Using tech to organize our thoughts and show our thinking. Book Creator demo

Sagonaska Using iMovie

A small group of students (Quinten, Mason, Noah, and Thomas) displayed their tech. skills in the creation of short video capturing some of the best moments of Sag in 2018. For many weeks these students have captured pictures and short videos with their devices, and transferred them to iMovie to create a collage. Students developed their understanding sound editing by capturing interviews, and seamlessly adding them to the underlying track of the video beautifully. Not only do these iMovie skills open avenues of opportunities these student will use for culminating assignments next semester, but it allows them to be creative in displaying their school pride.

Here is a link to the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwNHxip3_3Q&feature=youtu.be

Sagonaska Student Review Meetings

Over the next few weeks each of our students will be presenting at their fall review meetings.  This is an opportunity for students and Sagonaska staff to share their progress with parents and home school teachers and administrators.  For most kids, presenting in front of a group of adults can be a daunting and fearful task.  Students provide support to each other by taking the time to openly acknowledge obstacles and find strategies for success together.

Student Voice - Sag Spoken Word YouTube video

These are the incredibly powerful voices of last year's grade 9 students.  Too many LD students feel silenced.  Enjoy what our strong, confident students have to say.  Feel free to share and inspire others to let their voices be heard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON_t9MYWU4c&t=29s

First Year First Impressions

We just finished the first full week of school, and we thought it would be nice to hear what some of our first year students had to say about their time so far at Sagonaska.  (We know what the second years would say... they LOVE it... that's why they are back!)  Read below to hear what some of our newbies had to say!

"It was scary the first few days, but now its getting better.  I really like it and it's helping me learn already!" Holly, Grade 6

"I have only been here for not even two weeks and I'm already starting to improve.  I've already moved up a level so I'm really excited!" Zoey, Grade 7

"I feel like I'm already learning how to read!" Ella, Grade 7

"It's a really good school." Nathan, Grade 7

"It's one of the best things out there for kids with LDs.  And you learn a lot too." Lyndsey, Grade 7

"It is awesome!" Carter, Grade 7

"It's been good so far." Ryan, Grade 6

"It's a really good school.  You learn a lot.  And the teachers let you use Mindcraft!" Landon, Grade 5

"I found it very fun and not as boring as I thought it would be.  I've actually learned a lot in the short time I've been here." Cody, Grade 7

""It's a good school." Logan, Grade 6

"I love it." James, Grade 7

"The friendly atmosphere is really nice.  It's not as nerve wracking as being in a big class." Nikolas, Grade 8

"It's been really welcoming.  All the people are really nice.  Everything is really cool.  And it's fun." Hannah, Grade 8

"It's very inviting." Tyler, Grade 8

"It's been very good and I like it here. Everyone is welcoming and very nice.  And I wish this wasn't just a one or two year school.  I wish it was a forever school." Jordan, Grade 8

"It was very fun.  There was a lot of learning.  And I'm definitely coming back for the third week." Josh, Grade 8

"It's been pretty good.  It's been a lot of fun.  Residence is amazing!" Naomi, Grade 9

"I've been enjoying everything.  The best part is the dorm.  They keep you busy!" Martin, Grade 9

"I really like the residence and the learning.  I know my reading is going to get better." Cameron, Grade 9

Me-To-We

Earlier this year, a group of our students had the opportunity to attend the Me-To-We Concert in Toronto.  One of our students, Chris N, took it upon himself to create a video documenting the experience.  I will let Chris explain to you the purpose of the event and share some of the amazing performers our students saw through the media piece he created.

BYOD - Quest Conference Presentation

Once again, a team of staff members headed out last week to share the exciting, progressive work that is being done at Sagonaska with other teachers and educators at a conference.  The conference this time was the impressive, Quest, hosted by York Region District School Board.  The theme of the conference this year was "Deep Learning in a Digital World" and local and international participants came together to consider a dynamic cultural shift in teaching and learning strategies that will help ensure students are prepared for post-secondary learning and changing employment environments.

