PLANNING DEPARTMENT PLN: 13‐18 June 11, 2013 File Code #: R02 MEMO TO: Martha Rogers, Director of Education FROM: Heather Imm, Senior Planner Jennifer Passy, Manager of Planning
Janice Wright, Superintendent of Finance
RE: New Settlers Creek JK‐8 RT Boundary Review – Report #3 Report Classification: DECISION BACKGROUND On February 26, 2013 the Board approved PLN: 13‐03 “New Settlers Creek JK‐8 RT Boundary Review ‐ Report #1” which initiated the boundary review process for the new Settlers Creek elementary school. Trustees received Report #2 on April 9, 2013. The Board hosted a Public Information Session on April 18, 2013. Additional feedback was received via the Board’s website and in communications with Trustees. ISSUE In accordance with the School Boundary Review Procedures Manual (320‐A), Report #3 is to provide: a) A summary of information contained in the First and Second Boundary Review Reports; b) A summary of input received from the public; c) Final staff recommendation(s) and justification for the recommended boundary change(s); d) A critical path resolution of the identified accommodation issue; and e) A communication plan. RECOMMENDATION 1. THAT memo PLN: 13‐18 entitled “New Settlers Creek JK‐8 RT Boundary Review – Report #3” be received. 2. a) THAT the Board approves Scenario 1 as described in Section 5.1 in the report attached to memo PLN: 13‐18; and b) THAT the JK‐8 RT boundary for the new Settlers Creek school as outlined in Map 1 of Appendix B, attached to memo PLN:13‐18 “New Settlers Creek JK‐8 RT Boundary Review – Report 3”, effective September 2014 be approved. 3. THAT the Settlers Creek Development Area holding school assignment be modified to reflect the holding of the Grade 7 students from the Settlers Creek DA at East Garafraxa PS for the 2013/14 school year. 4. THAT the classroom organizations be reviewed for East Garafraxa PS and Montgomery Village PS at the start of September 2013 to reflect the holding of Grade 7 students from the Settlers Creek DA at East Garafraxa PS for 2013/14. 5. THAT effective June 30, 2014 the Settlers Creek DA status be dissolved and all JK‐8 RT students residing within the new Settlers Creek school boundary attend the new school in September 2014. RATIONALE See the attached report “New Settlers Creek JK‐8 RT Boundary Review – Report #3”. NEW SETTLERS CREEK JK‐8 RT BOUNDARY REVIEW REPORT #3 Presented to the Business Operations Committee Upper Grand District School Board June 11, 2013 New Settlers Creek JK‐8 RT Boundary Review – Report #3 1.0
1.1
INTRODUCTION Background Report #1 outlined the Goals, Objectives and Constraints of this boundary review which shaped the Boundary Review Committees’ discussions on possible boundary scenarios. The Staff Committee has also made a link available on the Board’s website to receive correspondence from the public. Table 1 ‐ Goals, Objectives and Constraints GOALS 1. To create a viable JK‐8 boundary for the new Settlers Creek elementary school. OBJECTIVES CONSTRAINTS 1. Develop an attendance area 1. The attendance area boundary needs to be for the new Settlers Creek established to allow time to school that establishes a communicate the boundary viable and sustainable JK‐8 RT program. change to families prior to kindergarten registration and allow for staffing decisions to be made by February 2014 prior to the new school opening. 2. Alleviate the over capacity pressure at East Garafraxa PS and Montgomery Village PS. 3. To maximize the number of students within a safe walking distance to school. 4. To minimize the impact on students where transitions are proposed. 1.2
Purpose of Report #3 In accordance with the School Boundary Review Procedures Manual (320‐A), Report #3 is to provide: a) A summary of information contained in the First and Second Boundary Review Reports; b) A summary of input received from the public; c) Final staff recommendation(s) and justification for the recommended boundary change(s); d) A critical path resolution of the identified accommodation issue; and e) A communication plan. 2.0 SETTLERS CREEK DEVELOPMENT AREA (DA) Initial construction in the Settlers Creek subdivision began in 1998/99. At this time, it was determined that there was not enough space in nearby schools to accommodate students from this subdivision. Therefore, the Settlers Creek DA was established and until 2005, JK‐8 students from this DA were assigned to East Garafraxa PS. In 2005, it was determined that the Grade 7/8 students (with an option for younger siblings) from the Settlers Creek DA would be assigned to Montgomery Village PS due to space constraints at East Garafraxa PS. 1
New Settle
ers Creek JK‐8 R
RT Boundary R
Review – Reporrt #3 The Full D
Day Kindergarrten (FDK) Cap
pital Plan pro
ovided an oppportunity to construct a neew school in tthe Settlers Creek subdivission. As a result, the DA sttatus will be ddissolved and
d these studen
nts will be accommo
odated in a ne
eighbourhood
d school. 3.0 EN
NROLMENT B
BACKGROUND 3.1 Ea
ast Garafraxa
a PS ound capacityy (OTG) of East Garafraxa PS is 184 pup
pil places. Easst Garafraxa P
PS The current On the Gro
currently has eight (8) portables on site as well aas one (1) deccommissioned
d portable. TThe OTG capaacity does not iinclude the portables. In 2
2014/15, the OTG capacityy for East Garrafraxa PS willl be 167 pupiil places as a result of proposed interior renovations to accomm
modate FDK. This capacityy is premised on the renovatio
on of three (3)) classrooms into two (2) FFDK rooms. The 2012//13 enrolmen
nt at East Garrafraxa PS is 3
322 students. There are ap
pproximatelyy 150 JK‐6 students holding frrom the Settle
ers Creek DA.. With the staart of FDK in 22014, the sch
hool’s enrolm
