United Way Partners With MicroSkills – Etobicoke Guardian
MicroSkills is taking action to provide residents in Rexdale with the resources they need to strengthen their neighbourhood. As they put the finishing touches on their office at 2667 Kipling Ave., MicroSkills hopes to open the Action for Neighbourhood Change (ANC) in Rexdale early this month. Part of the United Way's Building Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy, the ANC seeks to provide residents with the resources and help they need to address concerns they identify in their neighbourhood.
Toronto School Board Thinks Outside The Box – National Post
At the TDSB, a movement is growing for new alternative or specialty schools, which "help retain and attract students." The board currently offers nine arts-focused programs, six sports programs and 11 programs that focus on technology, math, or science. In addition, 37 alternative schools take educational approaches that cater to different types of students. Three other alternative schools will open their doors for the first time in September: The holistic Whole Child School, the much-debated Africentric Alternative School, and the da Vinci school, which puts as much emphasis on physical education and art as on traditional subjects such as math and science.
Hidden City Seen By Young Eyes – Toronto Star
Canon Canada and the City of Toronto are partnering to provide digital photo workshops for youth in the 13 priority neighbourhoods. On completion, they will get a camera to photograph their lives and enter the pictures in a contest. Winners will have their work on display at City Hall next February, published in a book, and will receive an internship with the city's culture division.
Race And Poverty Matter As Early As Grade 3 – Toronto Star
Students who live in poverty or come from certain racial backgrounds are falling behind in school as early as Grade 3, says a survey conducted by Toronto District School Board. The survey found that while there are high achievers from all backgrounds, there is a big overall gap when children are as young as 8. The report finds, "at this early age, there are already differences between the achievement of some children based on student and family background characteristics, with some of the largest gaps" seen among black, Latin American, and Middle Eastern students.