PASS NewsletterJune2015 - Greater Essex County District

P.A.S.S. NEWSLETTER
June 2015
Volume 1, Issue 2
MAKINGSCIENCEREAL:FIELDSTUDYATFIGHTINGISLAND
What do you get when you combine 19 high school students,
nesting killdeer and a rainy day? A whole lot of fun and adventure! May 5th saw Amherstburg PASS undertake their annual
field trip to Fighting Island, a UNESCO recognized site of ecological importance, in the middle of the Detroit River, but this
time with a twist: Joining them were students and staff from
Mason PASS! Located off the shore of LaSalle, Fighting Island
is a reclaimed site being studied for the regeneration of natural
flora and fauna. The day was rainy and cool, but the staff and
students were bright and enthusiastic – proving once again that
enjoying yourself is more about attitude than environment!
Arriving at the island by boat before 10am, we were greeted by
educators Pat and Dennis and led to the portable classroom.
There we were given a pep/prep talk before heading outside on a
nature walk to the ‘upper fields’ bush area, which sits on top of
over 5,000,000 m³ of non-toxic industrial waste. Then it was to
the west side of the island for a view of the bald eagle nest on the
American side of the river – and a little fun skipping stones. On
the return walk, we learned about the invasive species in the
marsh and about the efforts of the island’s owners to renaturalize the island using yard waste from LaSalle.
Next it was time for a healthy lunch prepared specially by Dana
and Barbara, followed by a little relaxation. But then it was off –
in the rain – to collect water samples from the marsh. These
water samples contained tons of “macro invertebrates” (aka.
“bugs”) which students viewed under microscopes. One student
even captured a leopard
frog, which was inspected
by all before being returned
to the pond.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
WALLS Museum ..................... 2
Crime Stoppers ........................ 2
Homebuidlers .......................... 3
FNMI Symposium ................... 3
Outdoor education………………..3
Math Matters!! ........................ 4
InTake...................................... 4
P.D. Student Panel………………..5
GSA Conference…………………...6
Thrive: Garden to Table…………6
Potential Graduate Quotes…….7
Good Bye and Good Luck………8
From Desk of the Principal…….9
CONTRIBUTORS
Darina Sleziak
Tena Campbell
Nicole Gagnon
Shauna Johns
Dana O’Neil
This trip was made possible
Chris Durocher
through funds from an Outdoor Education Grant. A
Barb Milne
huge thank you to Pat and
Dennis!
Allan Timmins
Terris Buchanan
EDITORS
Tena Campbell
Shauna Johns
Dana O’Neil
OUTDOOR EDUCATION: WALLS MUSEUM
If you’re interested in
rich history, look no
further than our own
backyard! On May 21st
a group of students
from Sandwich Secondary joined students
from PASS Windsor on
a Magical Mystery History Tour. Our first
stop was at the Tecumseh historic site where
we learned about Tecumseh the man, and
the integral role that Windsor/Essex County played in the
war of 1812 and securing our freedom against the Americans. After that, we travelled to Puce for a visit to
the John Freeman Walls
Museum. Located at the
site of an actual station
on the Underground Railroad, students got a sense
of what it may have been
like to travel to freedom
as an escaped slave. Students learned about this
area’s importance as a
final destination for many
people and their families.
No tour of the county
would be complete without a stop at the Dairy Freez for
lunch – a true local gem! This is our second field trip that
was made possible through an Outdoor Education Grant.
John Freeman Walls Museum engages participants and visitors to the
site in an appreciation of one of the most important issues of American
and Canadian history – diversity.
CRIME STOPPERS
There are lots of reasons why
people don’t report crime –
they’re afraid of retribution,
they don’t want to testify in
court, or they’re just apathetic
about it. That’s what Greg
MacAleese, a detective in New
Mexico, realized in 1976 while
trying to solve the murder of a
young college student. So
MacAleese took money from his
own pocket and offered a reward to anyone who could provide information that would
help solve the case. He guaranteed that they could remain
anonymous. Tips flooded in,
the case was solved in 72 hours,
and Crime Stoppers was born. On March 24th, Constable Ryan Burney visited PASS Windsor to explain
how our students can earn cash rewards for reporting crime while still remaining completely anonymous. Not only were students excited about the idea of earning money, but they now have an option for
making their own communities safer. And the number one reason why people call Crime Stoppers?