ment is projectted to increase tto approximately 337 students. Beyond
d 2014, the sttatus quo enrrolment is pro
ojected to rem
main at over 300 sstudents. Chart 1 in
ndicates both the historical and projecte
ed enrolmentt growth at East Garafraxaa PS assumingg status quo. It also shows the change in the school’s capacity as a reesult of the prroposed facility changes to
o accommo
odate FDK. Chart 1 ‐ East Garafraxa PS Historical and P
Projected Statuss Quo Enrolmennt 2
New Settlers Creek JK‐8 RT Boundary Review – Report #3 3.2 Montgomery Village PS Grades 7 and 8 students (with some younger siblings) from the Settlers Creek DA are currently held at Montgomery Village PS. This school has also experienced enrolment pressure for several years due to residential growth within its boundary. The current OTG capacity of Montgomery Village PS is 498 pupil places. The OTG capacity will be 481 pupil places for the 2014/15 school year, as a result of proposed interior renovations to accommodate FDK. Montgomery Village PS is currently using five (5) portables on site, and has one (1) decommissioned portable. There are two (2) additional portables on site which are leased by a private daycare provider. The OTG capacity does not include the portables. The 2012/13 enrolment at Montgomery Village PS is 548 students. There are approximately 80 students holding from the Settlers Creek DA. With the start of FDK in 2014, the school’s enrolment is projected to increase to approximately 610 students. Beyond 2014, the status quo enrolment is projected to remain at approximately 600 students. Chart 2 indicates both the historical and projected enrolment growth at Montgomery Village PS assuming status quo. It also shows the change in the school’s capacity as a result of the proposed facility changes to accommodate FDK. Chart 2 ‐ Montgomery Village PS Historical and Projected Status Quo Enrolment Montgomery Village PS Status Quo Enrolment
700
FDK
Year
600
500
400
300
200
School Capacity
100
0
3.3 Future Growth Potential in Settlers Creek DA New residential construction in the Settlers Creek subdivision is nearing completion, with only one remaining residential development proposed within the Settlers Creek DA. This proposed development has been submitted to the Town of Orangeville and the potential housing units have been incorporated into the enrolment projections. The enrolment projections for both East Garafraxa PS and Montgomery 3
New Settlers Creek JK‐8 RT Boundary Review – Report #3 Village PS are projected to remain relatively stable with the exception of the increase related to the start of FDK. 4.0
INPUT RECEIVED Summary of Input 4.1 The Boundary Review Committee received public input during the period from February 26 to May 31, 2013. Report #2 was released to the public on April 5, 2013 in advance of the Public Information Session. This was the first opportunity for the public to see the new attendance area option preferred by the Boundary Review Committee. The Public Information Session was held on April 18, 2013 at Montgomery Village PS from 7‐9 pm. Approximately fifteen (15) people from the community were in attendance. Planning staff presented information from Reports 1 and 2 on behalf of the Boundary Review Committee. Representatives from Service de transport de Wellington‐Dufferin Student Transportation Services (STWDSTS) also presented information on the process used to determine transportation eligibility. Following the public meeting a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document was posted on the Settlers Creek website. In addition to the public meeting, community feedback was received through the Settlers Creek Boundary Review web page and through emails to Staff and Trustees. The feedback and FAQ is contained in Appendix A. Input received from the public addressed matters such as transportation, out of area eligibility and before‐ and‐after school program availability at the new school. The majority of the parents in attendance at the meeting did not question the proposed boundary. However, a question was asked about the inclusion of an area just west of County Rd 23 (B Line) in the Settlers Creek boundary. It was explained by Staff that despite this residential community being in close proximity to the new school, these homes fall outside the Town of Orangeville and have traditionally been part of the East Garafraxa PS attendance area. This subdivision is not walkable to the new school due to a lack of sidewalks and reassigning this area to the new school would have an adverse effect on the enrolment of East Garafraxa PS. 4.2 Follow‐up Survey A primary concern expressed by some families who reside within the current Settlers Creek DA was whether students currently in Grade 6 at East Garafraxa PS would have to move to Montgomery Village PS in September 2013. The preference articulated by some parents at the meeting was to allow their Grade 6 students to remain at East Garafraxa PS for Grade 7 and then move to the new school for Grade 8 in September 2014. In some instances, this would allow families to keep siblings together. Staff clarified at the Public Information Session that in addition to Grade 6 students from the Settlers Creek DA attending East Garafraxa PS there are also Grade 6 students from the DA attending Montgomery Village PS. The majority of the Grade 6 students within the DA attending Montgomery Village PS are the younger siblings of students who had moved to Montgomery Village PS for Grade 7. 4
