CARD TRICKS
Report cards were distributed to Vancouver students to take home to their parents in elementary schools this week, between Dec. 12 and Dec. 14.
Secondary schools were to distribute report cards according to timelines established by individual schools, according to a VSB press release issued last week. Only international students' parents, who generally reside abroad, will receive a mailed copy of the report cards. "While the Ministry of Education has required us to print report cards in spite of the fact they won't have any marks on them, we are doing our utmost at the district level to be as cost-effective as we can," board chair Patti Bacchus said in the release. "Despite the challenges of job action, we will continue to act responsibly to comply with the School Act and the provincial government's direction."
While marks aren't on the report cards, they contain information such as attendance, teachers' contact information and a reminder that parents can contact teachers directly for updates on their child's performance or other matters. Grade 12 student report cards include a form for parents to fill out and sign to allow their child to "self-identify," should they need their marks for scholarship or post-secondary applications. "If a student is in Grade 12 and requires their marks at this time for graduation, post-secondary applications, or scholarship applications, we ask that parents sign the form attached to the report card and have the student take it back to school," superintendent Steve Cardwell noted. Once students have "selfidentified," they'll be issued a marks gathering form to take to each of their teachers. Teachers will write marks on the form and initial it. Grade 12 students can then work with counsellors and school administration to prepare their applications.
Readers, send me a note to fill me in on how the job action and the ongoing dispute between teachers and their employer is affecting students and their families-if at all-or whether you're concerned the situation will escalate after the New Year.
BUDGET CRUNCH
The district is hiring a firm-PricewaterhouseCoopers-to review its finances and draft recommendations for potential budget cuts or find ways to generate revenue. Work starts in early January and concludes by early March. Have your say-if you think money's being wasted in particular areas of the district, let me know and I'll check it out, or let me know how you think the VSB could make money to help deal with its budget crunch.
SAFETY PATROLS
There are only a couple of days until winter break, but occasional cold weather and icy road conditions before and after the holidays has the Vancouver Police Foundation warning drivers to be on the lookout for students crossing streets.
School safety patrols, which began in 1935, help monitor some crossings for pedestrians. There are 35 active patrols in the Vancouver school district, with approximately 1,300 students participating. The Vancouver Police Foundation has provided a $15,000 donation to help pay for the program through 2013. Vancouver Police Traffic Authority members train student safety patrollers.
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