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In
1966, a new public school was built on the north side
of Mount Albert Road, on the west side of the village
at the bottom of the hill. This was on property
purchased from Alvin Dike.
This
school was built as a central school for the area. Over
90% of the students take a bus to the school.
This
school is referred to as MAPS, Mount Albert Public School
and today boasts over 630 students attending classes from
Junior Kindergarten through to Grade 8.
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Circa
1996
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The
schoolyard is approximately 14 acres and adjoins the town
park.
A
new wing was opened for the 2000 school year.
This addition provided space for a new library, gymnasium,
and 10 classrooms while it eliminated the need for portable
classrooms.
The
school originally had 13 rooms but, with additions in
1972 and 2000, now has over 20 rooms, several specifically
designed for handicapped children. The second floor
is wheelchair accessible as a result of the addition of
a new elevator.
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Circa
2001
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The
staff at the school are dedicated and committed to
extra-curricular programming. Students have an opportunity
to participate in a variety of musical, artistic and athletic
experiences each year.
Vocal
choirs, bands, various clubs, such as chess, cooking and
drama, to name a few, and intramural and interschool sporting
events round out the school academic program.
Field
trips are planned which support the academic program.
Camp experiences and grade 8 graduation festivities are
popular events, as well.
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Each
year the school participates in an annual “Welcome Back”
BBQ in the fall, the holiday and spring concerts, in the
Persechini Run Walkathon for Easter Seals and in a Care
and Share Community project.
The
School has had a School Council since 1995.
The Council is comprised of administration, teaching and
non-teaching staff, a community representative, student
representatives, and parents. The monthly meetings are
open and parents regularly attend to keep up-to-date on
information, voice concerns, offer ideas and give input
to issues.
The
School uses a telephone tree as a communication tool and
publishes a monthly newsletter to parents.
Parents
have had a strong level of involvement in all aspects
of the school. Many parents offer their time and
energy to support and enrich student programs, particularly
with the primary and junior teachers.
Parent
volunteer programs have included enrichment activities
in reading, math, science, play performance groups, novel
study groups, math stretch groups, gardening groups and
special projects. Volunteer parents have also provided
assistance for special outings and field trips.
Others have provided a one-time learning event for their
child’s classroom by sharing skills, talents, or information
such as baking, cooking, pioneers crafts or woodworking.
Parents have also offered behind-the-scenes administrative
support and assistance with yearlong fund-raisers like
hot dog and pizza lunches or specific support with school
projects.
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