New Settlers Creek JK‐8 RT Boundary Review – Report #3 As a result, it was necessary to survey all of the families in the proposed boundary with a student currently in Grade 6 to determine whether they preferred the new Settlers Creek school to open JK‐8 or JK‐7. Families with a Grade 6 student at East Garafraxa PS were asked an additional question about remaining at East Garafraxa PS for Grade 7 for the 2013/14 school year. Staff indicated that the option supported by the majority of all affected families would be the option reflected in the implementation plan in the final report. The survey was sent home to twenty‐seven (27) families who reside within the proposed school boundary and who have a student currently in Grade 6. The survey was sent out on April 26, 2013 and was to be returned by May 1, 2013. Of the eleven (11) surveys sent out to families of Grade 6 students at Montgomery Village PS, eight (8) surveys were returned. One hundred percent (100%) of these responses preferred the new Settlers Creek school to open JK‐7, which would allow their Grade 6 student to remain at Montgomery Village PS for Grade 8. Sixteen (16) surveys were sent out to families of Grade 6 students at East Garafraxa PS and all of the surveys were returned. Ninety‐four percent (94%) or fifteen (15) of the sixteen (16) surveys returned preferred: 1) that the new Settlers Creek school open JK‐8; and 2) that their Grade 6 student be grandparented at East Garafraxa PS for Grade 7 in 2013/14. One (1) of the sixteen (16) respondents preferred their Grade 6 student complete Grade 7 & 8 at East Garafraxa PS. 5.0 NEW SETTLERS CREEK PS BOUNDARY SCENARIO 5.1 New Boundary The recommended boundary for the new Settlers Creek school is the same as the Boundary Review Committee’s preferred boundary scenario in Report #2. The boundary for the new school is largely coincident with the current Settlers Creek DA boundary. The only exception is the inclusion of a small corner of rural lands at the northeast corner of the Orangeville Caledon Townline and County Road 23, an area within the town limits. The Boundary Review Committee felt that although there are some homes in this small area that were not part of the Settlers Creek DA, these homes fall within the municipal boundary of Orangeville and therefore should be included in the Settlers Creek boundary. Included in the boundary is the area bordered by County Rd 23 (B Line) to the west, the Orangeville Caledon Townline to the south, Riddell Rd to the east and Alder St. to the north (including Colborne Cres.). The proposed boundary for the new Settlers Creek school is illustrated on Map 1, Appendix B. . 5.2 Assignment of Gifted Students Gifted instruction in the Upper Grand District School Board is not assigned a permanent home at specific schools. In Dufferin County, gifted classes have been accommodated at Princess Elizabeth PS for many years. A report was presented by Board staff to the Program Committee on March 5, 2013 (PLN: 13‐06), 5
New Settlers Creek JK‐8 RT Boundary Review – Report #3 which advised of the relocation of Grade 4‐8 Gifted students from an overcrowded Princess Elizabeth PS in 2014/15. Available capacity at the new Settlers Creek school provided an opportunity for the accommodation of the gifted students. There are approximately 55‐60 Grade 4‐8 gifted students to be accommodated at the new Settlers Creek school starting in 2014. This change in the location of gifted instruction in Orangeville was communicated with affected families in March/April 2013. 5.3 Implementation Plan According to the survey results, the majority of the respondents (63%) prefer the new school to open JK‐8. All of the respondents with this preference were families with Grade 6 students at East Garafraxa PS, whereas none of the families with a Grade 6 student currently at Montgomery Village PS preferred this option. Families with a student currently in Grade 6 at East Garafraxa PS also prefer that their students remain at East Garafraxa PS for Grade 7 instead of moving to Montgomery Village PS for one year. Based on the feedback from the survey, the recommended implementation plan for Scenario 1 reflects: 1. As the new Settlers Creek school is planned to open in September 2014, the Settlers Creek DA status should remain for the 2013/14 school year but the holding school assignments should be modified to reflect the holding of the Grade 7 students from the Settlers Creek DA at East Garafraxa PS for 2013/14. 2. As staffing for the 2013/14 school year is nearly complete, it will be necessary to review classroom organizations for East Garafraxa PS and Montgomery Village PS early in September 2013 to accommodate the Grade 7 students from the Settlers Creek DA who will remain at East Garafraxa PS for 2013/14. 3. Effective June 30, 2014 the Settlers Creek DA status should be dissolved and all JK‐8 RT students residing within the new Settlers Creek school boundary will attend the new school. 5.4 Scenario 1 Enrolment Projections Taking into consideration the boundary for Scenario 1 and the relocation of gifted students, Table 2 indicates the projected enrolments of East Garafraxa PS, Montgomery Village PS and the new Settlers Creek school. Table 2 – Scenario 1 Enrolment Projections School East Garafraxa PS Montgomery Village PS New Settlers Creek school FDK Capacity 2014 2018 2022 167 481 308 175‐200 525‐550 275‐300 125‐150 500‐525 325‐350 125‐150 475‐500 350‐375 The following enrolment projection charts reflect the opening of the new Settlers Creek school as JK‐8 (including Grades 4‐8 Gifted) in September 2014, and the resulting projected enrolments at both Montgomery Village PS and East Garafraxa PS. 6
New Settlers Creek JK‐8 RT Boundary Review – Report #3 Chart 3 – Scenario 1 ‐ New Settlers Creek school Enrolment Projections Scenario 1 ‐ New Settlers Creek school
400
350
300
250
200
150
School
Capacity
100
50
0
Chart 4 – Scenario 1 –East Garafraxa ES Enrolment Projections Scenario 1 ‐ East Garafraxa ES 250
