School Profile 2013-2014
Summit Alternative School
Grades 7 and 8 Alternative Program
Address:
250 Holland Ave.
Ottawa, Ontario
K1Y 0Y5
Phone: 613-729-5054
Fax: 613-729-5698
School hours:
8:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
School Website1
Principal
Alice Donachey
Vice Principal
Minou Morley
Office Administrator
Debbie Dezenosky
Chief Custodian
Steve Guenette
School Council Chair
Ioana Teodorescu (Gr. 7)
Tina Le Moine (Gr. 8)
Superintendent of
Instruction
Susan MacDonald
School Trustee
Jennifer McKenzie
Chair of the Board
Jennifer McKenzie
Director of Education/
Secretary of the Board
Jennifer Adams
General Board
Information:
Phone: 613-721-1820
OCDSB Website2
Accessibility Information3
Our School
The Summit Alternative Program is based on the third floor of Fisher
Park School in central Ottawa. The program is designed to draw from
the traditions of the alternative education model and to act as a
bridge to prepare students for their secondary education. Summit
students share all the facilities, administration and full range of extracurricular activities available at Fisher Park. Summit features: high
academic expectations, recognition of individual learning styles,
dedicated staff who facilitate Summit student learning experiences,
and "hands on" learning both in the school and while on field trips.
Summit has a strong School Council, active parent volunteers, a rich
classroom environment and a strong sense of community.
As Summit is the only intermediate alternative setting, it includes
students from across the city and from the five OCDSB JK-6
Alternative schools. Because of the large attendance area, Summit
students go on to attend many area high schools across the city. It is
our ongoing goal to focus on what we share as we come together to
create a common experience and culture. Our mission is to foster a
lifelong love of learning and create a positive environment of mutual
respect.
Our Students
Summit Alternative has an enrolment of 160 students. Our students
are expected to bring a high level of personal responsibility congruent
with our goal of creating self-directed independent learners. Students
that thrive at Summit are those that work collaboratively and
productively with others, demonstrate creative and independent
thought and strive to be engaged members of our community.
Summit students work together with Fisher students in cooperation
and with respect on a broad range of extracurricular activities,
including, but not limited to, various sports and Student Council.
Our Staff
Summit has six teachers that comprise the cohesive and effective
core team of the Summit Program. They are the organizing force
behind the alternative program delivery at Summit which strives to
give a meaningful, relevant and integrated educational experience for
our students. Other teachers who complete the Summit team teach
both Summit and Fisher Park students. We have on staff many
teachers who are considered leaders in their fields of interest. In
addition, our teachers have ongoing communication with our families
since we see the schooling of a child as a collaborative effort. At our
school we also have 1.5 office staff, a custodial team and a .5
Librarian. All the staff at our school work together collaboratively and
with respect in order to put the needs of our students first.
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Our Community
Parents and Community
A high level of parental involvement is one of the distinguishing characteristics of our
program. This involvement gives support to the alternative method of curriculum delivery
and strengthens the link between home and school. These outcomes are achieved
through participation in school events, classroom support, field trips, and fund-raising
events. Staff works together with parents and the community. The rich harmony we create
out of our diversity is a model of cooperation and inclusion. Through active involvement in
the Summit Alternative School Council (SASC), integrated activities, Student-Led
Conferences and field trips, parents play a vital role in the life of our school. Our sense of
community is further developed as parents and the community work together with both
Summit and Fisher Park School Council on issues and events for the betterment of our
school, the community and our students.
Mission Statement
The principles of Summit Alternative School are intended to define an innovative learning
community that fosters creativity, responsibility, and inclusiveness. Summit was created at
the request of parents to provide continuity for existing primary alternative school students
and to build on the success of those schools. Summit recognizes that education is a
partnership involving parents, students, teachers, principals, school boards, government,
and the community. However the primary partnership is between students, parents, and
teachers. The following characteristics, while found in many programs at the elementary
level, collectively form the foundation of the alternative program. Summit Alternative strives
to promote all of these tenets while acting as a bridge between the alternative elementary
school system and the regular secondary school education.
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Cooperation and teamwork are emphasized instead of competition. The core belief is
that children who are motivated from within, instead of by rewards, will become lifelong
learners, eager to take on challenges.
A commitment to innovative approaches to teaching and learning through a shared
responsibility among staff, students and parents.
A balance between student-directed and teacher directed learning: the teacher acts as
a facilitator/mentor/guide of the child’s learning; enhances self-concept, enthusiasm for
learning, and personal responsibility.
Integrated curriculum provides a natural progression from whole to parts and stresses
the interrelation of all learning and subjects.
A family & community-centered school environment wherein parental involvement is
essential for the partnership between the home and school, which in turn fosters selfrespect, respect for the ideas and the opinions of others, and an appreciation for
people’s differences.
Assessment and evaluation is on-going using multiple strategies which include student
self-evaluations and student led conferences. The primary focus of this process is
personal growth, as well as being used as a tool for program planning and assessment,
student goal setting, growth & assessment.
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Programs and Services
Academic Programs
Summit operates one program—a regular English Alternative program with Core French.
The program includes opportunities such as integrated curriculum units, field trips, guest
speakers and leadership days. Summit Alternative strives to include new or innovative
teaching practises while delivering the Ontario Curriculum (e.g., ten iPads for use within
the classroom, a grant from the Canadian International Development Agency to develop a
cultural and educational relationship with a school in St. John’s, Antigua).
