Core Programming
Dr. George Johnson School offers all of the regularly prescribed programs in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Music, Health, and Physical Education. These programs follow the curriculum guides developed by Manitoba Education. We follow a daily cycle consisting of 10, 30 minute periods.
In addition to the regular programs, we offer a number of special programs and infrastructure.
~ Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Technology is a tool not an educational end. Technology can enable powerful learning opportunities for staff and students but in itself does not an education make. Our school is fortunate to have an excellent array of tools to support teachers and students in learning. Garde 5 & 6 students have access to Apple iPads at a ratio of 2 - 1 and 50 in total. Similar ratios exists in grades 7 & 8 where students have access to 75 laptops. We have internet access via a high speed fiber network and wireless access is available throughout the building. Additional learning stations (desktop computers) are available in the library and multi purpose room. Finally, additional iPads (20) are available in the library for individual or small group work.
The school has a variety of software / apps featured on these devices but most prominently has site license access to Renaissance Learning products including Accelerated Math and Accelerated Reader. These products contain both an instructional and assessment function to supplement classroom instruction.
All teachers have been provided with a laptop computer and iPad, with ongoing training in the integration of information technologies into the curriculum. To support this each classroom has a high-resolution projector, document camera and SmartBoard. Teachers enter attendance and student marks electronically as well.
The school also has a number of video and digital cameras to enable students to capture images for various assignments. Evergreen School Division also maintains a similar supply of imaging capturing hardware to support schools in the development of ICT skills.
~ Basic French
A French specialist provides grades 4 to 6 with French language instruction as per provincial requirements. Students also attend various French cultural events during the school year. French is compulsory for all students from K-8 unless indicated otherwise in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
~ Music
Students in grades 4 to 6 receive 105 minutes of music each cycle. The program consists of choral work as well as a major instrumental component following the Orff approach. There is an annual Holiday Concert in December.
~ Physical Education/Health
Students in grades 4 to 6 have 198 and 162 minutes of instruction per cycle respectively. The program includes clusters of study including; Movement, Fitness Management, Safety, Personal/Social Management, and Healthy Lifestyle Practices. Additionally, students take part in various inter-school competitions in such sports as basketball, volleyball, badminton as well as track and field.
~ Counseling
A school counselor is assigned to our school. Their main focus is to work with students, staff and parents on preventative, developmental and crisis issues in addition to academic support. The counselor will work with students as individuals, in small groups, and whole classes.
~ Resource Program
A wide range of differences in abilities and interests exist in children. The resource teacher helps classroom teachers to develop appropriate learning opportunities so that all students are taught in a way that allows them to be successful and interested in learning. Individual education plans (I.E.P.s) are developed for children with special needs. Our special needs students are mainstreamed and integrated into regular classrooms. In addition the resource teacher coordinates other forms of interventions for learning both in the classroom as well in small groups or as individually.
~ Clinical Services
Our school also has access to a Speech and Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Psychologist, and other visiting clinicians who work collaboratively with teachers and parents in providing essential supports to our student population.
~ Response to Intervention
Our school has a Tiered system of supports for students who are struggling as learners in our priority areas (reading, numeracy, behaviour). The classroom teacher and student services team (resource teacher, counsellor, prinicipal) meet regualrily to monitor all students achievement and when necessary put in place addition supports and instruction for students who are struggling.
~ Education for Sustainable Development
Manitoba Education Citizenship and Youth requires each school division to have a commitment to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) based upon the 1992 Rio Declaration. Broadly speaking ESD means “students will become informed and responsible decision-makers, playing active roles as citizens of Canada and the world, and will contribute to social, environmental, and economic well-being, and an equitable quality of life for all, now and in the future”. In support of ESD, our school offers the following programs and initiatives:
• Peer Mediation
Peer mediation is both a program and a process where students trained in mediation facilitate resolving disputes between other students. This process has proven effective in schools around the world, changing the way students understand and resolve conflict in their lives. Changes include improved self-esteem, listening and critical thinking skills, and school climate for learning, as well as reduced disciplinary actions and less fights. The Peaceful Schools movement provides resources for our Peer Mediation Program.
• Student Leadership
Through a partnership initiated with the local Kiwanis Club our school formed K-Kids. The aim of this club is to create meaningful ways for students to get involved with, and contribute to their school, community, province and world.
• Community Service
During the school year students spend time volunteering and fundraising for local organizations including, local seniors groups, pre-school programs, the Gimli Animal Shelter, Evergreen Basic Needs, etc. On a global level our school holds activities for Earth Day, Terry Fox Day, National Day of Truth & Reconciliation.
~ Student Clubs
Various student clubs take place during the year, usually at noon hour. They change yearly but some have included: Chess Club, Arts & Crafts, Lego, Choir, etc. Students are encouraged to form their own clubs based upon their interests and then find a staff advisor to help them organize.
~ Student Awards
Dr. George Johnson School has a scheduled Awards Day Assembly each year at the end of June. The School presents awards in the following categories:
◆ Dr. George Johnson Award
For most well rounded student (academics, athletics, school activities) in Grade 6.
◆ Kiwanis Award
Student Leadership Award for Gr. 6.
◆ Cougar Award
Given to a Gr. 6 student who best exemplifies a sense of Character, Ownership, Understanding, Growth, Attitude, Respect.
◆ Principal Award
Highest overall achievement in Grade 6.
◆ Honor Roll Certificates
Given to students in each class for highest achievement in Math, ELA, French, Social Studies, Science, Phys. Ed. and Music.
◆ Citizenship Certificates
Given to students in each class for students who exemplify the virtues of a good citizen of the school and world.