200
150
100
FDK Capital Plan
Capacity
50
0
7
New Settlers Creek JK‐8 RT Boundary Review – Report #3 Chart 5 – Scenario 1 –Montgomery Village PS Enrolment Projections Scenario 1 ‐ Montgomery Village PS
700
600
500
400
300
FDK Capital
Plan Capacity
200
100
0
Scenario 1 accomplishes the goals and objectives of this review outlined in Table 1 of this report. Scenario 1 will:  alleviate enrolment pressure at both East Garafraxa PS and Montgomery Village PS  establish a viable JK‐8 program for the new Settlers Creek school and provide a location for the Settlers Creek DA at a local school  maximize the number of walkers as the entire boundary is within 2.4 km to the school (minimum walking distance criteria for Grades 2‐6) 5.5 Transportation Considerations Currently, all of the JK‐6 students in the Settlers Creek DA attending East Garafraxa PS are bussed. The majority of 7/8 students are within walking distance to Montgomery Village PS. Map 2 in Appendix B outlines the walking limits based on distances from the new Settlers Creek school site. A more complete analysis of the walking route by Staff at STWDSTS is necessary prior to January 2014 to refine transportation eligibility to the new Settlers Creek school. 6.0 COMMUNICATION PLAN Written comments received by the Boundary Review Committee up to and including May 31, 2013 are available on the Settlers Creek JK‐8 RT Boundary Review webpage. Questions are addressed in the FAQ and in Report #3. Community members are still able to subscribe to and receive email alerts for updates to the boundary 8
New Settlers Creek JK‐8 RT Boundary Review – Report #3 review web pages. Any written comments received after May 31, 2013 through communication to Board Staff or Trustees or presentations made by delegations are posted on the new Settlers Creek JK‐8 RT Boundary Review web page, but are not reflected in Report #3. Further action:  June 3, 2013: Information on the final delegation opportunity (June 25, 2013 Board meeting) will be provided on the new Settlers Creek JK‐8 RT Boundary Review web page.  June 7, 2013: A letter to parents and guardians of the East Garafraxa PS and Montgomery Village PS communities will provide information on Report #3, the final delegation opportunity and the date for the final Board decision (both on June 25, 2013).  June 7, 2013: A media release regarding Report #3 will be sent to local newspapers and radio and TV outlets.  June 11, 2013: Board Planning staff will present Report #3 at the meeting of the Business Operations Committee.  June 25, 2013: Board Meeting where Trustees will make final decision on the new Settlers Creek JK‐8 RT Boundary Review.  June 26, 2013: The Board’s final decision will be posted on the Board’s web pages and included in the monthly Board Highlights and in a news release.  June 27, 2013: A letter will be sent to the East Garafraxa PS and Montgomery Village PS parents and guardians to explain the decision with approved boundary maps. 7.0 FINAL STEP  Board Meeting June 25, 2013 Board Decision related to Final Boundary Review Report Opportunity for delegations 9
APPENDIX A PUBLIC INPUT Frequently Asked Questions are based on feedback received through the new Settlers Creek Boundary Review web page,
letters, emails, feedback forms and questions received at the Public Information Session on April 18, 2013. This document
will be updated as necessary throughout the boundary review process.
Question Quick Reference List
April 25, 2013 FAQ ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Can Settlers Creek students currently in Grade 6 at East Garafraxa PS stay for Grade 7 then go to Settlers
Creek for Grade 8, instead of moving to Montgomery Village PS for Grade 7? ................................................... 2
Can students who attend East Garafraxa PS and Montgomery Village PS for Grade 7 in 2013 be grandparented
for Grade 8 in 2014? .............................................................................................................................................. 2
If students were to move from East Garafraxa PS to Montgomery Village PS for Grade 7, could the students be
kept together as a class? ....................................................................................................................................... 2
Will younger siblings of students who will be in Grade 8 in 2014 remain at their home school when the new
school opens? ........................................................................................................................................................ 2
What is the process for a sibling of a Gifted student to get permission to attend the new school? .................... 2
How will Service de transport de Wellington-Dufferin Student Transportation Services (STWDSTS) address
added traffic on Spencer Avenue when the road is extended to Riddell Road?................................................... 2
What secondary school will students attend? ...................................................................................................... 2
Which students will receive busing to school? ..................................................................................................... 3
Will before and after school care be available at the new Settlers Creek school? ............................................... 3
Printed: Monday, April 29, 2013
P a g e |1
Frequently Asked Questions are based on feedback received through the new Settlers Creek Boundary Review web page,
letters, emails, feedback forms and questions received at the Public Information Session on April 18, 2013. This document
will be updated as necessary throughout the boundary review process.
