Hi York Region parents,
Did you know there is a public school dedicated to teaching the arts to elementary school kids. The Arts@Baythorn Arts Specialty program starts in grade 4 and 5.. However - the very popular program - located at Baythorn school (Yonge & Royal Orchard) is in danger of being closed down. The York Region board is evaluating doing this over the next 2 months. Please speak out against this so we have the option to send our kids to this unique arts program in the future. Every kid learns differently. At Baythorn the arts are interwoven into the core curriculum to help teach kids all the core subjects as well as pursue their talents in music, dance, theatre, etc.

An Arts education is extremely important to build a well rounded, creative child. You may have a future Mozart or Keren Kain... If we dont save it, the only way we can have this option to nurture these abilities in our child is expensive private lessons or to move to Toronto - which has the last - very competitive- elementary level arts specialty program (Claude Watson School for the Arts - Toronto's public school arts program).

As a child and high school student, I attended Claude Watson, and it was an amazing enriched experience going to school with talented dancers, musicians (picture classical and jazz being played down the school hallways), regular art exhibits, professional level theatre. (Sarah Polley was a classmate)...My sister also went and is now a PhD professor in theatre, teaching in the UK.
I would like my kids to have the same opportunity, and I think you would appreciate the option too.

Please see this page to sign the petition. Also Email your elected school board trustee - who will be voting on this issue.

http://www.yrdsb.edu....

http://savebaythorn.w...


Adina