A sampling of other points raised during the public presentations:
Grade 7 students Grace McGray: "How can you expect us to feel as if we belong in a school when we are only there for one year, only to switch again and again? Some of us will have to attend four schools in four years. This will also negatively impact students with special needs, such as those with physical disabilities, Down Syndrome, anxiety disorders, autism and other such problems. These students need a lengthy adjustment period when transitioning to a new school and if this is rushed it is likely to cause added stress and problems."
Parent Debbie Hamilton: "With all the research and studies that have been done that prove moving children from their schools more than at the typical points such as Grade 6 and 9 increase the risk of behavioral problems. It should be our goal as a community to turn out well-rounded educated people who become active members of our community. And I fear we will not know fully the impact of this move until four years down the road."
Student Alannah Mullen: "I have discovered that the Tri-County Regional School Board is willing to go against your rules and that is wrong, isn't it? If one of the reasons for this decision was to get ready for the opening of the new high school then I'm confused because the new YCMHS is over a year away. Why do teachers get to choose where they want to teach, but we don't get to choose where we want to learn."
- Read more special articles :
- - Board will be asked to rescind motion
- - You can't do that department tells board
- - Board will continue preparing for change
- - Big change coming for MG, YJH schools
Yarmouth Junior High SAC chair Byron Boudreau: "Probably the most important issue is that this decision was made without adequate consultation with all the stakeholders. It came as a huge surprise and shock to students and parents; people who should have been involved in the dialogue. It is especially upsetting for many whom we represent as this decision will result in the closure of our school. Although at the moment it may appear simply as a reconfiguration of grades, once the new YCMHS is built and the Grade 9 students move int the new building, all that will remain of YJHS is an empty building. This decision is the beginning of our end."
Erica Gavel speaking in support of her sister, a YJHS student: "There are some families that rely on older siblings to make sure the younger ones get off the school on time. Now with the older ones leaving the house earlier to catch a bus would leave the younger ones home alone . . . before and after school."
Parent Crystal Barr: "Another reason we were told this change needs to be done is we need to intergrate these Grade 9 students before they enter Grade 10 together. That certainly never was an issue in all the years of the history of our educational system. Should we then put all Grade 6s together so they will integrate with one another before they join together at junior high? Where does it all end?
Town councillor Ken Langille: "Now it is not my place as a councillor for the Town of Yarmouth to question the academic merits or lack thereof. Further, as has been pointed out to me on several occassions recently by your staff and some members here tonight that this is 'none of the town's business.' I beg to differ. Your decision does affect our residents and our resources. We should have an opportunity to speak given that we contribute close to $2 million of our residents' tax dollars to your board."