April 25, 2013 FAQ
This update provides additional information to the public in response to feedback received via the Board’s
website and at the public meeting held on April 18, 2013.
Can Settlers Creek students currently in Grade 6 at East Garafraxa PS stay for Grade 7 then go to
Settlers Creek for Grade 8, instead of moving to Montgomery Village PS for Grade 7?
Families of current Grade 6 students from within the proposed boundary, who currently attend East Garafraxa
PS will be surveyed to determine if the majority prefer to remain at East Garafraxa PS or move to Montgomery
Village PS. The option that the majority chooses will be reflected in the implementation plan.
Can students who attend East Garafraxa PS and Montgomery Village PS for Grade 7 in 2013 be
grandparented for Grade 8 in 2014?
All families of students from within the proposed boundary who will have students in Grade 8 in 2014, when the
new school opens, will be surveyed to see if they would prefer to start at the new school in grade 8, or if they
would like to be grandparented at their home school. The option that the majority chooses will be reflected in
the implementation plan.
If students were to move from East Garafraxa PS to Montgomery Village PS for Grade 7, could the
students be kept together as a class?
The decision to keep students together would be made between the Principals of the two schools and would
depend on whether students should be kept together for a number of reasons.
Will younger siblings of students who will be in Grade 8 in 2014 remain at their home school when
the new school opens?
No, any JK-7 student resident within the new school boundary will be expected to attend the new school in 2014
as the new school will become their home school.
What is the process for a sibling of a Gifted student to get permission to attend the new school?
The Board’s Out of Area Attendance Policy 501 contains an application if a parent would like a student to attend
a school other than their home school. However, the application to attend a school other than the home school
must be for reasons of program or exceptional circumstances only. If granted, students will not be provided
with transportation and the approval is valid for one year only (must apply annually).
How will Service de transport de Wellington-Dufferin Student Transportation Services (STWDSTS)
address added traffic on Spencer Avenue when the road is extended to Riddell Road?
STWDSTS will conduct a review of the traffic volumes on the Spencer Avenue at the time it is extended, and
work with the Town of Orangeville to address student safety.
What secondary school will students attend?
Students will continue to be directed to Westside SS.
Printed: Monday, April 29, 2013
P a g e |2
Frequently Asked Questions are based on feedback received through the new Settlers Creek Boundary Review web page,
letters, emails, feedback forms and questions received at the Public Information Session on April 18, 2013. This document
will be updated as necessary throughout the boundary review process.
Which students will receive busing to school?
Eligibility for bussing is primarily based on the walking distance to a school from the student’s residence, and the
student’s grade level. Bussing is provided to students who must walk:
over 1.6 km (JK to Gr 1)
over 2.4 km (Gr 2 to 6)
over 3.2 km (Gr 7 to 8)
Appendix A – Map 2 in Report #2 illustrates the approximate walking limits from the new school. A notation on
these maps acknowledges that these maps do not consider safety/hazard issues. Routes will be reviewed by
STWDSTS prior to the 2014/15 school year.
Transportation eligibility policies and additional information may be found here: Transportation Services Policies
Will before and after school care be available at the new Settlers Creek school?
The determination of whether before and after programs will operate at the new school will not be known until
April 2014. The Board must conduct a survey of future JK/SK/Gr. 1 families at the time of Kindergarten
registration around January/February 2014 to determine whether there is a need to provide before and after
school care. Should there be enough interest, the Board would then proceed to identify a provider through a
request for proposals process. This same process is being followed at each of our schools as Full Day
Kindergarten is rolled out throughout our jurisdiction.
Printed: Monday, April 29, 2013
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February 26th to March 20, 2013 In order to protect the identity of all individuals who have submitted correspondence with regard to the
New Settlers Creek JK-8 RT Boundary Review and in keeping with the Municipal Freedom of
Information and Protection of Privacy Act, all personal information and/or identifiers have been
severed from all recorded communication (i.e. e-mails and letters) prior to distribution. The intent or
message has not been changed.
March 16, 2013
I believe it is time a school was provided for children living in Settlers Creek. Why should they
be bused a half hour away and not get the opportunity to go to school with their friends. We
are all tax payers to The Town of Orangeville (and we all pay well I may add) and I would
expect all our children to have a space in an Orangeville school.
