will assess our students achievement in social responsibility using the same rubrics in September, January and May to see the effectiveness of this approach.

High 5 of Respect Respect for Learning Respect for Environment Respect for Property Respect for Property Respect for Others Respect for Self The Virtues program written for educators by Linda Popov is a school-wide initiative. The aim of the Virtues Project is to transform the school environment by helping create a total environment of caring and respect. Each month, students focus on one virtue that reinforces our behaviour guidelines. The virtue of the month is discussed at assemblies and teachers reinforce the concept throughout the month with activities and discussions. Virtues are universally valued by all cultures. Examples of some of the virtues we may focus on are: consideration, responsibility, helpfulness, respect, self-discipline, courtesy, self-discipline. There are 52 virtues listed in the program. We believe that language shapes character. The words we speak and the language we use have power to inspire students. The language of the virtues helps us to encourage personal responsibility and respect. It is a frame of reference for bringing out the best in students and ourselves. Virtue-based personal boundaries help build healthy relationships and create a climate of calmness and safety. W.I.T.S. Program Walk away, Ignore, Talk it out, and Seek help

ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS All of our students study local ecologies as part of their science program so that by the end of Grade 6 they will be knowledgeable about their environment and its relevance to modern life. Somenos also has an extensive recycling program. With all of our compost, plastics, paper and cardboard materials being recycled into proper receptacles, our students learn the value of recycling and they are cutting the Schools waste significantly. At Somenos we have two large bottle drives every year with the students collecting an average of 25,000 units of recyclable containers per year.

UNIFORMS Our uniforms allow families from all backgrounds to take advantage of a uniform school. In fact our uniforms save families hundreds of dollars every year in school cloths. For example I have 2 girls. At the start of the year they have 2 uniform shirts and about 3 school trousers each. Thats all they need. There is no pressure on a family to spend hundreds of dollars on name brand clothing. It doesnt matter what your family situation, no student at Somenos is left to feel like they dont fit in due to their cloths. It is our belief that uniform dress codes foster the following A sense of belonging and pride; A safer and more respectful learning and teaching environment; and A confident and positive sense of self and respect for the dignity and welfare of others. School Uniforms promote school unity by eliminating factors that can create economic and social divisions among individuals, such as clothing style and brands. Eliminating these factors helps students to become more conscious of such shared goals as strong school community, and developing self-confidence. The positive learning environment to which wearing school uniforms contributes helps to create an environment in which student achievement can improve. PAC The Rural Traditional Program at Somenos is also enhanced by a very supportive PAC. Somenos was the first school in the district to introduce a Drumline program to students. Now going into its 4th year under the direction of Dustin Dolman and completely funded by PAC our students get to experience the many benefits of this program. Drum line gives everybody an equal opportunity to participate, learn, work and succeed, thereby providing positive social and psychological benefits. Dedication, teamwork, hard work, respect for others and the pursuit of common goals: These attributes (reinforced through Drumline) can and will stay with the students throughout their lives, enhancing educational goals, career choice, family environment, interpersonal relationships and life in general. Our students also have the opportunity to travel to other schools in the District and preform there. Our students perform at a Cowichan Capitals game every year. Students participate in a year end Drumline performance for the entire community. The Somenos RTS Sewing club is going into its 6th year. Completely funded and run by PAC volunteers, this Club gives students the chance to create fantastic articles out of recycled materials. From clothing, to book bags, and pillows, their creations are always creative and unique. This club teaches students the fundamental skills of sewing along with the realization that you can create something new from something old. This club has been extremely successful and popular with 30%-40% of the student population participated the last 2 years. In the past 4 years Somenos Rural Traditional School PAC has purchased playground equipment, smart board, sports equipment, class room supplies, and funded numerous special guests (i.e.: tennis camp, authors, artists, musicians, animal experts) As well the PAC provides funds for all school trips.

COMMUNITY At Somenos students, staff and families feel a strong sense of community at Somenos. When families feel that strong sense of community they are more likely to become involved in the school. Parents and community members are more likely to feel a sense of ownership and pride in their schools when they are actively involved in the life of the school and its decision-making process Schools are intimidating places for many parentsparents feel like intruders, strangers, outsiders. And nothing seems more foolish than going to parent night and seeing a slew of adults who dont know you or your kid. This could be why some parents dont volunteer or attend school functions. At Somenos students, teachers, and families all get to know each and this creates a strong sense of belonging for everyone.

Because of all the qualities we have talked about Somenos Rural Traditional School attracts families from home schooling and private school in a way other public schools do not.

