Well, this editorial started out one way and came back to the center. I got a bit fired up when I heard about all the students leaving our small schools to go to the larger centers for their schooling.
I understand why high school students may want to attend school in a larger center to find greater opportunities, as there are more classes and sports programs offered.
I don’t understand why someone who isn’t in high school would want to move to a bigger center as the options offered are identical. Students have also understandably moved schools due to harassment issues.
I’m torn between two things; one is opportunity and the other is reality.
The opportunity is that these high school kids can take classes that they might not be able to otherwise. Cosmetology, Advanced Placement Programs, Hockey, Robotics and Autobody are just a few of the interesting classes they offer; it’s basically a university.
Having said that, I’ve been a small town kid who attended university. There is a dramatic difference in how your teachers acknowledge you in a small school versus a university. While I was a number in university to most of my teachers, at my school in Maple Creek they would all know me by name, as well as all of the 56 graduates in my class as well; we mattered and they took the time to know us personally.
That’s where the reality comes in.
I do truly support students looking for opportunity, especially as we’ve seen first-hand how kids from our community can go to a bigger center and then go on to play sports like football at such a high level. “Where there is opportunity, don’t be afraid to go after it” is a quote I’ve heard before.
I have to keep saying that because what I say next makes it sound like I’d think the opposite.
When kids leave our local small schools, those schools do not receive funding that they ever-more rely on. Schools receive thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars per student that is enrolled on their school registrar. Less money means less courses offered, more demand on staff and in-turn less after-school programs offered. Less students also means less staff and fewer job opportunities for our communities.
This is why schools have some sort of administrative procedure in place to determine if a student can attend a school outside of their area.
On a side note, after a quick look through the website, holy moly have there been a lot of administrative procedures added since my time with the school division!
AP 300 Admission of Students to Schools states:
To enroll a student from outside their school attendance area, the following procedure is required:
8.1 The request for permission to enroll the student shall be directed through the principal to the Director or designate as follows:
8.1.1 Family is advised to complete the online registration or a manual package
8.1.2 The application is submitted to the Superintendent of the school of preferred attendance.
8.1.3 The Superintendent will:
8.1.3.1 Contact the parent/guardian making the request to ensure they have given consideration to have their child(ren) attend the designated school
8.1.3.2 Contact the Principals of the designated school and receiving school to gather pertinent information.
8.1.3.3 Assess the application taking into consideration the following:
• Size of class to receive transfer
• Reasons for the request
• Attendance record
• Ability to provide program needs; and
• Transportation services.
8.1.4 The application is approved or denied by the Superintendent with a copy of the letter to the family making the request and the Principals of the receiving and designated schools.
Essentially, there is a process, and each student is examined if they should be permitted to attend a school outside of their area.
I would like to reiterate that I see two sides to the issue of students leaving our towns to seek out opportunity in larger centers, but that there is a reality we must realize every time that happens.
I lean more to educating kids in an environment where they can be given individual attention and are treated as a unique person. Having said that, it’s up to parents to make the best decision they feel helps their child the most, and seeking opportunities for them to grow and develop is never a bad sign of parenting.