School District 8 - Programs and Services

Programs

The public education system in New Brunswick includes a K-12 continuum of curriculum in Kindergarten, Primary ( grades 1-2), Upper Elementary ( grades 3-5), Middle Level ( grades 6-8) and High School ( grades 9-12). School District 8 offers a wide variety of programs as well as opportunities to support learning.
Literacy, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies curricula are supported by initiatives from Kindergarten through to Grade 12. Achievement is monitored with interventions or enrichment available in these key areas throughout the K-12 continuum. Beginning in September 2008, all students begin French Second Language learning in Grade 5 through a universal Intensive French Program. Students currently enrolled in the Early French Immersion program will be “grand-fathered” . After completion of Grade 5, the approved French Second Language options will be Post-Intensive French and Late French Immersion. These programs will continue through Grades 6 to12, and more opportunities for students to speak French will be made available through co- and extra-curricular activities. Art, music, physical education and health are emphasized along with the core curriculum. In high school, enriched courses and technical—vocational offerings are available to students.

KINDERGARTEN

Kindergarten is a compulsory, integrated part of the prescribed public school program in New Brunswick and provides a valuable foundation for further learning. The kindergarten program is offered in English only and students attend school for 4.5 hours per day.

The kindergarten program of studies includes:

The kindergarten program of studies includes:
Art – 60 minutes per week
English Language Arts – 600 minutes per week
Mathematics – 250 minutes per week
Music – 60 minutes per week
Physical Education – 100 minutes per week
You and Your World* - 130 minutes per week
Recess and Opening Activities – 150 minutes per week

*You and Your World is an integrated program that includes topics in science, health, guidance and social studies.

On completion of kindergarten, students follow either the English Program or the Early French Immersion Program.

ELEMENTARY PROGRAM

The program of studies for the Grades 1 and 2 English Program includes:

Art – 60 minutes per week
Core French – 150 minutes per week
English Language Arts – 450 minutes per week
Mathematics – 250 minutes per week
Music – 60 minutes per week
Physical Education – 100 minutes per week
You and Your World* - 130 minutes per week
Recess and Opening Activities – 150 minutes per week

The program of studies for the Grade 2 Early French Immersion Program includes:

Art – 60 minutes per week
French Language Arts – 600 minutes per week
Mathematics – 250 minutes per week
Music – 60 minutes per week
Physical Education – 100 minutes per week
You and Your World* - 130 minutes per week
Recess and Opening Activities – 150 minutes per week

*NOTE: You and Your World is an integrated program that includes topics in science, health, guidance and social studies.

The program of studies for the Grade 3 English Program includes:

Art – 60 minutes per week
Core French – 150 minutes per week
English Language Arts – 450 minutes per week
Health – 45 minutes per week
Personal Development and Career Planning – 30 minutes per week
Mathematics – 300 minutes per week
Music – 60 minutes per week
Physical Education – 100 minutes per week
Science – 150 minutes per week
Social Studies – 150 minutes per week
Recess and Opening Activities – 150 minutes per week

The program of studies for the Grade 3 Early French Immersion Program includes:

Art – 60 minutes per week
English Language Arts – 150 minutes per week
French Language Arts – 450 minutes per week
Health – 45 minutes per week
Personal Development and Career Planning – 30 minutes per week
Mathematics – 300 minutes per week
Music – 60 minutes per week
Physical Education – 100 minutes per week
Science – 150 minutes per week
Social Studies – 150 minutes per week
Recess and Opening Activities – 150 minutes per week

The program of studies for the Grades 4 and 5 English Program includes:

Art – 75 minutes per week
Core French – 150 minutes per week
English Language Arts – 425 minutes per week
Health – 45 minutes per week
Personal Development and Career Planning – 30 minutes per week
Mathematics – 300 minutes per week
Music – 60 minutes per week
Physical Education – 100 minutes per week
Science – 150 minutes per week
Social Studies – 150 minutes per week
Recess and Opening Activities – 150 minutes per week

The program of studies for the Grades 4 and 5 Early French Immersion Program includes:

Art – 75 minutes per week
English Language Arts – 300 minutes per week
French Language Arts – 425 minutes per week
Health – 45 minutes per week
Personal Development and Career Planning – 30 minutes per week
Mathematics – 300 minutes per week
Music – 60 minutes per week
Physical Education – 100 minutes per week
Science – 150 minutes per week
Social Studies – 150 minutes per week
Recess and Opening Activities – 150 minutes per week

MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM ( 6-8)

Students entering middle school continue their studies in either the English or French Immersion program started in elementary school. Students who followed the elementary school English program could also register for the late French Immersion Program offered at the middle school level. Students in the Early or Late French Immersion program receive 70% of their instruction in the French language. Middle School students attend school 5.5 hours per day.

The program of studies for the English Program includes:

Art and Music – 120 minutes per week
English Language Arts – 275 minutes per week
Post Intensive French - 200 minutes per week
Health – 45 minutes per week
Personal Development and Career Planning – 45 minutes per week
Mathematics – 275 minutes per week
Music – 60 minutes per week
Physical Education – 150 minutes per week
Science – 170 minutes per week
Social Studies – 170 minutes per week
Transitions between classes – 80 minutes per week

Early French Immersion Program (Grades 6-8)

Art and Music – 120 minutes per week
French Language Arts – 275 minutes per week
Health – 45 minutes per week
Personal Development and Career Planning – 45 minutes per week
Mathematics – 275 minutes per week
Music – 60 minutes per week
Physical Education – 150 minutes per week
Science – 170 minutes per week
Social Studies – 170 minutes per week
Transitions between classes – 80 minutes per week

The program of studies for the Late French Immersion Program includes:

Art and Music – 120 minutes per week
French Language Arts – 275 minutes per week
Health – 45 minutes per week
Personal Development and Career Planning – 45 minutes per week
Mathematics – 275 minutes per week
Music – 60 minutes per week
Physical Education – 150 minutes per week
Science – 170 minutes per week
Social Studies – 170 minutes per week
Transitions between classes – 80 minutes per week


HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM ( 9-12)

High Schools offer students a variety of programming options as they progress towards the completion of requirements for a New Brunswick High School Graduation Diploma.

The Advanced Placement program gives students an opportunity to take college-level courses and exams while they are still in high school. Through this, they may earn credit, advanced placement, or both for college. The program helps to prepare students for college and university work, while also challenging them to see what they are capable of achieving. The Advanced Placement Program is available at all high schools in District 8.

International Baccalaureate Program (IB)

The International Baccalaureate Program is available at Saint John High School. The International Baccalaureate Program is a comprehensive and rigorous two-year curriculum, leading to examinations, for student's aged between sixteen and nineteen. The objective of the program is to provide students with a balanced education while promoting international understanding through a shared academic experience. For more information on the IB program, refer to http://www.ibo.org/

French Immersion Program

The Department of Education will award a “Certificate of Language Proficiency in FSL ” to all students who complete one of the prescribed programs. The certificate will indicate which program students have completed.

Courses offered in French include:

Language Arts
Math
Ancient and Medieval History
Social Studies
Physical Geography
Geography
Law
Science
World Issues
Advanced Placement Courses

District 8 Fine Arts Program

As an incentive to Creativity, and Artistic Expression, the Fine Arts department of District 8, in conjunction with its High Schools proposes the institution of a certificate of merit and accomplishment to be known as the District 8 Fine Arts Certificate.

The development of this certificate program arises from the need to recognize and reward individual accomplishment in the Fine Arts, and the excellence of our communities' young artists as vital contributors to the social and academic life of their own individual schools, as well as to the community of Greater Saint John.

Programs and Services to Support Learning in School District 8

Early Literacy Program
School District 8 supports literacy in the elementary grades K-3 through the Early Literacy Program. The program is designed to intervene with English and French Immersion students at risk of failing to learn to read. The goal of this program is to improve children’s literacy and learning skills so that they would continue to learn with classroom instruction following the intervention. Small groups of students work with a specially trained teacher for a short-term, intensive intervention on literacy learning activities that include shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, word study, and writing. The intervention teachers deliver a balanced literacy program that includes guided reading and writing, independent reading and writing, shared reading and writing, journal writing and word study.