“It’s not the money,” says Burney, “it’s to do the right thing.”
“It’s not the money,” says Burney, “it’s to do the right thing.”
HOMEBUILDERS: BUILDING A DREAM
The GECDSB
Homebuilders
Program holds
community involvement very
highly in our mandate. In addition
to their academic
pursuits,
(students can earn
up to 5 credits in
their semester on
site – 2 coop, 2
construction engineering, and a
dual credit in
Home Renovation Techniques at St. Clair College,) and skill development, (students
can register as general carpenter apprentices, and be certified in working from
heights, forklift, scissor lift, scaffold safety, CPR and first aid,) the students are involved in projects for a number of our community partners.
The main project is the building of the annual Brentwood Dream Home – first prize
in the Brentwood Recovery Home’s annual fundraising lottery. But from time to
time, we are able to participate in smaller projects. In the photo, you can see one of
four raised garden beds the students built and installed for the Community Garden at
Windsor’s Unemployed Help Centre. These beds will allow clients with mobility or
accessibility issues the ability to plant and maintain their own vegetables. The students not only built the beds to specification, they also prepared them for transportation, and re-assembled them on site at the UHC.
FNMI SYMPONISM
On May 27th staff and students from Pass and many
schools from the GECDSB
travelled to the university of
Windsor to participate in the
5th annual, board sponsored
First Nation, Metis and Inuit
Symposium. The purpose of
the symposium is to promote
awareness, understanding
and appreciation of the rich
histories, cultures and perspectives of First Nation,
Metis and Inuit peoples.
Staff and students enjoyed a
variety of different workshops including:
1. Clans & Helpers with
acrylic on canvas
2. Finding Your Inner Fire
3. Powwow Singing and
Dancing
4. Identity
OUTDOOR EDUCATION: TECUMSEH HISTORIC SITE
On May 21st PASS Mason joined forces with Sandwich Secondary School for some
outdoor education. History and Native Studies classes from both schools joined forces to explore the local history in Windsor and Essex county. The bus tour began in
Historic Tecumseh Town, where we visited the Tecumseh Historic Site museum.
Here we heard Doug Droulliard recount the epic bro-mance of Tecumseh and Brock.
Our next stop was
the final destination
of the Walls family
via the Underground
Railroad. We visited
the Walls museum in
Puce Ontario, where
Dr. Bryan Walls took
us on a foot tour
from slavery to freedom, tracing the
journey that his
great grandfather,
and countless others,
made from slavery in
the south to Essex
County where freedom awaited.
Both of these outdoor educational opportunities were afforded to our students by
way of the Outdoor Education Grants that teachers at PASS had applied for and received at the beginning of the year. It was an experience that none of us will soon
forget.
5. Residential School Info
Session
6. The Metis and the Finger
Woven Sash
7. An Introduction to Anishinaabemowin through the
Arts
8. Wampum Belts
9. Iroquois Cornhusk Mat
Making Workshop
Each participant attended 2
sessions and had the pleasure of seeing the native
dance group Tribal Vision
perform and enjoyed a wonderful lunch. This was a fantastic learning opportunity
for our staff and students.
MATH MATTERS!!
Contrary to somewhat popular belief, Math is indeed a part of the curriculum of
almost every college program and is definitely required in all of the skilled
trades. Students and their families should be aware that even if a particular college program or apprenticeable trade does not “require” Math for admission, it is
still very likely to come up!
Although some students opt to take the “easiest” route when it comes to Math
courses in high school, the recommendations from both Ontario colleges and the
skilled trades is for high school students to take as much Math as possible during high school, working to get the best grades possible in College level Math
courses.
Recent research of first year college students in Ontario indicates that those who
only earned a mark of 50-60% in MAP4C are far more likely to be at risk in college Math courses than those who earn marks of 61% or higher in MAP4C. In
fact, approximately 45% of first year college students who earn 50-60% in grade
12C Math end up failing or almost failing college Math courses.