Classroom Organization
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3 Grade 7 classes
3 Grade 8 classes
Special Education and ESL Programs
Through our integrated delivery model, the Learning Support Teacher (LST) and ESL
(English as Second Language) teacher works closely with classroom teachers to develop
Individual Education Plans to monitor student achievement and address individual learning
needs.
Clubs and Activities
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Student Council (spirit days, fund-raising, community service, dances, food drive)
Math Olympics Team
Drama Club
CIDA Club
Summit Goes Global Event
Carnaval d’hiver Events
Student-Led Conferences
Earth Care Environment Club
Percussion Ensemble “Boom!”
Ski Club
Intramural sports, extra-curricular sports and school teams
Science Fair
Stock Market Program
Mini-enrichment program with Ottawa and Carleton universities
Student Success Program
Open Your Eyes - global and social awareness workshops
Summit workshops - day of sports, crafts, and skills workshops
Rocks and Rings Curling day
Snowshoeing Excursions
Robotics Club
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Safe Schools Initiatives
Our School Code of Conduct is aligned with the Provincial and OCDSB Codes of Conduct.
It is based on promoting a safe and caring environment which is characterized by mutual
respect. Positive student behaviour is encouraged through modeling, training, intervention
and progressive discipline. We work in collaboration with our guidance counselor, parents,
community agencies and our School Resource Officer. Our Community of Character
program is embedded in the curriculum and is part of all components of school life. Our
Student Success Team works closely with teachers to identify and support at-risk
students. A psychologist and social worker also provide student support.
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Facilities and Resources
We are conveniently located on four OC Transpo routes: #176a, b, 86a, b, c, 102 and near
routes #14. Fisher Park/Summit Alternative are housed within a former high school. The
facility houses one large gym, a smaller gym, a full auditorium, a design and technology
classroom, two science labs, two computer labs and a large cafeteria. The building itself is
three floors and wheelchair accessible. There is a City of Ottawa skating rink available for
use in the winter, in addition to a basketball court, soccer field and two baseball diamonds.
Google Map of Summit Alternative School
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Achievement and School Improvement Planning
Measures of Student Achievement and Success
Student achievement is based on the guidelines established in the OCDSB Policy and
Procedures for Student Evaluation. Our teachers use a variety of assessment and
evaluation methods to monitor student achievement. On-going peer, self and teacher
assessments aid students in becoming self-directed, independent learners. All
assessments are utilized to effectively inform teaching and learning strategies. We use
student portfolios and student-led conferences as a means to communicate to parents
their child’s progress. Frequent contact with parents ensures that the academic, social and
emotional progress of our students is on track and that strategies are put in place so that
each student achieves success.
School Improvement Plans and Initiatives
We develop our School Improvement Plan defining our strengths and areas for growth to
ensure continued student success and improvement. Our School Improvement plan
includes Literacy and Numeracy goals which integrate components from our Community of
Character. This year we will continue our Restorative approach to problem solving.
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Leadership Recognition
“Leadership in the OCDSB is the demonstration of personal initiative
to achieve a positive outcome.”
Students
Our students have many opportunities to demonstrate their leadership skills and we value
and promote their initiatives. Our Student Council organizes school-wide activities and
fundraising events. We have raised funds to support several global initiatives. Our We Day
students, Environment Club, Trinity Theatre Group and Peer Helpers also demonstrate
their dedication to our school community. Students show leadership in sports, and
participate in many sporting events at the regional and Board levels.
Staff
Our Fisher Park/Summit Alternative staff has a wealth of professional qualifications. They
actively participate in numerous Board-wide professional development activities in literacy
and numeracy, and we recognize their initiative by providing and supporting opportunities
for further professional growth. Our staff is dedicated to providing our students with many
extra-curricular activities designed to increase student engagement and promote a positive
and enriching school environment.
Parents/Guardians/Volunteers
Our volunteers contributed many hours of support for the benefit of our students. They
help by working with students, assisting with field trips and supporting special events. Our
School Council meets monthly and contributes to the direction of our program. Through
their fundraising efforts we have been able to enhance special events, field trips, sports
activities and end of the year trips. As invaluable partners, we thank our parents and
volunteers on an on-going basis, and look for opportunities to acknowledge them such as
in announcements, newsletters and in our Principal’s report to School Council.
Community
Every year during our “Meet the Teacher” night, many community members and
organizations are invited representing local businesses and the police, to showcase their
services. We develop relationships with the Kitchissippi community as many of our
students frequent businesses along Wellington Avenue. There are also a number of
activities throughout the year where many community members come in to share their
expertise and knowledge with our students. We recognize our community partners through
announcements, newsletters, school web site, Principal’s report to School Council, and
thank you cards. We invite them to events, and the Grade 8 School Leaving Ceremony.
We believe in strong community partnerships and we work closely with the Fisher Park
Community Center and Association, our feeder schools, and other social agencies to
provide a safe, caring, supportive school community focused on student learning.
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URL References
1
http://www.summitalternative.ocdsb.ca/
http://www.ocdsb.ca/
3 http://www.ocdsb.ca/ab-ocdsb/
4 http://www.eqao.com/
2
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