Middle School Literacy Intervention
The Middle School Literacy Program in School District 8 is a program for Grade 6 students. It involves the identification and selection of groups requiring additional specialist support with increasingly complex literacy learning skills. Students who begin middle school and demonstrate limited or ineffective reading and writing strategies that hinder their progress and block further learning are the target group. This intensive intervention assists students to develop the skills and strategies to become confident, independent readers and writers. Literacy learning components include: thoughtful reading, guided reading, word study, writing workshop, and independent reading.

Elementary Curriculum Team
The Elementary Curriculum Team was established to further develop and enhance the instructional practices of teachers in the district's elementary schools. The team works with individual and groups of teachers, school staffs, and grade level teachers across the district to identify and respond to professional development needs of K-5 teachers. The in-service sessions provide opportunities to introduce teachers to new practices and procedures by bringing theory into practice.

Math Mentors
School District 8 Math Mentors work from the Math Center at Millidgeville North School. The Math Mentors offer services and support to teachers for enhancing teaching and learning skills in mathematics. Model lessons enable teachers to observe the Mentor teaching specific outcomes. Familiarization with new pedagogical approaches to the teaching of mathematics can be supported through team planning and teaching with the Mentor. In - services can range from activities and games specific to general or specific outcomes; the most effective use of the curriculum documents; curriculum mapping; strategies for implementing new curriculum and using new resources; or planning Math evenings for parents. A Resource Library is also available through the Math Center. The mentors are available to assist parents in supporting the Math learning of their children.

Enrichment Coordinator
The Enrichment Coordinator develops and initiates enrichment opportunities for all students and appropriate challenges for gifted and talented students. Enrichment is offered on a district wide basis with an emphasis in mathematics and science. The District Coordinator works with School Enrichment Coordinators to support learning through activities and resources that have the potential to benefit a significant number of students. Through the Enrichment Centre the Coordinator collaborates with the New Brunswick Provincial Enrichment Advisory Committee and promotes the implementation of the “Schoolwide Enrichment Model” ( Purcell and Renzulli, 1998) as supported by the N.B. Department of Education.

Computer Technology Mentors
The Computer Technology Mentors offer services and support to teachers in integrating their use of technology combined with instructional strategies that promote effective teaching, learning and professional growth. Mentors provide school-based professional development opportunities on a timely basis that relate directly to the teaching requirements and methodologies. The mentors have an office at Millidgeville North School – Room F107. More information can be found at http://teachtech.nbed.nb.ca

District 8 Band
The School District 8 Band is led by a teacher/director who oversees 3 band levels- Beginner, Intermediate and Senior. The Beginner Band is for Grade 5 to Grade 8 students who have never studied a wind or percussion instrument before. Intermediate Band is for students who have at least one year of training on their instrument. Senior Band is for secondary school students
( or advanced players at the discretion of the Band Director). Information on District 8 Band activities can be found on their website.

District 8 Strings Program
The Strings Program is open to all District 8 students in Grade 3 and up. Classes are taught outside of class time in various schools. Classes are multi-age and range from Beginners, Advanced Beginners through playing levels to Grade 10 as established by the Royal Conservatory of Music. Four orchestral strings are taught : violin, viola, cello and double bass. Students who have participated in Strings classes for at least one year may join the String Orchestra which has Junior, Intermediate and Senior levels.

School Psychology Services
The aims and objectives of School Psychology Services in School District 8 are to help in the identification, diagnosis and treatment of individual students with learning and adjustment difficulties in the classroom. The professional staff provide a range of consultative and intervention services to children from kindergarten to grade 12. Referrals are made by schools with a primary focus on supporting the classroom teacher and helping the child/adolescent to better perform and function in the classroom setting.

