[community] Integrated Kindergarten Program Petition

[Mitchell, Jess]

It seems the Bloorview Integrated Kindergarten Program is facing closure due to decreased enrollment — consider helping them out! A petition on change.org<http://change.org> has been started here https://www.change.org/p/keep-the-bloorview-integrated-kindergarten-program-open?recruiter=707375924&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink and you can find various links to news articles and more information about the program below.

Best,
Jess


<https://www.change.org/p/keep-the-bloorview-integrated-kindergarten-program-open?recruiter=707375924&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink>









<https://www.change.org/p/keep-the-bloorview-integrated-kindergarten-program-open?recruiter=707375924&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink>
Keep the Bloorview Integrated Kindergarten Program Open.
The Integrated Kindergarten Program at Bloorview is a unique program. The composition of the students is design...






From: Paul Alcamo <pajalcamo at yahoo.com<mailto:pajalcamo at yahoo.com>>

April 10, 2017
Hello Families and Friends of the Integrated Kindergarten Program

I want to thank you all for the kind words and good wishes expressed to us in support of raising awareness of and enrolment for the IKP.  The numerous testimonials sent to us were clearly written with a great deal of affection for the experience your child had while in our care.  The class had run for 21 years supporting our students and continually growing in our attempts to create friendship, understanding and self advocacy between children of all abilities.  We also created some joyous and unforgettable learning opportunities along the way.

Our administration, after noting the decline in enrolment, has decided that it is best to close the program for next year.  There is a hope that they will review the model and approach other levels of government for support.  It is my sincere desire that we find a way to continue.

This chapter of the IKP now comes to a close at the end of the 2016-2017 school year.  Hopefully, our message of inclusion in an era that so desperately needs it  will be conveyed to those on which our future depends.

Again,  my deepest thanks to all for one of the most wonderful experiences of my life.
Paul
For more information about IKP: http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/ics/Laboratory_School/About_the_School/Integrated_Kindergarten_Program_at_Holland_Bloorview.html
[http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/ics/UserFiles/Image/New-banner-March-2013.jpg]<http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/ics/Laboratory_School/About_the_School/Integrated_Kindergarten_Program_at_Holland_Bloorview.html>

ICS :: Integrated Kindergarten Program at Holland ...<http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/ics/Laboratory_School/About_the_School/Integrated_Kindergarten_Program_at_Holland_Bloorview.html>
www.oise.utoronto.ca<http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/>
Celebrating a 20-year partnership between Dr. Eric Jackman Laboratory School (University of Toronto) and Bloorview School Authority: the Integrated Kindergarten ...


As many of you have heard, we have been facing a decrease in enrollment for the program from the Lab School. We are hoping that this short video and social media will draw more attention to this wonderful program. Please feel free to share the links above via Twitter and other social media outlets!

An example of a great “tweet”…
Now THIS is Kindergarten! @SusanHayGlobal <https://twitter.com/SusanHayGlobal> ‏featuring the Integrated Kindergarten Program @BloorviewSchool (http://globalnews.ca/video/3331302/a-friend-is-a-friend-regardless-of-abilities). Now accepting students from the community via @JackmanICS. Check out (http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/ics/Laboratory_School/About_the_School/Integrated_Kindergarten_Program_at_Holland_Bloorview.html) for more info #FDK #inclusiveeducation #buildingempathy #inquirybasededucation