Support specialized programs & schools made possible by optional attendance!

These programs provide enrichment opportunities for kids; should not be removed at all.

Please keep the Claude Watson Program

You don’t have the right to rob students of their fundamental right and ability to express and voice their thoughts as well as truly thrive through specialized programs. Everyone is given the option to apply to specialized programs. A committee of extraordinary teachers and professors accept students with the potential to truly thrive and come out as talented, confident individuals. If you take this away from us, you are not giving any equity. You are stealing our hopes, dreams and the possibility of choosing our own future.

Specialized programs aren't a cancer to be cut away because some feel hard done by because of them. Removing them won't result in the change described by the EETF, only larger class sizes and ALL students will be at a "competitive disadvantage" compared to students from other boards. Each specialized program needs to be addressed individually to improve concerns specific each individual program instead of putting all of them under one umbrella and subsequently burning that umbrella.

Specialized programs are important and valuable. All students are unique!

Keep it there. Even add more programs.

this is ridiculous

These special programs are life savers for students, families, school communities, and teachers. Instead of scrapping programs, link these vibrant programs with sister schools for the benefit of all! I taught in the Claude Watson program for 4 years and witnessed the transformational power of this arts program nestled within the larger school. Every student benefited. I had students commute for over an hour to get to school for this program. They have gone on to become professional artists and arts leaders. The way forward is MORE specialization - not some race toward ultimate mediocrity. Each student IS special. Recognize this with the continuation of special programs. Dan Dumsha

We can't let this happen!! Keep signing

If the change is made, only the students from wealthy families can go to private schools to develope their specialty, average family kids will not have the opportunity, the kids from struggling background will have even less chance than today!

Programs like IB are an international program, you are taking a huge opportunity away from students. Other comparable programs are all an amazing opportunity, that students earn based on merit only, taking it away is unfair on everyone. This doesn't promote equity.

ALL students deserve access to programming that enhances their learning and fosters their passions. Create more opportunities; don't take them away!

Eliminating the special program will actually reduce equity rather than promoting it. It will take away the chances for the real talented students to access the special program to enrich their lives, while who can not afford to pay for it by going to the private program.

we need programs as such to provide special education to those who are interested in specific area

this hinders potential and stunts educational growth

School is school, no any religion.

This is ridiculous! Students who excel in certain areas should be able to attend relative programs!

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As someone who's been in the gifted program for almost half of my life, I think I can say its specialized programs such as these that give certain students such as me the opportunity to really thrive. Closing these programs out would be detriment to their success.

Gift program and tops are very helpful for my daughter.