Elementary Guidance Teams
Elementary Guidance Counsellors work in teams of 2 with each team serving one of the School District 8 School Communities: East, West and Central. Guidance teams deliver the Comprehensive Guidance Program which focuses on children and their social emotional development including assisting with personal management and goal setting skills, career awareness, self esteem, conflict resolution, problem solving and peer relationships. They visit schools on an itinerant basis but are available for crisis intervention, meetings with local school teams, consulting with professionals and paraprofessionals and or other community agencies in order to assist students with their personal, social, career and educational development.

Healthy Learners in School
The Healthy Learners Program is a partnership between the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Wellness. A public health nurse has been assigned to the District Office to promote wellness initiatives within the K to 5 population. The nurse may also act as a resource to the Health curriculum or as a consultant to wellness related issues:

  • Inservice education to teachers, i.e. resiliency wellness, etc.
  • Promote positive parenting programs (designed for parents)
  • Resource for community services (what's available to students and their families)

The Public Health Nurse acts as a liaison between the District Health Advisory Community and schools in District 8.

Student Services

Tutoring: Each school is allocated funds to support various school based tutoring programs. The format the tutoring takes is at the discretion of individual schools.

Teachers’ Assistants
 Teacher assistants are paraprofessionals who support the inclusion of children with exceptionalities in the regular classroom. They are assigned to the classroom teacher, not the individual student, and work under the teacher's direction with support from the Resource and Methods Teacher. They can perform all tasks that are normally the responsibility of the teacher with the exception of academic instruction.

Home-Hospital Tutoring
Students who are unable to attend school for short periods of time due to hospitalization or illness can receive tutoring in their homes or the hospital. This is a short term intervention designed to allow the student academic support in key areas until he or she is able to return to school and resume normal studies. For further information please contact the school principal or guidance counsellor.

Resource and Methods Teachers
Resource and Methods teachers are members of the school student services teams and offer consultative services to classroom teachers on the development of Special Education Plans. They offer educational assessment services to the students as well as some direct instruction for short periods of time. Resource and Methods teachers are a resource to the rest of the school staff, providing information on modifications and accommodations that can be made as well as current trends and information on various exceptionalities. Every school in the district has a Resource and Methods teacher in the building.

English as a Additional Language ( E.A.L.)
Service and support is available (through Department of Education funding) to newcomers to Canada who require additional English language training in order to be successful in their age-appropriate school curriculum. An English-as-an Additional-Language (EAL) tutor will assist in the students' development of speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary skills, as needed. An initial assessment will inform a program tailored to their specific needs, enhancing language skills and supporting regular classroom curriculum. Topics such as Canadian cultural awareness, school expectations, and Canadian geography and history will also be covered. Please contact the district office for more information ( 658-5300).

Summer Camps:

School District 8 is able to provide a variety of experiences for students who meet the criteria for specific summer camps. Depending upon available funding, all or some of the camps outlined below are offered. Students are referred by their teachers and apply through the district office. In some cases, fees are levied for materials costs.

Transition to School for Pre K Students Summer Program

This one week program of 75 minutes per day offers small group activities to children that will include such things as Morning Message, Center Activities and Circle Time. The object is to continue to support pre K children in their transition to school.

Early Literacy Summer Program
This summer program is based on the literacy hour that has been established in the primary years. It is designed to target K-2 students who would benefit from additional support to meet expected literacy learning outcomes. Literacy intervention teachers will deliver 90-minute sessions over a period of three-weeks to small groups of four or five students. Schools will identify the students to participate in the summer program and then make application to the district for their school to participate.

Accelerated Learning Summer Program
This summer program for elementary students and is delivered mornings over a period of 4 weeks. It is designed to provide additional instruction and learning opportunities for those students who have experienced difficulty in mathematics and / or language arts. Students applying to attend this program are working behind grade level and would benefit from a short-term intervention.

STRIVE Summer Program
This summer program is offered in partnership with the Learning Disabilities Association – Saint John Chapter for elementary students who have learning disabilities. The goal is to give students with learning disabilities an opportunity to upgrade or review skills in Mathematics and Language Arts for the coming school year. Computers, field trips, developing self-esteem and small group discussions are a regular part of the program.