Sagonaska's team shared a presentation called "Beyond BYOD - How Fluent Use of Personal Devices Shifts Past Engagement to Deep Learning" and although the staff lead the workshop, it was the videos and the voice of the students that inspired all the participants.  We shared examples of how we are teaching our students to first become literate and then fluent with their devices, in order for them to share their learning in transformational ways.  We know that technology use is essential for our students with Learning Disabilities to share with the world what their true capabilities.

If you have a Drop Box account, you can scan the QR Code above and view the presentation as a PDF (unfortunately the videos will not play) but I have included one of our favourite clips from the presentation.  Watch the video below and see what our students think about a Bring Your Own Device policy and what it means to them.

Two Month Reflections

Twice a year our students have meetings to review their progress and discuss their transition back to their home schools.  In the fall, these meetings are generally teacher-led, but the students do have an opportunity to demonstrate their growth in both reading and technology use and reflect on their time thus far at Sagonaska.  In the spring, these meetings are student-led and the focus is on the student advocating for what they need to be in place for them in their regular school in order to be successful. 

The first round of review meetings are happening right now, and our students are sharing some very positive and honest messages about how Sagonaska is different from their home school.  I asked the students to write down their thoughts about Sag to share with prospective students and families that may be interested in the program.  Here is what some of our secondary students had to say:

Haley

Sagonaska is different than my home school, because I get extra help with my work and a better understanding of everything I am learning. The teachers at Sagonaska also get to know you a lot better than other teachers would.

Some positive changes I have noticed about myself is that I am a lot more confident and my reading has improved a ton. Some things I like about Sagonaska are all the teachers and staff. They are all really friendly and want you to improve in your subjects. One major challenge about attending a res school is not seeing my family and friends everyday.

Janine

Something different about my old school and Sag is I use my technology in school and the class sizes are smaller. Some changes I've noticed in myself is that I am more confident at school and I can self advocate better. I feel able to ask for help when I need it. I like Sagonaska because I can use in technology in class.

One of the challenges from being at a residential school is being away from home.

Jake

Compared to my old school, we use more technology here at Sagonaska. I think I’ve changed since being here because now I hang out with people and I'm less shy. I like the teachers and the counselors because they help me and push me to learn. It's more independent and fun.

Amber

Sagonaska is different from my home school because Sag helps me go back to basics and the teachers actually care about if you don't get it and they help. I’m really excited and happy to be going up in my reading level. I like that I’m getting to know everyone better and that I’m getting help with my LD. One of the challenges of being at a residential school is that I miss my friends at home.

Kayla

I really like it here at Sag because I use all of the tech because it really helps me. I also like the really nice teachers because I feel like they understand me. I also have made a lot of friends. I like all of the things that we have done inside of class and outside of class in residence. I feel that at the end of the year it is going to benefit me in the long run and help me for the future. I also love how the classes are smaller so I can get all the help that I need here at Sag.

Josh

Sagonaska Is different than my home school because it helps me to learn how to use my tech more. I am helping people out more with tech if I know how to do it. I really like that being here makes you more independent. One downside is that you are away from your family for a week.

Let's Talk About LDs

Once again, we would like to share a video made by one of our students who was asked to create a presentation about learning disabilities to share with the resource teachers back in her home board. Watch the video below to see one of our second year students, Megan, speak eloquently and with exceptional insight into what it is like to be diagnosed with a learning disability and the strategies and tools that have helped her to persevere! Megan is an incredible example of resiliency and we hope her words will inspire and motivate other students who learn differently to advocate for what they need to be successful.

