Public school board excited about upcoming year

News Release
RRDSB

(Sept 2, 2008) - The Rainy River District School Board is excited with the prospects of the upcoming school year. Maintenance, custodial, and information/technology staff have been busy readying the schools for the start of the school year. While reconstruction of the J. W. Walker School gymnasium is underway, the Board is busy working on plans for the new amalgamated Robert Moore and F. H. Huffman Schools.
The Board is also welcoming Mine Centre School as part of the Rainy River District School Board, effective September 1, 2008. With a rich background in aboriginal culture, Mine Centre School will provide further support for the Board’s focus on aboriginal education. The school, as well as the communities of Atikokan and Stanjikoming, will host Metis author and speaker, David Bouchard, this September. David Bouchard returns to continue his work with the Rainy River District School Board in engaging parents and communities in the focus on the importance of reading.
Of foremost importance is the work of school staff in supporting student achievement. Over the summer, secondary teachers across the Board supported students through Credit Recovery. This Student Success program, also offered throughout the school year, works to reduce the dropout rate and keep students in school and on track to graduate by allowing students to complete work to capture previously lost credits. As well, students benefited from summer paid-cooperative education, ensuring that they are on track to graduation. Also in preparation for the upcoming school year, elementary teachers attended the Board’s annual summer institute, “One Size Fits All” held on August 20-21. The focus of the institute was on differentiated instruction. Gayle Gregory, co-author of Designing Brain Compatible Learning and author of Differentiated Instructional Strategies: One Size Doesn’t Fit All, focused on helping teachers differentiate instruction and create positive learning environments for all students. Thirty teachers from across the Board and district attended these valuable sessions.
The Rainy River District School Board wishes all staff, trustees, parents, and students a wonderful school year.