Toronto, ON, October 17, 2008 – Beginning next September, students at Eastern Commerce CI will begin and end their school day a little later than other high school students. Eastern was announced as a “late-start school” after extensive school and community consultation. The announcement highlights the TDSB’s commitment to offering a variety of choices to meet the needs of its students and parents.
The new schedule is based on research that supports a later start time as a way to help some students be more successful. “The research is very compelling,” said Ward 15 Toronto-Danforth Trustee Cathy Dandy, who introduced the concept of a late-start school at the TDSB last Fall. “Studies have shown that students are more alert and attentive later in the morning and afternoon and that more sleep can contribute to better grades,” she continued.
TDSB Research staff will be working closely with the school to examine the impact of the Late Start on student success indicators such as attendance and credit accumulation, which will help to refine and improve the program over time.
The late-start concept is yet another option available to parents and students in the city. “We’re very proud of the diversity of choice our school board offers,” said School Superintendent Jill Worthy. “This provides one more option to help our students succeed.”
Worthy said that students, parents, staff, and community provided valuable input in the process to identify a school and develop the schedule. The school will begin at 10:00 am every morning from Monday to Thursday and end at 4:13 pm. Students follow a modified schedule on Fridays.
Eastern Commerce CI is a school that is committed to high standards in academics, athletics and student leadership, nurtured in an inclusive, respectful, multicultural environment. Located just east of downtown Toronto near the Donlands subway station on the TTC’s Bloor-Danforth line, the school is easily accessible for students. It boasts partnership programs with George Brown and Ryerson University, in addition to a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities, including basketball teams that have earned national recognition. The school has a number of unique programs and course offerings designed to engage students and encourage the development of leadership skills.
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For more information, please contact:
Kelly Baker
Communications and Public Affairs
Toronto District School Board
416-395-2721
kelly.baker@tdsb.on.ca