Early Years

MSD offers Elementary programming from Kindergarten to Grade 5. Our school follows the Manitoba curriculum. Our program provides supportive learning environments and active educational experiences that allow students to achieve success, gain knowledge and develop as global citizens. Students in Early Years have one primary teacher. Co-teaching and cross groupings are done according to subject and skill level. The individual needs of our diverse learners are met by providing innovative and differentiated instruction. Through our unique Bi-modal Program, students are provided with access to instruction through either spoken language or American Sign Language, depending on their individual needs. Our program places a clear emphasis on the language development of our students through field trips, additional language programming, and enriched Options Classes. During Options classes, students have the opportunity to explore drumming, robotics, yoga, computer, American Sign Language and more. We consistently provide a state of the art approach to language and learning that meets the needs of our diverse elementary population.

Middle Years

Middle Years Programming

 

The Middle Years learner has unique needs. As such, MSD offers a  Middle Years program to meet the needs of the whole child, which includes a multidisciplinary team and experiential learning.  Students do not rotate through subject area teachers, but take most of their core subjects with two primary teachers.  Emphasis is placed on the development of social skills, self-awareness and identity while still studying the curriculum developed by Maniotba Education.

 

Students take ICT (Information, Communication, and Technology)  and Physical Education classes three times a cycle.  They also participate in practical arts classes once a cycle.  These rotate throughout the year and could include cooking, sewing, industrial arts, or video production.

 

Manipulative Visual Language

 

MVL is based on principles developed by Maria Montessori combined with an updated spin for Deaf and hard of hearing learners to help crack the code of English.  It is an innovative system which presents the rules of grammar visually enabling students to see, touch and manipulate parts of speech using colorful shapes made of wood or plastic.

 

Roots of Empathy

 

Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom program that reduces aggression and violence and increases pro-social behaviours such as compassion, respect and empathy.  At the time ROE was introduced MSD was the first and only school for the Deaf offering this program!

 

Roots of Empathy is supported by Healthy Child Manitoba and is designed for 4 separate levels: Kindergarten, grades 1-3, 4-6, and 7-8.  ROE is taught by a certified ROE instructor and includes monthly visits with a volunteer BABY and parent(s).  This program is sought after by over 100 schools in Manitoba, as well as nationally and internationally.

 

Science Fair

 

Middle Year’s students participate in a school wide Science Fair. Students work through the process of scientific inquiry with their teacher from developing a hypothesis to reaching a conclusion.  Projects are displayed are judged and then displayed for viewing by parents, staff members and the student body.

Student Parliament

 

Students in Middle Years have the option of participating in Student Parliament.  Student Parliament members work together to plan, promote, and host school sponsored social activities for Middle and Senior Years students.

 

 

Senior Years

Senior Years

MSD offers Senior Years programming for Grades 9 to 12. The school follows the standard provincial curriculum which is developed by Manitoba Education. MSD strives to offer a variety of courses to meet the needs, interests and abilities of students.  Students must achieve 30 credits, or more, during their Grade 9 – 12 years.  The majority of courses at MSD are scheduled based on the semester system, meaning that five courses are taken from September to January, and five different courses are taken from February to June.  Some courses are offered every other day throughout the school year and are referred to as non-semestered courses.  Grade 12 students write the Provincial English Language Arts and Math Standards Tests at the end of their course. 
  
Credit System

 

Beginning in Grade 9, students accumulate credits for courses completed each year.  A total of 30 credits are required for graduation, some of which are compulsory and some of which are electives.  Students are able to register for both half and full credit courses.  Credits are earned when students achieve a passing grade of 50% in a course.  Information can be gained from course numbers:

·        The first number indicates the grade level for the course:

o   Grade 9 – 1

o   Grade 10 – 2

o   Grade 11 – 3

o   Grade 12 – 4

 ·        The second number indicates:

 o   Provincially approved full credit course – 0

 o   Provincially approved half credit course – 5

 o   Approved School Initiated Course – 1

 ·        The letter following the second number indicates the type of course:

 o   Foundations – F

 o   Specialized – S

 o   General – G

So, for example, Science 20F indicates a Grade 10 (2), full credit (0), provincially approved foundations course (F) in Science.

Note that prerequisites for programs at post-secondary institutions may differ from graduation requirements.  It is important to seek accurate information regarding course requirements for specific programs.

 

ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS

·        Distance Learning courses

·        On-line courses

·        Student Initiated Projects

·        Apprenticeship Program

·        Community Service Credit

·        Cultural Exploration Credit

·        Mature Student Program

·        Students are also eligible to register for courses, not offered at 
         MSD,  in St. James high schools depending on availability of space 

GRADUATION
Each year in June, a convocation ceremony is held in the school gym for students in the graduating class.  This is followed by a celebration which is planned by the students with the support of parents and the Grad Advisors.  

Transition after Graduation

The importance of planning for transition to post-secondary education, or to the workforce, following graduation is emphasized throughout the Senior Years.  Students have the opportunity to take the Career Education courses that run from Grade 9 - 12, and most students are encouraged to participate in work experience programs in their Grade 11 or 12 year.  Students are referred to community agencies who can assist with applications for funding, or with establishing training plans.  

Parents are encouraged to play an active role in supporting their child during the investigation of various options and should ensure that their child completes pre-requisites for their desired program of study, which may differ from high school graduation requirements.