All About Tessa

Twice a year at Sagonaska, home school boards and families are invited to attend review/transition meetings to see first-hand the progress our students are making, learn more about the supports and strategies that are being used, and hear the students advocate for what needs to be in place when they return to their home schools, in order for them to be successful.  Our students spend a lot of time preparing pamphlets, videos, presentations, etc. to share with everyone at the meetings, in order to capture their strengths and needs as learners.  Schools and families are always impressed at how well our students can articulate their needs and advocate for themselves.  As a result, we have had several requests for students to present to groups of teachers or educators about what it is like to have a Learning Disability and how teachers can accommodate their needs.  Tessa, one of our second year students, created this video to share with a group of in-school resource teachers at her home school board, Hastings Prince Edward District School Board.  She also answered questions about life at Sagonaska and responded to inquiries about the different programs she uses on both her mobile device and her SEA laptop.  We are so proud of what Tessa has accomplished and how well she can advocate for herself.  Check out her video and feel free to ask questions through the comment section of the blog.

Top Ten - Secondary Perspective

This is the final installment of a project our secondary students worked on which is meant to offer prospective students insight into life at Sagonaska. It was collaborative project, written by our students using Google Docs.  Please enjoy reading the top ten things our high school students like about Sagonaska.

The Top 10 Things Current Students Like About Sagonaska:

1. The counsellors are helpful during homework hour
2. More one-on-one time and small classes make it better for learning
3. We have more freedom with our technology here - we’re allowed to use it in class to help us and we’re encouraged/forced to use new forms of technology and apps
4. If we’re stressed the teachers help us, and it’s okay to fidget or have stress balls around. Teachers are used to kids fidgeting and moving around and understand ADD and  AD/HD
5. Feeling accepted and safe - knowing that everyone knows what its like to have an LD
6. It’s comforting here - it doesn't matter who you are, you will always make friends here
7. The school is loveable! Students really get to know the counsellors and their teachers and are close with them
8. Having the experience of living away from parents
9. Ski and snowboard trips every week - in residence there is always something going on and options to do things and you do a lot with the school - trying new things that are different than at other schools like a high ropes course, using the green screen
10. Being able to earn things like your off-campus

THE DAILY ROUTINE - Secondary Perspective

The following is the second installment of a project our secondary students worked on which is meant to offer prospective students insight into life at Sagonaska. It was collaborative project, written by our students using Google Docs.  Please enjoy reading what a day at Sagonaska is like from our high school students' perspective. 

THE DAILY ROUTINE:

MORNING:

N - An average day at Sag. for me is: I wake up and then we have food made for us.  We then come to school, which is on the campus, about 2 minutes from residence.             

D – You can wake up at any time, you just have to be out the door by 8:30 am. Breakfast is cooked by the morning counselor.  If you wish to have a shower in the morning, you can, but you also can have one at night before bed.

DURING SCHOOL:

N - During school hours, we come in and get to work.  The work here starts off really easy, then gets harder as the year progresses.  Most of the work we are doing now, personally, makes me mad because I am easy to confuse.       

D - We have small classes, which allows us to get more one-on-one time with the teacher.

D - We have a full-time technology advisor, Mr. Mortaley.  If we have a problem with technology, he can fix it.

N -  Mr. Mortaley named my pet fish, Mr. Mortaley. He is very approachable.

J - In the morning, you go to Student Health Services at 8 am (if you need to), then head over to the gym.  At 9:20 am, we head back over to the school.  We have classes from 10 am to 11 am.  At 11 am, we go over to the cafeteria and eat their food.  When we are all finished, we walk back to the school and hang out outside till 12 pm.  We have classes from 12 pm to 1:40 pm.  Then at 1:40 pm, we have a snack, usually Ms. Halliday bakes us something like muffins or nachos.  Sometimes, she makes really good smoothies or hot chocolate too.  Then at 2 pm, we go back to class until the end of the day.

AFTER SCHOOL:

J - At 3:00 pm, our residence counselors bring us back to residence (unless we have an outing after supper, then we do homework right after school).  In residence, usually all of the girls sit around the island in the kitchen and talk about the day.  In the fall and spring, we usually go outside.  At 5:00 pm, we go over to the cafeteria and eat supper.

D - After school, we do our homework and then Lexia (online reading program), once we are done our homework.  

N - We have an hour for homework every night; we can use technology (i.e. Dragon and Kurzweil) to help us with our work.  In residence, we have a 30 minute cool down period, then we are free to do what we want until supper.