March 21st to May 1st In order to protect the identity of all individuals who have submitted correspondence with regard to the
New Settlers Creek JK-8 RT Boundary Review and in keeping with the Municipal Freedom of
Information and Protection of Privacy Act, all personal information and/or identifiers have been
severed from all recorded communication (i.e. e-mails and letters) prior to distribution. The intent or
message has not been changed.
April 12, 2013
Good afternoon,
My children will be attending the new Settlers Creek school in 2014 and though I have read a
lot of information on the details, I have not noticed any mention of before and after school
care. Myself, as well as many of the neighbours in this community, are wondering if
before/after school care will be offered. Could someone please let me know if this is already
in the works or being considered.
Thank you,
April 25, 2013
I wanted to check with you regarding the survey, as discussed at the
public meeting, as it pertained to the 14 - 16 Settler Creek students that
are currently enrolled at East Garafraxa PS. As discussed that night, it
was confirmed during our discussions, that only the families of those
children who would be moved from East Gary to Montgomery Village, would
receive this survey, to determine what the majority of them (the 16
families) would prefer with regards to this move, as it directly impacts
those children.
I am hearing that the survey will also be going to all the families within
the new proposed boundaries, who's children currently attending M.V. P.S.
I feel this is not a fair survey, as all of those families had been told
that their children would not have to move to the new school and would be
grandfathered in order that they could complete their final grade 8 year
at MV. With these added families, it would not be realistic to say the
majority of parents would like their children to attend the new Settlers
Creek P.S. This will only add more controversy, as I could only image
that those families will fight to keep their child(ren) from having to
move as well.
I would request that the survey, only be sent to the families of the 14 16 children who are directly impacted by this decision. I would further
request that you not disrupt any further students by attempting to include
all of the families currently settled at Montgomery Village for that grade
8 graduating year. I feel it is more than reasonable to have a grade 8
class or at least a grade 7/8 split class, at the new Settlers Creek P.S.
1 March 21st to May 1st to accommodate the current East Gary students that will potentially be
effected, in addition to any new students for that grade who will be
moving into the area due to the new homes and condominium's being built.
I feel that all the grade 6 students at EG, that are on the list to move,
should be given the same courtesy and options by allowing them the to stay
at their current school if they so desire. I also understand that the
survey (which is still in draft form) will be coming home by the end of
the week, but will be due back on Monday or Tuesday. I do not feel that
one (1) weekend, is adequate time for parents to review and make an
informed decision. Please check on the date for final submission.
Again, I would like to be clear on which options where discussed at the
public meeting;
•
Option #1 (which most parents have relayed)
Leave the grade 6 students at East Gary for Grade 7, then move them, along
with all the Settler Creek student, to the new school in September 2014.
I would recommend that IF, AND ONLY IF, there is an insufficient number of
grade 8 students (which I believe will not be the case) then provide a
grade 7/8 split to accommodate those students. For those parents wishing
to have their child attend MV, they should have this option. I
understand from my speaking with parents, that their is only 1 or possibly
2 families that might wish to move their child to MV.
•
Option #2
If you will not consider grade 8 for the first year at the new Settlers
Creek PS, then grandfather the current grade 6 students AT EAST GARAFRAXA
so that they may not be disrupted from their friends. I believe is would
be only fair, as the Montgomery Village students have been promised that
they would be grandfather at their current school.
I do not believe that forcing a small group a children to move, is in
those children's best interest and I would hope that you would take these
families into consideration during this process. Some of the families
that originally decided to move their grade 6 student and younger
siblings, are under the assumption that the younger sibling will get to
remain at Montgomery Village. I would like you to clarify (as my
understand from the meeting) that once the new Settler's Creek Public is
open, all children within the new school boundary, will be mandated to
move to the new school and will not be permitted to remain at Montgomery
Village. This issue has raised some concerns, and parents are basing
their decisions on the idea that their children will remain together at
Montgomery. Please clarify this to my parent group, so that all parents
understand the options and how it will effect the younger siblings
currently being grandfathered to MV.
2 March 21st to May 1st Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you soon, Sincerely,
April 25, 2013
The students at East Garafraxa should be given the same courtesy and options as the students at
Montgomery Village, by allowing them to stay at their current school if they so desire. I would prefer
that my child stay at East Garafraxa for grade 7, then move to the new school with all the other Settler
Creek students for grade 8. If there is no consideration for grade 8 the first year at the new school, I
would prefer for the children to remain at East Garafraxa for 7&8 (which I believe is the proposed
plan for the Montgomery Village students, to remain there)
April 25, 2013
Hello,
I am a parent of 2 daughters currently attending EGPS. One daughter is currently in grade 6 and
the other is in grade 4. I agree with the parents suggesting that the current grade 6's should stay at
EGPS for grade 7 and then move to Settler's Creek PS for grade 8 or a 7/8 split. This will allow the
younger siblings to attend Settler's Creek at the same time for one year.
I understand the Montgomery is overfull anyway so I think this temporary measure would benefit in a
couple of areas of concern.
I have spoken about this idea with my daughters and they agreed that this would be favourable for
them and their classmates.
