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18 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday February 6, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com EDUCATION Choosing the right after-school program Learn why Glenburnie School is right for your child Glenburnie School offers a progressive academic program of studies with a strong focus on the arts, physical education, and information technology. Glenburnie's innovative, childcentred co-ed programming is offered for students from PK (3 years of age) to Grade 8. We focus on excellence, task commitment, and skill development in a caring, supportive atmosphere, where students are encouraged to achieve their own personal best. Our progressive, challenging program offers skill development in reading, writing, mathematics, and science and technology in an enriched environment. Communication and the development of critical thinking skills are priorities at Glenburnie School. Our Information Technology Program utilizes state-of-the-art Smart Boards, two computer labs, and computers in all classrooms. Programs such as economics, time management, C.O.R.T. Thinking, emotional intelligence, and gifted education are integrated with formal studies to fully prepare each student for the future. Studies encompass physical education, intramural and varsity sports, and an excellent arts program, including music, fine arts, and drama. www.glenburnieschool.com Not all after-school programs are the same, and some are far more beneficial than others. Though price understandably comes into play for many parents, the following things should be considered as well. · Quality of staff: A worthwhile after-school program will boast a qualified staff of experienced professionals. Staffers at after-school programs should not be just overpaid babysitters. Instead, inquire about what types of training and education the staff has had. In addition to qualifications, ask about program enrollment and the ratio of staff to children. A ratio that is too great will reduce the effectiveness of the staff, regardless of their qualifications. · Resources: While a good staff can certainly be a program's greatest resource, inquire about other resources as well. These can include libraries for kids' homework help and playgrounds and sports equipment to encourage children to exercise. A lack of resources should raise questions about what it is you'll be paying for. · Location: How close is the program to where you work? In case of emergency, you'll want quick access to your child. Also, a program that is far away from home will require a long drive once you pick your child up, eventually costing you ample quality time you could be spending at home. It's best to find a program close to home, so your child can spend time at the after-school program with fellow classmates and friends. · Curriculum: Some after-school programs provide a curriculum that includes trips to museums, zoos or local parks. Such programs are beneficial, as they provide fun ways for children to extend learning beyond the classroom. Also, certain programs work with local schools to make sure kids are on the right track with their studies and homework. · Additional fees: Since the workday can be hectic at times, inquire as to extra fees, such as the cost of picking your child up late. Some programs charge a dollar for each minute a parent is late picking up their child. Also, some might allow children to be dropped off before school, but charge an additional fee (be it a blanket fee you pay in advance, or a standard fee you'll pay each time you need early drop off). Inquire beforehand to avoid any surprises. · Partial programs: More and more, parents are finding their employers adaptable with respect to working from home. Still, most companies prefer if employees working from home make the trek to the office at least once per week. If your schedule only requires you be in the office a day or two each week, try to find a program that doesn't charge full price for kids who don't attend every day. Because programs can be very expensive, this could save parents a lot of money. (MS) Oakville Independent Schools Open House Saturday, February 9 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find the right school for your child Oakville is home to an impressive selection of independent preschools, elementary schools and high schools. Each school is committed to providing students with a unique and high quality education with a strong academic foundation, small class sizes and personal attention. Visit the schools and discover what each has to offer. Find out which one is right for your child. Children can learn a lot at the library The neighborhood library, with its seemingly endless rows of books and tons of printed material, can be a literary wonderland for children. But the Dewey Decimal System and navigating the ways of the library aren't the only lessons to be learned there. There are several lessons to be learned at the library, many of which go beyond reading and writing. That's why children should be encouraged to visit the library early on in life. Many libraries will issue a library card as soon as a child is able to write his or her name. Here are some of the interesting things a child can grasp from library visits. Responsibility: Possession of a library card allows a child to take out books, and also requires him or her to return them on time. This is a great lesson in itself, offering independence to youngsters with accountability. Continued on Page 21 Chisholm Educational Centre We help kids overcome learning difficulties Appleby College Grades 7 - 12 540 Lakeshore Rd. W. (905) 845-4681 fax: (905) 845-9505 www.appleby.on.ca e-mail: enrol@appleby.on.ca Chisholm High School Grades 9 - 12 1484 Cornwall Rd. (905) 844-3240 fax: (905) 844-7321 www.chisholmcentre.com e-mail: info@chisholmcentre.com Dearcroft Montessori Preschool - Grade 8 1167 Lakeshore Rd. E. (905) 844-2114 www.dearcroft.com www.westwindms.com e-mail: dearcroft@primus.ca new September '08 home of West Wind Montessori Fern Hill School Preschool - Grade 8 Oakville Campus 3300 Ninth Line Rd. (905) 257-0022 www.fernhillschool.com also Burlington Campus 801 North Service Rd. Glenburnie School Preschool - Grade 8 2035 Upper Middle Rd. E. (905) 338-6236 fax: (905) 338-2654 www.glenburnieschool.com e-mail: admin@glenburnieschool.com King's Christian Collegiate Grades 9 to 12 528 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W. (905) 257-5464 www.kingschristian.net e-mail:sroebbelen@kingschristian.net MacLachlan College Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 337 Trafalgar Rd. (905) 844-0372 fax: (905) 844-9369 www.maclachlan.ca e-mail: registrar@maclachlan.ca Oakville Christian School est. 1982 JK - Grade 8 112 Third Line (905) 825-1247 ext. 221 fax: (905) 825-3398 www.ocsonline.org e-mail: ocsadmissions@ocsonline.org Rotherglen School Primary Campus JK - Grade 1 2045 Sixth Line (905) 338-3528 Elementary Campus Grade 1 to Grade 8 2050 Neyagawa Blvd. (905) 849-1897 www.rotherglen.com St. Mildred'sWildwood Academy Grades 2 to 8 Lightbourn School 2250 Sheridan Garden Dr. JK - Grade 12 1080 Linbrook Rd. (905) 845-2386 fax: (905) 845-4799 www.smls.on.ca e-mail: info@smls.on.ca (905) 829-4226 fax: (905) 829-2318 www.wildwoodacademy.com e-mail: admin@wildwoodacademy.com Please call to arrange an interview.