Keep in mind that it’s not only skilled trades and health science programs that
contain Math components. Although programs in other fields like Interior Design, Fashion Design, Police Foundations, Office Administration, etc. may not
include actual Math classes, they do incorporate Math into various classes within each program.
What action should high school students take to best prepare themselves for post-secondary education of any type? Whenever possible they should take Math during every year in high school, at the highest level at which they can reasonably expect success and
always work to meet their greatest potential in those courses.
“Every student and teacher that attended the performance that day were
deeply touched by the expression of realness that the cast portrayed”
INTAKE!!
On April 2nd 2015 PASS Mason along with many other GECDSB high schools, attended the play InTake at the Olde Walkerville Theater. InTake is a new play about youth
that compiles dozens of stories form the streets of Windsor, as told by those who lived
them. The play was a collaboration between the Windsor Youth Centre and Arts Collective Theatre (ATC), a social justice theater company. Ten PASS students, along
with Mrs. Milne and Mrs. Johns, were the lucky few that were able to attend one of
the four school showings.
“The script for InTake grew out of discussion groups and in some cases includes the
young people’s actual words. The main theme of the play was mental health and how
poverty spins off into a variety of social ills,” stated WYC executive director and cofounder Tamara Kowalska.
The cast of InTake included local youth as well as a former PASS student. Every student and teacher that attended the performance that day were deeply touched by the
expression of realness that the cast portrayed, as well as the sense of empowerment
among the participants who could relate their own stories in an accepting environment.
P.D. STUDENT PANEL – JADE SCHEFFNER
I had never taken part in a student panel. I didn’t know how big the room
was and who would be in there. Generally I am shy and I don’t like talking
in front of others, especially if it’s about me. When I walked in with my
chair and turned to look at the room full of maybe 20 people (most of
whom I knew from my old school and co-op placement) I felt a little more
relieved. Initially I didn’t say much and listened to the more vocal students
speak instead, until I spoke about how caring and considerate my co-op
teacher is. When I thought of Chef Robert I began to cry, because I was struck with emotion that
the staff at P.A.S.S and other alternative education sites are so supportive. The staff in alternative
education make a daily emotional investment in the students. They don’t need to listen to my
problems but they chose to and they chose to go that extra mile and talk it out with me. It’s not in
their job description to sit there and listen about matters not involving school, but they still do.
They make you feel valued as a person and not “just another student”. Leaving the room after the
panel had finished (with the newfound courage of not being afraid to show my vulnerability) it
made me feel happy to know that this experience may change how alternative education is perceived and inspire other teachers to want to give up their time to genuinely listen to their students.
P.D. STUDENT PANEL – RAMONA BATSON
This past semester, I sat on a student panel for a subject-specific P.D. Day that my school,
P.A.S.S., created in an effort to dispel rumours and inform other teachers about alternative education. I accepted the offer to be on the panel because I felt that who I was a person, what I have experienced, as well as my current situation has had a great effect on who I am as a student and that
I would not succeed in a mainstream school. I wanted to let mainstream teachers know that alternative education has been my primary pathway to success and that there is a great deal of respect
and recognition that needs to be given to all of the staff that make my school what it is. Initially, I
was nervous to be filmed on video and I was overcome with emotion on more than one occasion.
However, when I sat next to my peers in the room, in front of all the teachers who had come and I
felt all of the positive support of my P.A.S.S. teachers, my anxiety slowly dissolved. I felt that our
panel’s message was effectively communicated to the teachers that attended that day because they
were open-minded and willing to truly listen and learn from myself and my fellow students.
THE GECDSB FIFTH ANNUAL GSA CONFERENCE,
WESTERN SECONDARY SCHOOL
PASS-Mason students and GSA Sponsor teacher Ms. Campbell established a
GSA this year, and on April 9th, staff, students and parents from our GSA attended the annual Gay Straight Alliance Conference for the very first time.
Going into its 5th year, Windsor Pride Community, in collaboration with the
Greater Essex County District School Board and Run for Rocky, hold an annual conference for all school GSA groups, designed to reaffirm our commitment to providing safe, inclusive, diverse and equitable learning environments for all, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment. This year’s
conference was hosted at Western Secondary School.