I am confident that UGDSB and the parents of the Settler's Creek PS boundary area will come up with
a solution that will foremost benefit our children as well as the capacity concerns at MVPS. Are parties
involved just want what's best.....we can do it!!
Please feel free to discuss this with myself in person or by telephone conversation.
April 26, 2013
As a parent from the Settlers Creek community, I have been waiting for the new Settler's
Creek P.S. for approximately 12 years. Now that this long over due school is scheduled to
open in September 2014, I disagree with only opening the school from JK - 7 for the first
year. Several families within this community would like to have the opportunity to have their
grade 8 children attend the new school. Please re-evaluate your report #2 to allow a grade
8 or a 7/8 split class for the 2014 opening of the new Settler's Creek Public School.
April 29, 2013
3 March 21st to May 1st i would like my daughter who is in grade 6 now to stay at east gary for grade 7 and move to the new
settlers creek school for grade 8 along with a younger sibling who will be in grade 7 for the 2014
year.
May 1, 2013
I am writing now by email to make my comment on the Settler's Creek Boundary Review.
Although, I did attend the meeting held at Montgomery Village Public School in April, I neglected to
leave my written comments so will share with you now.
My son is currently at Montgomery Village Public School and is currently in grade 5. This means that
he is scheduled to attend Settler's Creek School when it opens in Sept 2014 for his grade 7 year.
Although I agree, that grade 7 is a difficult age for a child to make school changes, I believe with
advance preparation and the fact that there will be some other classmates making the same change
to the new Settlers Creek Public School will help to make a smoother transition.
I think that having the new school run jk-7 would be best for year one, for a few reasons…
One being, the lack of students that would wish to switch schools for only one grade.
Two being, the grandfathering clause that protects grade 7 students from being forced to switch
schools for their grade 8 year.
Three being, that I personally feel it would be beneficial for my son and others entering grade 7 in
Settlers Creek to have the opportunity to take ownership of Settlers Creek as their school the year prior
to graduation and any bullying situations that can be common in grade 7 and 8 might be better
eliminated in that particular year of transition (2014/2015) for all students switching to Settlers Creek.
Of course, this last point is personal preference, but there you have it.
Thank you for the job you are doing and the time you are taking to consider the various angles of
families represented in our community.
4 May 2 to May 31, 2013 In order to protect the identity of all individuals who have submitted correspondence with regard to the
New Settlers Creek JK-8 RT Boundary Review and in keeping with the Municipal Freedom of
Information and Protection of Privacy Act, all personal information and/or identifiers have been
severed from all recorded communication (i.e. e-mails and letters) prior to distribution. The intent or
message has not been changed.
May 2, 2013
I believe the new Settlers Creek PS should open in September 2014 with a grade 8 class. Students
from EG should remain at their current school until the opening of the new school. Then all students
should be moved to the new school in 2014 to keep siblings together. If you are offering a grade 7/8
class for the gifted program, the same consideration should be given to the families from Settlers
Creek.
May 8, 2013
I was unable to attend the information session and have a question about the proposed boundary
map. I live in the area listed as Mvps Da(but in stripes). Does this indicate these childern would be
assigned to Mvps or does it depend on other factors. For example enrollment in 2014 and which
school has room for them. My concern is getting to the new school on the map may look like it is in
walking distance but that is not the case. B line and Riddell road are not suitable(speed limit or no
sidewalks). Fendley park and the trails behind are not maintained in the winter. I would also say that
the trails behind are not safe for the younger children(tall grass and the pond)
Please could there be some clarification as to what this zone on the map indicates.
Thank you
1 APPENDIX B MAPS Scenario 1 - Settlers Creek School JK-8 RT Attendance Area
Legend
HUNTER RD
ELDERBER
IL
L
CO
CRES
NE
UR
I AG
A
New
D C Settlers Creek School
SAXON
D
LOYALIST
ST
ST
SH
Montgomery Village ES
ER
WO
Montgomery Village DA
RD
SETTLERS RD
ABBEY RD
BISC AYNE CRE
OD ST
G L ENGARRY
Settlers
Creek Site
ORANGEVILLE
S
SP
ENC
E R AVE
T
CK
H
G
T
MAUDE C
IN
CENTENNIAL RD
AM
ST
ALTHORP DR
DR
BU
CORNWA LL
NORT HAMP TON ST
GA TE
EC
D
M C IR
AN
ENG LAND AVE
AC
DL
O
EAST
GARAFRAXA
PA
L
D RI NG HA
O
L RD
R ID DEL
PL
SA N
ST PAULS
W
BALSAM ST
Westside SS
HILLTO P C RES
East Garafraxa ES
ALDER ST
ST
RAYBURN
RD
BO
D
JK-8 Boundary
ER
OD
COTTONWO
PSON RD
THO M
TR A
Conservation Lands
OL
D
MO NTG OM ERY BLV
E
EK
Remaining Residential
Development Land
RR
DOGW OO D ST
CR
Municipal Boundary
RY ST
Montgomery
Village ES
M IL L
Schools
Map 1
VD
ON
RICHARDS
RD
YOUN G CT
DR
COUNTY ROAD 23
BROOKH
AV
E
U
N
TY
R
A
O
D
0
250
9
10
N
CR
ES
UGDSB Planning Dept., April 2013
CALEDON
DO N TL
CO
NOTE: This map is for reference purposes
only. It is subject to change.
