2019 / 2020 Parent Reaching Out Grant (PRO Grant) Allocation
The PRO Grant program provides funding to district school boards and school authorities to lead projects with a focus on the identification and removal of barriers that prevent parents and families from participating and from engaging fully in their children's learning.
The Ministry changed the program from an application-based funding model to an allocation-based grant provided to each school board. School boards received a predetermined funding amount for parent engagement projects.
TDSB was allocated $133,405.35 for projects that demonstrate a commitment to respecting the role of parents in students’ educational experiences. All funds must be spent and reported to the Ministry by June 15, 2020.
The Board, at its meeting on November 27, 2019, approved the allocation of the $133,405.35 to the following areas:
Learning Network / Centre & Ward Engagement ($103,405.35)
Learning Centre Executive Superintendents will consult with Superintendents of Education, Trustees and the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee Representatives to identify initiatives that fall within the following areas:
• Supporting and enhancing school council capacity
• Enhancing the efficacy of families around mental health and wellbeing, equity or achievement and/or
• Engagement of diverse families and school councils in the School Improvement Process (e.g. workshops/training for families)
2020 Parents as Partners (PAP) Conference ($30,000)
PAP is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2020 and will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Toronto Congress Centre. The day will offer families/guardians the opportunity to participate in day long learning, sharing and networking with families, staff and community partners. The day will feature a keynote address, informative workshops and a vendors’ marketplace of local associations and agencies which provide many different kinds of support for children and families.
French Immersion Application/Placement Update
The deadline for SK French Immersion online applications has passed (December 6, 2019). This year, we had 4,018 on-time, online applicants; the most we have ever received. In comparison to last year, we have had an increase of 490 applicants; an increase of 14% overall across TDSB. Our ward had an increase of 8%.
Automated Speed Enforcement Program
The City of Toronto’s Transportation Services has begun the installation of Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) systems across the city to enhance road safety in Community Safety Zones near schools. The system captures any vehicle travelling in excess of the posted speed limit, without exception. This includes emergency vehicles and fleet vehicles. A Memorandum from Barbara Gray, General Manager of Transportation Services at the City of Toronto provides further information on the program. Kindly note that we were not directly consulted with the locations of the photo radar installations. As per the memorandum, they are mobile and it is anticipated they will rotate every three to six months within the City ward.
The following additional resources are also being provided for your information:
- A map showing the location of the 50 cameras and their proximity to TDSB schools;
- An Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) Question & Answer document
Basketball Net Pilot Project Update
In June 2019, the Board initiated a pilot project to keep basketball nets up at all TDSB schools in order to provide increased access to recreational opportunities. This was a departure from our current practices at a number of sites, where nets were removed at the end of each day. Our basketball pilot ended as of the beginning of December. Staff have begun to review the pilot project, including a review all of the community feedback received, and will be making recommendations to determine next steps.
