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13| The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,M arch 29,2018 theifp.ca Trustees from the Halton District School Board are assessing a number of strategies and initiatives that have been on the go since September 2017. Associate director David Boag and a senior team of trustees presented their update on the school board's operation- al plan at the J.W. Singleton Education Centre on March 7. "We're looking at the strategies and what impact they are having on our charts and multi-year plans and mak- ing decisions around whether they need to be modified, changed or beefed up," Boag said. Here's what you need to know: Elementary Schools The Halton District School Board's (HDSB's) emergent literacy program has engaged 41 elementary schools in providing teachers with the necessary knowledge to support students who may be struggling with reading and writing. In addition to this, the 2017-2018 school year marks the second year the HDSB has been involved in the Closing the Gaps in Mathematics initiative for students with learning disabilities - a project that initially involved 19 schools. It has since grown to include 40 additional schools and HDSB trustees say they hope for all elementary schools to be participating by next year. The work in this initiative includes un- derstanding psychology and assess- ment, building learning profiles and developing individual education plans. HDSB is also offering a number of extracurricular opportunities for ele- mentary-aged students including pri- mary math club, junior flexible think- ers in math, literacy development for primary and junior students, an after school math and technology program for Grades 7 and 8, a code summer learning program for primary stu- dents and summer math camp for stu- dents transitioning from Grades 6 to 7. High Schools This year, HDSB has been working with a number of focus groups across the board to determine the best practic- es to engage students. The board is con- tinuing to work on its renewed math strategy, which includes partnering with the Learning Disability Project (50 per cent of HDSB high schools are in- volved this year and the other 50 per cent are scheduled for next year). History and Social Studies In both primary and secondary schools, the curriculum has been up- dated to reflect the Truth and Reconcil- iation Commission's recommenda- tions, including changes to social stud- ies classes in Grades 4 through 6, histo- ry classes in Grades 7 and 8 and high school history classes, most notably Canadian history since the First World War. As part of these revisions, stu- dents will be learning more in depth material on treaties, the residential school system and The Indian Act. Student Mental Health The Healthy Transitions program has been implemented to promote awareness and reduce stigma sur- rounding mental health issues, while providing students with necessary cop- ing mechanisms. Social Media A growing number of schools in HDSB are increasing their online pres- ence through Twitter and other forms of social media, as well as blogs such as the SHIFT blog. IEP Improvements Administrative staff, teachers and student emergency response team (SERT) members in 86 HDSB elementa- ry schools have received additional training regarding individual educa- tion plans and an FAQ document has been created. Equity and Well-Being Thirty leadership teams across the board have been involved in promoting the creation of LGBTQ+ positive class- rooms and spaces. NEWS What are trustees working on at HDSB? VERONICA APPIA vappia@metroland.com In the months leading up to municipal elections, council may have less pow- er than usual, based on how many councillors wish to run again. With the introduction of Bill 181, nomination periods for municipal elections are longer than before, and if less than 75 per cent of coun- cil is seeking re-election, their capacity to make ma- jor decisions is diminished. This is called a 'lame duck' council period. Like a maimed bird, or declawed cat, the function around the horseshoe is limited in the months before the election. In a lame duck period, council cannot appoint or remove any officers from the municipality, hire or fire employees, sell any property over $50,000 or in- cur any expenses at that same cost. A report brought forth to council suggests that cer- tain authorities should be delegated to the chief ad- ministrative officer during this period, including au- thorizing expenses associ- ated with projects previous- ly approved by council be- fore the lame duck period. "This authority would only be exercised should a matter warrant expedited action," wrote staff in the re- port. If this measure is taken, a report would be drafted to notify the council. What the quack? Halton Hills looks at bylaw for 'lame duck' council periods ALEXANDRA HECK aheck@metroland.com l GET CONNECTED For more The IFP - Halton Hills information visit www.theifp.ca. EXPERIENCE THE VIBE MUSIC IS THE UNIFYING FORCE Just gowest on Hwy7 to 39MILL stReet eAst ACton 519-853-4444 VInyLAnD45@gMAIL.CoM expert stereo and equipment repairs. Buy. sell. trade. open thursday until 10pm Closed Friday open saturday-sunday 10am-6pm First time ever: $5 &$10sale. selected LP's as much as 50% off. 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