The Citizen, 2003-05-07, Page 22PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2003.
School’s Cool program
reflects county’s values
School’s Cool is a learning
readiness program for children ages
three to five who are preparing to
enter kindergarten.
School’s Cool focuses on
supporting and strengthening a
child’s sense of self to better enable
them to be confident, and to increase
their level of comfort in regard to
entering the school system. A child
who has been involved with
School’s Cool will become
accustomed to routines, sitting in a
circle, listening, sharing ideas, using
pencils, scissors, glue, interacting
with other children, and becoming
familiar to a school setting.
Other important factors, such as
identifying one’s feelings
appropriately and problem solving,
are also addressed. Longitudinal
studies have shown a positive
correlation between early childhood
experiences in school affecting later
academic accomplishments - if a
child has negative experiences in the
early years of school, this may
negatively affect the rest of their
academic career.
Therefore, one may deduce the
importance of a program such as
School’s Cool.
It is important to remember that
even though activities during
programming may seem somewhat
academic that it is not an academic
program - it is not kindergarten. In
fact, it is a precursor to kindergarten.
School’s Cool benefits everyone:
children, parents, teachers, and
eventually the greater society.
Margaret Norrie McCain and J.
Fraser Mustard address the
importance of early childhood
development in: Reversing the Real
Brain Drain: Early Years Study:
“We consider, in view of this
evidence, that the period of early
child development is equal to or, in
some cases, greater in importance
for the quality of the next generation
than the periods children and youth
spend in education or post
secondary education”. (1999)
One of the ways that is proposed
in improving outcomes for young
children, in order to have the best
educated and competent children in
the world, is to provide child-
oriented programs such as School’s
Cool that provide a source of
stimulation for early brain and child
development.
If you are interested in reading
more information on the Early Years
Report go on-line to:
www.founders.net/ey/home.nsf/info
/eyreport lopendocument
School’s Cool was introduced in
Huron County in the summer of
2001 at Clinton Public School, and
because it was such a success
(feedback coming from parents)
Rural Response for Healthy
Children received funding through
the Eariy Years Challenge Fund for
an additional two years. The
program is facilitated in five public
school locations throughout the
summer.
In the summer of 2002, School’s
Cool ran in Wingham, Seaforth,
Clinton, Exeter, and Robertson
(Goderich) public schools. There
was enough interest to have two
programs running in Goderich, but
there was only enough funding to
provide one. The Avon Maitland
School Board, principals,
kindergarten teachers, and
custodians were very supportive of
the program in many ways,
including the use of school facilities
for the program.
It is essential to have community
support in regard to such programs
focusing on bettering the lives of
children thus helping to create a
healthier happier future generation.
As well, this year the Huron-Perth
Children’s Aid Society has come
forth, on a one-time basis, to help
supplement funds required for this
year’s programming.
Involving parents and members of
the community are important factors
in the facilitation of School’s Cool.
Community members, such as
kindergarten teachers, local
policemen, and crossing guards, are
invited as guests to talk with and
answer any questions that children
may have.
As well, answering questions or
concerns raised by parents is also
important. Referrals are also a
service that can be provided.
For example, a parent may be
informed of such resources as Small
Talk (for speech and language
delays) if that is a need of the child.
School’s Cool is concerned with the
well-being and future successes of
children - it reflects a community’s
commitment and beliefs
surrounding the importance of
children.
This year and in continuing years,
the program will require ongoing
funding. At the present time, there is
no cost for families participating in
the program. However, alternative
methods of funding will be required
to fund the program in future.
Donations from the community are
invited for the program’s
continuation. It is hoped to build a
fund to ensure the program is carried
out annually. Costs to provide the
program are upwards of $26,000 per
summer.
School’s Cool is a six-week
program, commencing the first week
of July. The program runs three
mornings or afternoons per week.
Registration does not take place
until mid-June and will be
advertised as to when it will take
place.
For questions or to volunteer in a
School’s Cool location near you, call
Response for Healthy Children at
519-482-8777.
Award-winning artist
Blyth Public School Grade 1 student Marion Studhalter’s
primary colour poster captured third at the Royal Canadian
Legion’s District C contest. Principal Kim Black presents
the award. (Bonnie Gropp photo)
^9^
A fl th WEDDING WW QvJ ANNIVERSARY
ALLAN & AL CE SEARLE
North Huron, Threshers
to promote campgrounds CONGRATULATIONS! Love,
------- . —
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen editor
North Huron council at its
Monday night meeting decided to
enter into an agreement with the
Huron Pioneer Thresher Association
to promote the campgrounds in
Blyth.
A delegation comprised of
Association members Bill Vincent,
Edgar Daer and Bill Andrews
expressed their feeling that the
campground is not being used to its
full potential. Spokesperson Vincent
said “We are here to let council
know we are willing ’to work with
you to promote this.”
Vincent said the Association
would advertise and place signs.
They also suggested a kiosk placed
in front of one of the Thresher sheds
would be an excellent way for
money to be deposited.
“We have spoke to other people
about this and campers are a
generally honourable bunch. We
think this would provide a chance to
get revenue into the community.”
Vincent asked for North Huron to
supply forms for the campers to fill
in.
He also said another group has
expressed interest in placing road
signs to advertise the campgrounds.
Councillor Jeff Howson said it
was an “excellent idea, something
council has been talking about from
time to time for the past six months
to a year.”
Howson said it was his
understanding that people using the
grounds expect to pay a user-fee, but
the issue for council has always been
about hiring someone to look after
payment, etc. “I like the idea of the
kiosk and I think the concept is
super.”
Councillors supported the
agreement wholeheartedly.
Permission was given to the
Association to name the
campgrounds.
Macular degeneration is the leading cause
of blindness in Canada. If you experience
any change in vision, consult your
eye-care professional.
The Canadian
National
Institute
tor the Blind
1-800-513-7813
www.cnib.ca
_ t,. L
Don Messer Tribute comes their all new Wj.Wr a
iJUemofties m . « ,
Western Swmjm,
and Country Singin
The Brubachers of Ethel
StetAaiviant and ^Rakeiy, |||
] REAL Home-cooked meals! j
I CT Come and try our cinnamon buns. CT |
| Mon. ■ Fri. 6:30 am 'til 7:30 pm; |
I Sat. 8:00 am - 6:30 pm; Sun. Closed I
I 887-8659 in Ethel c:— I
* OLD TIME AND FANCY SWING TUNES
by Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion Scott Woods
* GOLDEN OLDIE WESTERN SONGS
by talented singer Tom Leadbeater and the band
* FAVOURITE GUITAR INSTRUMENTALS
by East Coast Music Award Winner Bruce Timmins
* SENSATIONAL STEP DANCING
by 2002 Canadian Step Dance Champion Chad Wolfe
APPEARING
Saturday, May 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Blyth Memorial Hall
For tickets call 523-9300 or 1-877-862-5984
Good humour, Nostalgia and Western Warmth