For many years, even before the Rural Traditional Program came to it, Somenos has faced turmoil. The families of Somenos have had to face years of uncertainty which places an unfair amount of stress on them. Gone are the days of sending your children to school without having to worry about if it will be there for them or not next year. We are here today because we believe the families of the Somenos catchment deserve their school, and the families of the Cowichan School District deserve to have the choice to send the children to a Rural Traditional Program. We recognize how are very lucky we are too have a program like this in our Community, and we want this District to realize it too. The Rural Traditional Program has now been part of this District since 2003 and the district has ignored this program for far too long. Imagine if Somenos wasnt under the constant threat of closure, imagine if its resources werent continually being cut, then it would become a Program that the District can be proud of, as we the Community of Somenos already are. After the last round of school closures (5 years ago) our enrollment dropped significantly. SRTS PAC has for the last 6 years worked very hard to build the reputation of the school (without any support from the district) PAC and staff have worked to encourage parents to enrollment at Somenos and that it is safe to do so. Through word of mouth, advertising, and making ourselves visible in the community we were having great success. Then 2yrs ago despite that we are a school of choice our busing was slashed. Not only our out of catchment busing but even for families within the Somenos catchment. A group of families who are within the Somenos catchment and well outside the walk limits had their busing removed. It took 5 and half years to get it back. When our busing got slashed two years ago a lot of our families just couldnt get their children to Somenos without the support of busing and regrettably could no longer stay there.

We are here today asking this District why? Why have you not support the Traditional Program in the Cowichan Valley? Whereas other school districts across B.C. have provided stability and support for their Traditional Programs, and the Program has grown significantly in those Districts. Why hasnt SD79 embraced this program, and promoted its positive aspects. You would think this District would be proud to offer this unique curriculum in our community. Here are some examples of other Districts across the province that are supporting their Traditional Programs. From the Cloverdale Traditional School in Victoria Website:
As a School of Choice, we accept student registrations continuously. Parents are welcome to come to the school and register during office hours. We are a school of choice and therefore we have no catchment area. Students may attend our school from anywhere in south Vancouver Island.

District 36 Surrey : three traditional elementary schools From the Cloverdale Traditional School in Surrey website We are a school of choice open to all students in the Surrey School District District 37 Delta: Jarvis Traditional Elementary School District 34 Abbotsford -: Three Traditional elementary schools, one middle school and one high school District 33 Chilliwack: Two elementary schools and one middle school District 23 Kelowna : Oyama Traditional Elementary District 35 Langley: Has many schools of choice that follow the fundamental program. Also to be noted most of the Traditional elementary schools in B.C. are a K-7 School.

GROWTH IN THE COWICHAN VALLEY We met with a planner from the municipality of North Cowichan. She showed us the Official Community Plan for the District. It highlights area of the valley that they will be focussing more amenities (I.e. sewage, water, etc.) due to projected growth in areas. One of these areas is part of the Somenos Catchment area. (See north Cowichan website Official Community Plan for more details. (Page 132) Also included in the plan is a large part of the Drinkwater & Tansor Catchments. This projected growth makes it all the more important for the district to support Somenos. https://northcowichan.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=74396

Inspite of all that has happened to Somenos over the years, the students, staff, and parent community has always, persevered and worked hard to rebuild. The success of Somenos Rural Traditional School is due to the students, staff and parent community not the district. To us Somenos is the little School that could. Somenos has always had a really strong community, even before the Rural Traditional Program came to it. The PAC at Somenos has always been large, with meeting well attended, with many volunteers, and everyone willing to help out. But it is very hard to move forward when you always feel like you are being dragged two steps back. The students, families and staff have always been proud of what has been accomplished at Somenos Rural Traditional School, now its time for this District to support this School and help us make it something this entire Cowichan Valley Community can be proud of. We came here as a School Community to ask this District if it will finally set up and support Somenos Rural Traditional School. Somenos Rural Traditional is a School that enhances the opportunities for families and students in the Cowichan Valley. It is a school that the families and students in this District deserve. We hear far too often from families in the Cowichan Valley how much they want to send their children to Somenos Rural Traditional School but they are worried because of how Somenos has been treated by the District in the past. They dont trust the District to support this Program. We want to be able with confidence tell families that the District supports and is committed to Somenos Rural Traditional School and they can enroll their children without the reservations. We especially want the District to start treating us as a school of choice so we dont turn away families who want to enroll at Somenos because the District wont allow us to accept out of catchment students. Somenos Rural Traditional School offers the families of this District a smaller school setting for students who want and need it. If offers families a choice to enroll their children in a Rural Traditional Program. Somenos Rural Traditional School has so much potential for growth and even more success and it is our hope with Support from the District we can make it happen. Thank you for the opportunity to introduce the wonderful Community that is Somenos Rural Traditional School.

Liz Compton Cochair Somenos Rural Traditional School PAC Carrie Bradshaw Cochair Somenos Rural Traditional School PAC