The day opened with a Two-Spirited First Nations Ceremony by Two Spirited
Elder Theresa Sims, and a presentation by Walkerville grad and LGBT Performer Ryan Boa. After Ryan spoke of the difficulties and triumphs he experienced in his personal journey as a young gay man growing up in Windsor, and the importance of his school’s GSA as a support network, he entertained attendees with a performance of “Born This Way.” Ryan’s presentation was as inspirational as
it was entertaining.
Throughout the day students attended 3 Workshops. In the first, students created buttons, bracelets and tie dyed items to
proudly display the rainbow colours of the LGBTQ Pride flag. The second was on the basics of Flash Mobs as a method to
promote social justice, where students were able to choreograph and practice group dance moves. The third and final workshop of the day was led by Two Spirited elder Theresa Sims, where students circled with the elder for teachings on the significance and importance of Two Spirited peoples to First Nations communities.
Students were also treated to lunch prepared by Western Secondary School, and we closed the day with school teams forming a plan on how to best bring what we learned back to our home schools and GSAs. PASS-Mason now has an active and
engaged GSA, and their first project has been a student-led GSA information board in the student lounge.
THRIVE: GARDEN-TO-TABLE NUTRITION PROGRAM
P.A.S.S.-Amherstburg travelled to Kingsville on May 7 to visit the
Access Community Garden. The garden provides food for the community, as well as being a learning commons for students of all ages
and volunteers from the community.
A 40-minute bus ride brought us to the garden where we met with
Ryan, the coordinator for the project. Students were then introduced
to gardening: working together, they moved dirt into new plant beds,
tilled the soil, and planted leeks, turnips, rutabagas and other cool
weather vegetables. Through their hands-on experience, students
learned how to construct a raised-bed garden and how easy it is to
garden even in a tiny space.
After all their hard work, Ryan shared information about easy food
prep, healthy recipes and how to eat to meet the requirements of Canada’s Food Guide. Then, students were given the ingredients to make
pizzas which were cooked on an outdoor grill and enjoyed by all. Students in attendance also received gift cards for grocery stores so that
they could purchase healthy foods for themselves!
This project was student led and planned, and funded through a
SpeakUp Grant. Thanks to Jessica, Charlene and Devin for their
work applying for the funding. Hopefully, we can receive funding for
a fall harvest trip so that some of the same students can enjoy the
fruits of their labours!
QUOTES FORM THE POTENTIAL
GRADUATING CLASS OF
2014 –2015
“If things get hard, keep on pushing through. PASS has helped me in many ways, more than any other school
has. I have made a lot of friends and helped a lot of people along the way. I like how everyone is very helpful
and I wish the best of luck to everybody.”
Makayla Potomski, P.A.S.S. Leamington
“P.A.S.S. was a great learning experience, the environment around me was so stress free and so many less distractions and also having the help I need l. One on one time really helped me graduate and be the person I am
today”
Hayden Dauphin, P.A.S.S. Mason
“I could not have done all of this without the motivation and confidence from my P.A.S.S. teachers and truly appreciate the time and advice received from many, especially from my P.A.S.S. English teacher. Through Public
Alternative school, Co-op, and Dual Credit I am learning to appreciate my our strengths and abilities. I look forward to the bright future that lies ahead”
Devon Bussey, P.A.S.S. Mason
“P.A.S.S. has allowed me to graduated at my own pace with amazing support of all the staff. The relaxed yet encouraging environment at P.A.S.S. has kept my propelling forward instead of dropping out”
Jolene Stevens-Charette, P.A.S.S. Mason
“It is always better to get something done late, rather than never. That being said, do what you have to do and
don’t procrastinate”
Edward Moody-Morris, P.A.S.S. Mason
“I find going to P.A.S.S. to be an effective and efficient place of education. It is comparatively a more productive
school for individuals,. I find I always am well supported by the school ans assisted in completing tasks and
learning new concepts”
Max Ard, P.A.S.S. Mason
“It took a lot of ambition to get my grade 12 over and done with and now I can finally say it did it!! Thanks
P.A.S.S.!!