Summer Enrichment Camp for Elementary Students
This camp is designed for students in grades one to five who have excelled during the school year. Students are taught by high school and university students who have demonstrated an outstanding ability in a particular area. Camps are offered mornings, 9:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. for a 4 – week period beginning early July.

SCAMP for Middle School Students
Summer Enhancement Camp targets those students who teachers and/or administrators feel will experience transitional problems moving into middle school, or grade 6 and 7 students who have not adjusted well to middle school. The summer program will allow for 75 hours of contact time with students along with guest speakers and field trips. Candidates should be students who are in need of help in reading, writing, spelling and oral language.

Skills Building and Coping Strategies Camp for Students in Grade 10-12
This summer program has been designed for high school students who may have repeated earlier grades. The program goal is have high school students become aware of the varying coping strategies and skills required to meet the day to day demands of the high school curricula. This program provides students with skills necessary to succeed in high school.


S.H.A.R.P (Students High At Risk Project)
The mission of SHARP is to provide academic and social skills to At Risk students aged 10-15 who are currently suspended or in danger of being suspended and under the temporary care of or a Supervisory Order from Family and Community Services. The goals of the program are to increase student self-awareness, improve social skills, improve academic skills, and to integrate/re-integrate the student back to his/her home school.

SHARP is a partnership between School District 8, Family and Community Services, and the YW-YMCA. The SHARP program is located in the YWCA building at 27 Wellington Row.

Cooperative Education 120
Cooperative Education 120 is a well-established school-to-work course offered throughout the province. It is an elective course in our four area high schools as well as at the Woodlawn Learning Centre. Students (usually Grade 12) apply to take Cooperative Education 120, and, if selected, they will combine studies at school with a work placement in the community. Students learn through participation in the day-to-day operation of an organization. Learning and experience are combined in an educationally beneficial way.

The course is delivered in three components: pre-employment, job-site training and reflective learning. Students participate one semester, during either the morning or afternoon, depending on individual timetables. Students are not paid for hours worked. A training plan is developed jointly by the work site supervisor, the Co-op. teacher and the student. The work site supervisor evaluates the student's progress and, along with teacher-prepared assignments and class work, a mark is derived.

Youth Apprenticeship Program
The New Brunswick Youth Apprenticeship Program represents an innovative approach to preparing youth for employability in a rapidly changing and increasingly technological global economy. It reflects a multi-level collaborative partnership involving secondary and post-secondary educational institutions, government, business organizations, and New Brunswick employers. Its unique delivery model offers career-focused high school students successive and progressive work experience and occupational-specific skills training that is in addition to, rather than in place of, regular high school offerings. Over a period of two paid summer work experiences, students develop employability and occupation-specific skills, setting the stage for further post-secondary education and/or work. Applying the traditional concepts of training to all economic sectors, the Youth Apprenticeship Program is training the highly-skilled workforce required of the 21st century.

P.A.L.S. ( Partners Assisting Local Schools)
PALS is an initiative of School District 8 in partnership with the local business community and service agencies. Companies in the Saint John area are paired with schools and provide support in the way of volunteers or financial assistance. Examples of what P.A.L.S. can do for schools are: opportunities for children to access events, activities or field trip experiences associated with “going to school”, or assisting School-Parent groups to provide extras to school such as library, team uniforms or playground resources beyond what the school budget accommodates.

Woodlawn Learning Centre
Woodlawn's mission is to rekindle hope and promote attitudes that encourage each student to acquire personal, educational and social and life long learning skills in a nurturing environment. The student's social needs are addressed through small group instruction; individual tutoring and computer assisted learning.

The Woodlawn Learning Centre opened in August 1999 to work with students who are not "fitting in" or are experiencing difficulty adjusting to regular school settings. The Middle Level intervention is short term and for students in need of upgrading to enter high school. Capable high school age students are prepared to enter and graduate from a traditional high school.

Entry to Woodlawn involves both a referral and an interview process.

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