teaching
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YCDSB 2025-2026 Budget Consultation: A Parent’s Perspective on Funding Priorities
Introduction The York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) is conducting its 2025-2026 budget consultation to seek input from parents, students, and community members regarding funding priorities. The budget consultation survey allows stakeholders to indicate whether resources should be increased, maintained, or decreased in key areas that impact student learning, school operations, and educational outcomes. As a parent and an active member of…
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Why Some Schools Have Cooling Issues & What Can Be Done About It
Many schools struggle with overheated classrooms, especially during the spring and summer months when temperatures rise. While heating systems are a standard feature in schools, air conditioning and cooling solutions are not always provided, leading to hot and uncomfortable learning environments for students and staff. At my son’s school, classroom overheating has been a major issue, especially in the warmer months. As Catholic School…
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High School Transition Guide for YCDSB Parents & Students
📌 Transitioning from elementary to high school is a big step for students and parents. This guide provides practical tips, key information, and important resources to help students adjust to their new learning environment and succeed in their first year of high school at YCDSB. 📍 What to Expect in High School ✔ New Learning Environment – Larger schools, multiple…
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The Difference Between Accommodations and Modifications in an IEP
For parents navigating the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process, understanding the difference between accommodations and modifications is essential. These two terms determine how your child learns and what they are expected to learn in school. Confusing the two can lead to inappropriate support, which may impact your child’s progress, self-confidence, and future educational opportunities. In this blog, we’ll cover: ✔ What are accommodations? ✔ What are…
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The Next Major School Transition for Autistic Students: Challenges & Support Strategies in Grades 7-9
Why the Transition to Grades 7-9 Is Challenging for Autistic Students For autistic students, transitioning from Grade 6 to 7 (middle school) or Grade 8 to 9 (high school) is one of the biggest shifts in their education journey. This transition brings new academic pressures, increased social expectations, and a change in routine—all of which can be difficult for…
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Challenges Faced by Autistic Students in Grade 3: A Critical Transition Year
For autistic students, every school year brings its own set of challenges, but Grade 3 is often one of the most difficult transitions. It’s a year where academic expectations, social demands, and independence increase significantly, making it harder for autistic children to navigate school successfully. In this article, we will explore: ✔ Why Grade 3 is a critical transition…
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YCDSB’s Multi-Year Financial Recovery Plan: What Parents Need to Know
The York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) has recently approved a Multi-Year Financial Recovery Plan (MYFRP) to address a $10.5 million deficit for the 2024-25 school year. This plan aims to balance the budget by 2026-27, ensuring the long-term financial stability of the board. However, several cost-cutting measures—including the discontinuation of literacy intervention programs—have raised concerns among parents and educators. In this…
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Understanding the Impact of Discontinuing YCDSB’s Intensive Literacy Intervention Teacher (ILIT) Program
The York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) has recently approved a Multi-Year Financial Recovery Plan (MYFRP) to address budgetary challenges. A significant component of this plan is the discontinuation of the Intensive Literacy Intervention Teacher (ILIT) program, a decision that has raised concerns among educators and parents alike. Overview of the ILIT Program The ILIT program was designed to provide…
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Understanding YCDSB School Policies: What Parents Need to Know
The York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) has a set of school policies and regulations that guide how schools operate, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and effective learning environment for all students. Whether you’re a new parent or have children already enrolled in a YCDSB school, understanding these policies can help you navigate the education system, advocate for your child, and stay informed about…
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How School Boundaries and Transfers Work in YCDSB: A Parent’s Guide
Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and understanding school boundaries and transfer policies in the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) can help parents make informed choices. Whether you’re enrolling your child for the first time, moving to a new neighborhood, or considering a school transfer, this guide covers everything you need to know…
Yan Zhou on Catholic Education & Advocacy 