Support remains for alternative means to keep kids in school

Other schools across the region may be feeling the pinch of recent budget cuts, but the West Hants Education Center (WHEC) in Windsor continues to break the mold.

Despite a 40 percent decrease in school board funding, there have been no cuts to programs at WHEC. The experiential high school has found alternative means to educate at risk students this year by thinking outside the box.

Principal Brian Wong said the school has applied for and received more than $13,000 in grants to date. “When our funding was cut, it was time to take action,” Wong said. “The grants have allowed students to be involved in programs directly related to their education but outside of the confines of the school.”

He said despite tough economic times schools need to continue to engage students. “The more we can do to add to the programs available the better.”

Part of the mandate at WHEC is to offer students hand-on learning opportunities through team building and motivational activities -- most of which take place off site.

For example, prior to the Christmas break, students and teachers were able to take a trip to the Tim Hortons Kids Camp. “There are a lot of opportunities out there, it’s just a matter of finding them,” said educational assistant Kim Adams.

Time is the issue

Wong said, however, that teachers and school administrators are all too strapped for time to properly seek funding opportunities. “There is money available, but it takes a lot of time to research grants and apply for them; it’s a long process.”

But it is one that has paid huge dividends for students at WHEC. Just recently the school received $2,500 from the RBC Stay in School Program, which will go directly to after school programs and trips such as adventure programming and orienteering activities. “It’s not just academics that count,” Wong said. “We work to keep kids motivated and positive. They’ve been at risk since they started school.”

The improved phys. ed. program at WHEC includes a new gym and weights room, which Wong said is an important component to education. “We teach students here how to take care of themselves and that includes eating right and exercise, physical fitness is a priority.

Many students utilize that facility outside of regular school hours when Wong also offers Tai Kwan Do lessons as an after school credit.

RBC representative Chad Langille was on hand to present the Stay in School grant Friday, Dec. 12, and said he was thrilled to contribute to students saying in school. “Whatever support we can give to help keep kids in school is something we are very proud of.”

Best investments

In fact, he said more than 50 percent of RBC community investments within Atlantic Canada are directed toward enriching education. “We believe it is one of the best investments a company can make and West Hants Education Centre plays an important role in helping make our community a better place to live, work and raise our families.”

Kids who graduate high school, he said, have a better chance of getting a good paying job in the future, and that is good for the individual, the community, the province and the region as a whole. “In short, we believe helping kids stay in school is an investment with guaranteed returns.”

Those returns have already come to fruition for students at WHEC. Wong said that, in the three years since the school opened, students on the brink of dropping out have, instead, gone on to complete their Grade 12 education. Seven former Grade 11 students will be graduating from either Avon View High or the Adult High School this spring.

Annapolis Valley Regional School Board superintendent Norm Dray was also on hand that afternoon to partake of the schools Christmas dinner.

Having been one of the founding partners, Dray said WHEC is one accomplishment he takes a great deal of pride in. “This program is so exciting. We are thrilled to have a group of kids that may or may not otherwise be in school still working toward their educational goals.”