K - Residence life is where you will live for your year at Sag.  We have counselors who take care of us while we are on campus.  In my residence, we have three counselors in the day and one at night.  The one at night will check up on us while we are sleeping.  He makes us breakfast in the morning too.  The counselors will push us to do our homework and we get in trouble if we do not do it (we have to go to our room if we don’t get our homework done).  In the morning, I like to sleep in a little, wake up, eat and then leave.

N -  Our residence counselors also take us to the ski hill weekly to ski and snowboard.    

D - Some students will get their off-campus.  This means that they are allowed to go in the town of Belleville for a time period and a certain distance from the school.  There are three levels: Luc’s is the first level, which just a convenience store down the street, the next level is Giant Tiger, which is about a 10-minute walk from the school, and the final level is the Quinte Mall, which is about a half an hour walk, but this level allows you to go other places (for example Walmart and Canadian Tire).

K - You need to earn your off-campus with trust though.  

M - The biggest things I’m going to miss here are residence experience, school (the class sizes), and the Belleville skate park. There are two ways you’re allowed to leave the school and go to the store to buy something: you can walk with a counselor or you can get your off-campus, which allows you to go with a friend.   

A Day In The Life - Secondary Perspective

A Day in the Life of a Sagonaska Secondary Student

The following is meant to offer prospective students insight into what a day in the life of a Sagonaska student is like, as written by our students. We worked on the document together using Google Docs. Students were all able to add to the document at the same time as we discussed the pros and cons of life as a Sag student! Once we started, our students found they had so much information to share that we decided to split it up into three installments! The first gives a general overview of life at Sagonaska. Stay tuned for more after the March Break!

J - Being here is like a roller coaster; it has its ups and definitely has its downs, but in the end you're happy that you went on the beautiful and terrifying ride.  When you come here, you meet amazing new people - great teachers, counsellors, students, etc.  I've met my some of my closest friends here.  But Sagonaska is only a one-year program and everyone that comes here are from across Ontario.  At the end of the year on recognition day, it will most likely be the last time you see a majority of the people you’ve been living with for the past year, and it’s terrifying.  But the education you gain is amazing; you learn so much from being here.  The teachers work extremely hard to make sure the students are learning.  I've never seen teachers care about my education as much as they do here.  They really want us to succeed.  The residence counsellors can be very strict and they always follow the rules, which is good and bad, but they do it because they care.

K - One day at Sag. is not like your normal school day; everyday something different is going to happen.  At Sag., there is more help than you will get at a normal school (lots of one-on-one support). The teachers will understand that you have an LD and will consider that when they are marking your work.

N - Some good things about this school are the small classes (not too many people) and there are lots of things to do here.  The school program has helped us all quite a bit and the classes are usually fun, unless we are doing exams, tests, essays, or quizzes.  Some challenges about this school are that we live in such close quarters with each other, so it’s difficult to get mad at someone.  I think that Sag. is a very unique school and it is a privilege to be here because not everyone gets to come to this school.  Now, I do think this school has flaws like, the food at the cafeteria, and sometimes it feels like there is a lack of freedom because you live and go to school on campus.

What Our Students Think You Should Know

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about learning disabilities, even within the educational world.  If you read the most recent definition of learning disabilities that was released in August of this year by Ontario's Ministry of Education, you will see that students that have been diagnosed with a learning disability have at least average intellectual abilities.  

A person's learning disability affects their ability to perceive or process verbal or non-verbal information which can result in difficulties in academic subjects and skills or possibly with social interactions as well. For whatever reason, the brain of a person with a learning disability is wired differently than others and neurologists are learning more about it all the time. At Sagonaska we spend a lot of time helping our students to understand what it means to have a learning disability and we teach them to recognize and capitalize on their strengths to advocate for themselves.  We prefer to think of our students as learning differently, not learning disabled. 

We asked our students to share some insight with their future teachers about what it is like to have a learning disability and how they can help students like them in their classrooms.  Please read and hear straight from our students how we can better prepare and reach these students in our classrooms.