LE
VILL E-CA
MAIN ST
ORANGE
500 m
COUR TN
EY
L
BLIND LIN
E
PH EA SAN
CR ES
S ON C RES
PL
IL
GR E EN LA
CT
EL M AV E
W ST
ST
LAVE RTY
AN
R
E W DR
FA IR VI
EW P L
W ESTMORLAND AV E
D
WESTDALE AVE
DR
IN
COUNTY
ES
H
WA
TO
N
RD
LA
W
AV
EA
ME AD OW
SA
NT
E
CT
ELIZABETH ST
B A N TING
PR
N CT
BIRCH S T
SO
HI
TC
HU
P
ROAD 16
N
COLL EG E A VE
ST
K
PAR
O
T
FITZGERALD ST
CT
G
3.2 km (Gr 7 to 8)
AY
IN
HAN S EN BL V D
DS
NS
N
LI
T DR
2.4 km (Gr 2 to 6)
Credit
Meadows ES
DR
1.6 km (JK to Gr 1)
S CT
KE
A INE
EL
Walking Distance
FER
E D E NWOOD C R E S
JULL CT
MAS ON ST
JE F
CR ES
JK-8 Boundary
FI E LD GA TE D
R
2N D LIN E
Legend
Map 2
AIKEN CR
ES
Settlers Creek School - Walking Limits with Staff's Recommended Scenario
DR
ZINA ST
DR
BROADWAY
T ID
M
EMA N
DR
TR
E
E
AV
C
LA
KE
Y
D IA
CT
NE
DR
ST
DR
MM
CO
ER
ST
C RE
OR
S
RD
MC
N
MA
CE
AM
D
DR
LS
OO
AN
BA
KIT
Montgomery
Village ES
R IC
A PPLETON D R
NW
EM
O
TT
TI D
CO
ST
ST
E
D
AV
OO
GE
FENDLEY RD
OX FORD ST
R ID
HENDERSO N ST
VD
BL
MB
RD
RY
A
ON
NN
W
GW
DO
CA
HA
CT
ER
RB
DE
EL
ROS E ST
ND
CA
ST
RS
EN
RD
RN
HA
V
RA
ST
HUNTER RD
AN
Y
E
BR
ST
L
FE
ES
CR
RN
DR
CH
M
AP
R
ER
FE
FE
IC K
CT
OO
B
SE
RE D
T DR
OP
G
SW
BE
ET
C RES
NN
H
BI S
OW
ORR
CR E S
JA M IN
BE
M
CA
CT
ON
ER
K
IC
NN
DI
T
LA C
BEN
PAU
ST
K
Westside SS
EW
DR
AR
T
C
E
ST
C
S
RE
CE
AL
DE
R
CO
CT
LIN
LBOU R
NE
N
N
TE
NI
AL
RD
H IG
HL
AN
E
CR
S
PALACE CT
RE
DR
NL
MO
L
W
TO
G
IN
UL
PL
HA
S
MA
O
ON
A
ED
CI
R
R
AV
JO H
DR
DR
PA
M
DR
RY
D
W
NA
CE
U
NT
E
P
ON
S
RD
I
KV
N
RD
P
T
CT
EN C
KAR
K
A RE N
AR
HT
ST
HA
ES
IG
RD
R IC
ON
CR
BR
L
ST
S AN
AM
DR
EL
DR
B U C KI
N GH
DD
RI
Y
E
YN
RR
A
H
LT
P
OR
NK
ES
CA
GA
ES
SPENC ER AVE
A
RG
CR
B IS
ST
EN
A
RB
BU
CR
MO
N
VD
OD
GL
ES
23
CR
AD
OP
D
OO
RD
DR
TO
BL
LE
LE
BB
RO
D
YR
N
RO
LT
RD
Settlers Creek Site
YW
RR
CA
TT
RD
BE
XO
TY
UN
H IL
MA
LD
GE
IA
SE
RS
A
ND
AB
S HERW O
SA
CO
ST
D
IST S T
W
AL
NE
Y
LO
R
WI LD D
EL
E
IN
E
UD
G
E
RE
NW
OO
D
E
CR
S
W
OO
A
DL
ND
C
DR
T
UN
YO
BRO OK H
AV E N
G
CT
C R ES
CE
DA
R
OR
AN
G
IL
EV
LE
CA
D
LE
ON
MA
PL
IN
ST
A
L IN
E
UGDSB Planning Dept. April 2013
0
CO
TL
UN
TY
R O AD
1 09
Note: The walking limits shown are
approximate and based entirely on the
walking distance from the school.
Safety/hazard issues may be identified
when the Transportation Consortium
completes a detailed walking route
investigation.
0.25
0.5
1 km