Discussions

I am very distressed with this decision to designate Harrison Middle School as the French Milleau school. This decision was made at the exclusion of the teaching staff, parents and students who attend this school. I understand that there were forums set up to allow parents of students in the other schools being considered to voice their concerns, however we were never given this courtesy. (in fact a parent I know who contacted the BSD to discuss their concerns was told " this is a done deal and there will be no further consultation"). Wonderful PR!  
To say we were shocked when we recieved Saturday's paper and read about Harrison becoming the designated French Milleau school would be an understatement.  
I also cannot understand how anyone can consider this the "least disruptive manner". We are talking about major changes to 3 schools which includes displacement of many children, huge structural changes, staffing and funding, both current and future.  
Has anyone considered the impact this may have on the students? There is a chance of some attending 4 different schools in the next 3 years, until renos are done at GreenAcres.  
What about students that have learning difficulties and thrive on consistancy and familial supports?  
Who is deciding which student will go to which school?  
Will parents be offered the opportunity of school of choice to allow their child to be educated at a consistant school?  
What is the number of students that will be displaced from the 3 schools affected?  
What is the projected number of students that will be attending the French Milleau? Is there a predominate demographic area these students will be coming from?  
What about the specialized programs / classrooms at Harrison that are set up to house the East Side Band and Industrial Arts? There are considerable dollars invested in these areas - will they be duplicated at GeorgeFitton or GreenAcres?  
I understand that the gyms at Green Acres and GeorgeFitton are sadly inadequate for anything more than an elementary setting - With the current crisis in childhood obesity can middle year students afford to not have adequate gym facilities and the opportunities to participate in programs such as volleyball, basketball etc. This may have a huge impact on those students that wish to enter high school varsities if there have been no preceeding years of specialized sporting activities.  
 
My son struggles with schooling, however the support, recognition and acknowledgement he recieved from his teachers and the Year End Awards (he recieved 3!) has done more for him than I can begin to describe. Will this practice continue at George Fitton and Green Acres?  
My son has just completed his first year (grade 6) at Harrison and my daughter is entering grade 6 there in the fall. I too was a graduate of Harrison so it does sadden me that my kids will not graduate from this school.  
 
I truly wish that as parents of students affected by the closure of Harrison Middle School as we know it, we would have been given the opportunity to hear, and possibly understand, the rationale behind this sudden decision and been allowed to voice our questions and concerns.  
 
I would invite any parent with any questions or conerns to attend the BSD meeting being held Monday July 13 at 7pm at the BSD office on 6th Street.