Two new Math 10 courses are called Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 10 (AWM10) and Foundations of Math 10 and Pre-Calculus (FMP10). These courses replace Principles of Math 10, Essentials of Math 10 and Applications of Math 10. DESK will offer both of the new Math 10 courses online starting in September, 2010. You may register for these courses then.

DESK STUDENTS COME IN FIRST 
AT 2010 REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR!

Reece, Abigail and Bryn are all elementary students at DESK. They all recently placed first at the Regional Science Fair in Castlegar! Congratulations to Abigail, Bryn and Reece!

Abigail came in 1^st for Research Grade 4. Her project looked at optical illusions.

Bryn came in 1^st for Experiments Grade 4.  Her experiment tested whether temperature affects the height a bouncy ball bounce.

Reece came in 1^st for Experiments Grade 6 and won the Michael Crooks Physics award for his experiment on the effect of weight on skiing.

Notice to Students in High School!

The Principals and counselors of many of the high schools have suggested we inform you of the educational options that you have with DESK.  In operation since 1989, we are the largest distributed learning program in the Kootenay and Boundary region.   Much of the information you may be interested in can be found at this website.  If you or your son or daughter are considering enrollment in DESK courses, here are some things you should be aware of:

• Students in Grade 10 – 12 may take any DESK course for free.
• Grade 8 & 9 students may take any Grade 10 – 12 course for free.  Language courses are the most popular.
• All Adult students, whether they have graduated or not, can take DESK courses for free.
• Fees of $300 per course for Grade 8 & 9 students taking a Grade 8 & 9 course must be charged to their school or district unless the student is taking his or her full program at DESK.

Students enrolling in DESK should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of taking courses with us. 

Some of the advantages are:

• Self-paced and individualized instruction with subject area specialist teachers.  You’ll have the time to learn at your own pace.
• 12-month school program.  All courses are valid for 1 full year.
• All learning resources are supplied.
• Online courses, print-based correspondence courses, and computer enhanced courses are offered.
• All students get a unique DESK email account with which to maintain communication with their teacher.

Of course, DESK courses also have limitations:

• Each course requires from 100 – 150 hours of work, just like those offered in the schools.  Sometimes students use the self-paced approach to their detriment and do not finish the course.
• There is quite a bit of reading to be done.  Students who struggle with reading may struggle with some of our courses.
• Students needing a teacher to support them regularly in a face-to-face setting will find working at a distance more time consuming.

Our mission is to help create a positive learning experience for all students.  It is important to work closely with your high school in planning for graduation.  We can expand the scheduling options of your school’s timetable.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact DESK.

Phone: (250) 354-4311 or 1-800-663-4614

If you are in grade 10 or up and require a grade 9 course, we can now offer you the needed course while you are registered in grade 10.  Fill in the registration form for grade 10 as described.  Where the registration form asks, "Describe any special learning need" fill in the required grade 9 coure(s).

School District No. 8 - Kootenay Lake

Special Education Review Update

The purpose of the review is to complete a detailed analysis of information gathered and make recommendations to the Board of Education.  The district will ultimately enhance the learning outcomes for our students with special needs.  The district will also communicate these recommendations to the Ministry of Education.

Continuously improving school districts will actively consider and respond to the following three questions, in relation to their work, to improve the success for each student:

What's most important? - Focus

What are we doing about it? - Act

How will we monitor and adjust our work to get improved results?

Staff and Parent Focus Group Questions:

1.  What do you want out of the IEP process?

2.  What does effective collaboration look like?

3.  What can we do to ensure that all students with special needs are treated with respect by staff and students?

4.  What kinds of staff and/or parent learning opportunities do you feel are needed so that an inclusive education can be offered to all students?


A committee was struck on November 25, 2008 and have now reached the point of hosting focus groups to answer the above questions.  The focus groups happen on:

June 3rd - 3:30-4:30 pm, WEG, Winlaw, BK, Mt. Sentinel staff session;

6:00-7:00 pm, parent seesion. 
Location:  Winlaw Elementary

June 4th: 3:15-4:15 pm staff session;

6:00-7:00 pm - parent session.
Location: Crawford Bay School

June 9th: 3:45-4:45 pm, Hume, Redfish, South Nelson, Rosemont, Trafalgar, LVR, Blewett, Central Ed staff session;

6:00-7:00 pm parent session.
Location: Nelson Board Office

June 10th 3:15 - 4:15 pm, Salmo Elementary and Secondary staff session;

6:00-7:00 parent session.
Location: Salmo Secondary

June 11th: 3:15-4:15 pm, JVH and Jewett staff session;

6:00-7:00 pm parent session.
Location JVH School

June 15th: 3:15-4:15 pm, PCSS, Erickson, Canyon/Lister, Yahk, Creston Ed staff session:

6:00-7:00 pm - parent session.
Location: Prince Charles Secondary

Staff and parents are welcome to attend any or all appropriate sessions that fot their schedule.


NOTE - The purpose of this discussion is to help the district move forward with optimizing Special Education services.  This is not the venue to discuss budget constraints or air personal grievances.

DESK is pleased to announce that the Survey of Western Classical Music History 12 is now fully accredited with the Ministry of Education.  Check it out now at:

• Survey of Western Classical Music History 12

Go to the Programs section to find out more....

You can now register and pay your refundable deposits on line. Follow all of the steps as listed in the email which is attached to the registration form.