At Danforth Gardens school, the 3 JK/SK classes have the maximum number of students 29 (one had 30 which is over the provincial limit of 29.)

In a neighboring school just 3 km south, Birch cliff has three classes of 20, 21 and 23 students each.

The children and staff at Danforth Gardens desperately need more resources in the form of support in the classrooms and most importantly the addition of another classroom.

When asked about why this is happening, Superintendent , Liz Holder, cited that they were within their right to pack the classes with 29 students each and nothing could be done.

The addition of another classroom is desperately needed as Teachers and ECE are overburdened with the impossible tasks of monitoring 29 kids. So far this year, my son has been punched, pushed into the wooden cubbies, had sand thrown at his face, hit on the head with a block and witnessed general chaos and dysfunction in the classroom. This is the experience of one kid, but I have heard numerous other stories from other parents of inappropriate touching, bullying, hitting, going in the classroom as well.

Please sign the petition and stand up for the children who are being short changed due to flaws in the system that perpetuate discrimination against an area that has more need due to population density , greater cultural diversity, neurodiversity, and socioeconomic resources.

Danforth Gardens needs another JK/SK classroom which would help the children be properly monitored and receive a quality education.

In addition to signing this petition, you can write your own letter sharing your concern and experience of the class to

Trustee Parthi Kandavel

Parthi.Kandavel@tdsb.on.ca

and Superintendent Liz Holder

Liz.Holder@tdsb.on.ca