Parents check out academies

Photo: Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club

School District 22 has partnered with the Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club to provide a rowing academy.

Parents gathered at Kalamalka Secondary School this week to hear about various specialized learning opportunities for students in School District No. 22.

Some 140 parents attended the event that had information on academies and specialized programs include swimming and baseball academies, as well as apprenticeship and forestry programs.

New in 2018 is the rowing academy, a partnership with Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club.

The goal of the rowing academy is to give academic athletes an opportunity to use a wide range of boat sizes, develop teamwork, trust, personal challenge and discipline while providing a mechanism that facilitates weekday rowing training that does not disrupt class schedules.

“My son has been rowing for a year and half. We’re here to see how he can do something he really enjoys, and still get an education,” said one parent.

Supt. Joe Rogers welcomed the parents in attendance telling them he was pleased to “share some of the innovative programs we are offering around the district.”

“We are able to offer many of these programs thanks to great partnerships with community organizations, such as The Vancouver Whitecaps, Vernon Golf & Country Club, RCMP, Sovereign Nordic, Vernon Ski Club and Silverstar Freestyle Club.”

School District No. 22 academies enhance the traditional curriculum for students motivated to strengthen their skills and improve their abilities in specialized programs. Students participating in Academies will receive specialized instruction and learning opportunities that increase student engagement and success.

More information on the programs can be found online.