Support specialized programs & schools made possible by optional attendance!

I do not agree that TDSB phase out specialized programs such as Claude Watson, IB, SATEC And so on. It is a fall back of Toronto Education quality if phasing out the special program. Even if my kids will not benefit from these kinds of program, I will still want them there to give other kids better educational opportunities.

This is a bad idea, which won’t accomplish anything except limiting the students’ possibilities in adult life, and increase narrrowmindedness.

Rosedale saved my life please do not do this

Please stop cutting specialized programs and taking away from our children. Our children are not all the same. They need to be inspired and need specialized programs to thrive and grow their passions.

I am a former student of this school. Being part of the specialised film program changed my life-it directed me to find out what exactly I wanted to do with my life, opened my mind, and diversified my education as a whole. Without it, I seriously think I would be significantly less successful and interested in school.

I graduated as a dance major from the Claude Watson program at Earl Haig Secondary School. And guess what, I am a career dance artist having moved through many different aspects of this discipline over the span of my 25 year work life. They should be working towards more arts programs through the TDSB, not taking them away.

I went to ESA and it was the most amazing experience that shaped who I am today.

How much did this draft report cost? Toronto's private schools must be thrilled.

This school means so much, to so many people. If you shut it down, then you are telling young Canadian citizens that their passions don't matter. They do. Petition for ESA!!

SPECIALIZED SCHOOL PROGRAMS HELP KIDS BECOME PASSIONATE ABOUT LEARNING!!

Please stop cutting education programs and taking away from our children. Our children are not all the same. They need to be inspired and need specialized programs to thrive and grow their passions.

I support the petition. TDSB needs to seriously consider not to phase out specialized program

Shame! Let’s not make it about equity or there would be more Arts focus schools. It’s budget. Please find ways to cut - cut back on trips guests etc trim admin etc.

Please keep Specialized Program including gifted program. Gifted kids need your continuing help and support. They deserve it. It would be harmful if you push them go back to their home schools. Kids will be confused and frustrated because they don't know what they did wrong have to go backwards. Wise educators always encourage excellence.

I went to Rosedale Heights and I honestly would have dropped out of high school in grade 9 if it weren't for the amazing arts programs. And many of my former classmates would say the same. Don't do this its a huge mistake

I owe who I am to my arts school.

These kids need specialised programs to thrive! Without the programs many of them would be so bored that they would probably stop attending school altogether! Many of them are doubly exceptional and need the extra challenge in an environment where they're understood!

Please, please, please do not think that the solution to lack of access to specialized programs should result in the phasing out of such programs. I came from a single-parent household and we lived very close to the poverty line. ESA provided me with opportunities that I would have NEVER had without it. And by phasing out these specialty programs from the public sphere means in actuality you make them MORE inaccessible to the poor and POC by ensuring that only those that can afford private education and private classes will have access to robust arts education. Perhaps the solution to access and diversity is more complex (no quick fixes I'm afraid) and requires economic support and a better approach to student recruitment. More funding and investment in the foundations (elementary school level music, art and dance programs...hint hint most of these were cut in lower income neighbourhood schools) that will help kids be able to meet the basic requirements to be accepted into specialized programs. Phasing out specialty programs is short-sighted and does nothing to actually provide more opportunities or equity to marginalized communities. Why not build upon what already exists and help extend the reach into more neighbourhoods. Additionally - optional attendance is important as the lack of adequate daycare options means that sometimes the daycare you are FINALLY able to get your child into doesn't service your child's school so you need to opt into a different school zone so that you can keep your daycare spot and, you know, go to work, afford living in the city.

Specialized schools provide so much more than an education. They give many kids a place to belong and others a lifeline. To disband them would not be equitable

I would never have found the career path that I am so passionate about without going to Rosedale.