Our children, our future

Dear Mike:
At the Rainy River District School Board, when discussing the future of Sturgeon Creek, Crossroads, and Donald Young schools, it was very evident that the director and administration already had made up their mind that the two schools would be closed and a large school built in Emo.
What works in Toronto does not always work for Northern Ontario and our director needs to let the ministry know this instead of accepting everything.
They used very little information given to them by the ARC that came directly off the ministry website. They had their agenda already planned.
The RRDSB needs to look more closely at what has been happening at Crossroads School. And although I cannot speak for Sturgeon Creek, I am sure that many of the same points I am about to give will apply there also.
Mr. Kircher was quoted in the Fort Frances Times as being concerned about the 70-minute bus ride for Fort Frances and Atikokan area. Why was Crossroads not mentioned? There are several JK and SK students that have as long—or longer—rides.
Every reason that the director gave for building a new consolidated school is a reason to keep Crossroads open.
There already are two classrooms for Early Learning, with their own washrooms, large play areas, sinks, and Smartboards. The students interact with the older students on the playground and during weekly “Buddy Reading” time, as well as school activities.
There is an Ojibwe language room and the school always has partnered with Naicatchewenin First Nation to build on and sustain the Ojibwe language programming. A speech program is in place, and internal and external supports could be enhanced.
Crossroads was built only 16 years ago and is wheelchair accessible. The playground is well away from traffic areas. Because of a partnership with local land owners, the school is able to access their land for a cross-country trail, which other schools plus the community uses in all seasons.
There is a very safe loading area because the parking lot is well away from loading areas.
Ms. Campbell seems to think that Emo is the largest area, however, La Vallee, with Dance and Northwest Bay, is very similar to Emo’s population.
Mining should not be considered as a favourable reason to build in Emo as all three municipalities have vacant land for building and everyone does not wish to live right in a larger centre.
Also, there is nothing concrete in mining to base your decision on.
Increasing the distance would increase the time for our children to be on the buses, creating more of a safety hazard for our students.
You would be taking away a well-used and newly-renovated day care, as well as the jobs that go with it.
Money seems to be the driving force, not the welfare of our children. Why, then, are there now two superintendents with declining enrolment? Why is there no vice-principal at Crossroads School?
Why is the grass let grow to over 12 inches before it is cut? Why were repairs not done before the ARC meetings? There are many questions I would like to have answered.
Crossroads School has helped to develop hundreds of intelligent, well-rounded students who have done very well in higher education.
Before making the decision, please come and spend time on the school bus routes and spend some time in the smaller school to see what happens there on a daily basis.
As well, it has been suggested to me that Ms. Campbell speak to Northwest Bay people in Ojibwe and explain to everyone why she wants to close Crossroads School.
If Emo needs a new school, I have no objection, but La Vallee does not need one. We already have one.
You are planning a devastating effect on our communities.
I also wonder if we are living in a democratic society when teachers or workers in the school are not allowed to say anything. They are parents and taxpayers, too. They should be able to voice their opinion without fear for their job.
Thank you for giving me the space to bring much of this information to the attention of those who do not know all that is happening.
Signed,
Freeda Carmody
Devlin, Ont.
(Strong supporter of
keeping Crossroads
School open)