Destinee Copland, P.A.S.S. Mason
REGARDS FROM LEAMINGTON
At P.A.S.S. Leamington we have had many highlights this year. We had solid attendance resulting in 21 graduates. We had several field trips in the fall, including St. Clair College, Agriculture
Day and the Mental Health Workshop put on by the board. Before the Christmas holiday, we enjoyed a pot-luck lunch to celebrate the upcoming winter break. We were very lucky to have donations from the South Essex Community Council of toiletry items and boxes of non-perishable
food from the Unemployed Help Centre. Some of our students, both those currently pursuing
their OSSD and graduates alike, have been supported by the Coop program to help them move
forward.
With the great year in 2014-2015, we look forward to continuing to work with students next year
FAREWELL
Another year has come to a close and with that end we will
say goodbye to a number of students, including our graduates! We wish you all the best in the future and hope that
the lessons and skills you have learned at Public Alternative
Secondary School will serve you well in whatever path your
personal journey takes you on.
Not only will we be bidding adieu to our students but also to
a few wonderful staff members.
Mrs. Neufeld has been a part of the PASS family for 10.5 years, teaching PPZ and art at
PASS Leamington as well as travelling across southern Essex County to find meaningful coop placements for students from Harrow, Kingsville, Leamington, and Amherstburg. Mrs.
Neufeld worked very hard to find these experiential learning opportunities to get many students their credits needed to graduate. She has recently embraced the challenge of teaching
out of a construction trailer at the Homebuilders site. For the 2015/2016 school year Mrs.
Neufeld has accepted a teaching position at Kingsville District High School and we wish her
well in all her future endeavors.
Over the last 2 years Ms. Campbell has used her knowledge, talents and compassion to
reach the students and staff at PASS Mason. Ms. Campbell was not only the art, English
and media studies teacher, she has also been part of many projects and initiatives that have
benefitted our students, such as the Student Voices in Transit project where she partnered
with Transit Windsor. She has been very involved in all aspects of school life including obtaining SpeakUp grants, starting the GSA at Mason, and introducing students to a wide
range of art styles and mediums. Her passion for art and education is evident in all that she
does. Good luck to Ms. Campbell, we hope you come back soon!
Leaving to care for her newest bundle of joy is Mrs. Milne. With her due date fast approaching we are taking bets to see if she finishes out this school year. Ms. Milne will return to us
for the 2016/2017 school year.
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL
Another year is almost complete and what a year it has been. The number of students who have chosen to be a PASS member
this year has continued to grow as has the success of our students. New staff such as Mr. Lundy (Home Builder Program), Mrs.
Milne (P.A.S.S- Mason) and Mrs. Allen (SWAC- St. Clair College) have added their skills and talents to support our students.
They have made a difference in our student’s success, as have the current Alternative Education staff.
Our students have enjoyed various field trips this year to Fighting Island, the Community Kitchen, the Walls Museum, Skills
Competition, various safety training sessions, Brentwood Recovery Appreciation Dinner, and the list goes on and on.
The Speak Up grant projects this year in Windsor and Amherstburg were helpful and engaging for our students and staff.
Thanks to all the staff for their work on this school initiative. Words and actions cannot begin to express the appreciation this
school administration has for all the great work our staff have done this year to support student success. There have been many
great success stories to share this year.
To the students who have achieved their goal of earning an OSSD, we say “Congratulations” and we wish you all the success in
the future whatever path you choose. We understand that completing high school has been a challenge but we want to say
“Thank You” for allowing us to share in part of your journey. Take time in the next few years to stay in touch with your teachers
as they would love to hear how you well you are doing.
Best of luck and success in your future, whatever you choose to do.
Allan Timmins,
Principal
Remember,
“Learn from yesterday,
live for today and
hope for tomorrow.”
Albert Einstein
PublicAlternativeSecondarySchool
MasonCampus:
284CameronAve.
WindsorON
N9B1Y6
5192535006ext.3
AmherstburgCampus:
130SandwichStreet
AmherstburgON
N9V1Z8
5192553200ext.30438
LeamingtonCampus:
8MillStreetEast
LeamingtonON
N8H1R7
5193267305
Want to contribute to our upcoming fall edition?
Email Key Communicators Shauna Johns or Dana O’Neil with your
story.