What is Student Success?
The Student Success Teacher (SST) at Stouffville District Secondary School works collaboratively with teachers and our two CYWs to support and facilitate the acquisition of credits for the struggling student by working to help keep students on track for graduation.
Working as a team, which consists of the SST, Guidance, Administration, Alternative Education, Child and Youth Care Workers, and Literacy, we strive to identify individual supports and interventions for at-risk and in-risk students. This team collaborates to initiate program and/or pathway changes, advocate for students, track progress, and liaise with board staff and community partners in support of both academic, and mental health and well-being. The classroom teacher remains the curriculum expert, and he or she will ultimately evaluate and assess the student.
The Student Success Teacher also works to support the transition of students to high school. Working with Guidance and Administration, the SST collaborates with Elementary partners to facilitate a smooth and successful transition to their new environment, both prior to entering high school and throughout their first year.
How do I access Student Services?
If you need help managing a class or classes at SDSS, your classroom teacher should always be your starting point. They can help make a referral to Student Success when needed. If you are experiencing academic difficulties in multiple courses, or if you have concerns regarding your child's social/emotional well-being that may be affecting their learning and achievement, please contact the Student Success office.
Teacher: L. Taccone
CYW: D. Roundi
CYW: A. Cox
Student Success Initiatives
- Student Mentoring / Advocacy / Leadership
- Direct Instruction
- Peer Mentoring
- Grade 8 to 9 Transition Supports, Grade 9 Day, Camp Green Acres
- Grade 9-12 Program & Pathway Supports
- Credit Rescue & Recovery
- Tracking and Monitoring of Student Achievement
- Student of the Month Character Award
- Junior Cohort - pathways to success supports
- Senior Cohort - pathways to success supports
Study Skills
Learning Skills and Work Habits are one of the biggest indicators of a successful student. Developing effective Study Skills will help ensure that students are on the right path to earning the marks and skills needed for success in the student's chosen pathway.
With the semestered timetable it becomes increasingly important for students to practice good study and work habits as they learn to manage multiple courses with converging timelines. Culminating tasks and unit assessments often fall within the same timeframes, forcing students to balance school expectations with home and extra-curricular needs. It is very important to ensure that your notes are up-to-date and that you have handed in all assignments in a timely fashion. Talk to your teachers if you are unsure. It is important to be organized throughout the semester so that notes and binders are in order when time for exam preparation arrives. Use this link below to review tips and strategies for successful study skills.
The Leadership Network: Peer Leadership and Mentoring
Peer mentoring is an important part of our transition planning for students. Starting in Grade 8, student leaders in grades 11 and 12 begin to forge partnerships with our incoming students. They lead students through team building activities, guided tours of the high school, question and answer sessions, and much more. Our leaders support Grade 9 day activities and culminate in the Spartan Games, held at Camp Green Acres. Peer mentoring doesn't stop there. Stouffville's Network of Leaders support grade 9 students throught their year of firsts: study skills, exams, mental health activities, getting involved, and so much more!
Applications to join the Leadership Network are now closed for the year.
Looking for a senior student to mentor to connect with your child on a weekly or bi-weekly basis? Please complete the Request for Peer Mentor form.
Student of the Month: Character in Action
Each month SDSS will focus on one of ten character traits. Teachers will nominate students who they feel have fully demonstrated the designated trait through their actions both inside and outside of the school. We strive to recognize students from all grades and pathways.
Students of the Month will be awarded a certificate outlining this achievement and are recognized in our school's weekly newsletter, Spartan Speaks. This is considered to be an amazing accomplishment for all who are recognized!
What is Character Development?
"Character development is the deliberate effort to nurture the universal attributes upon which schools and communities find consensus. These attributes provide a standard for behaviour against which we hold ourselves accountable. They permeate all that happens in schools. They bind us together across the lines that often divide us in society. They form the basis of our relationships and of responsible citizenship. They are a foundation for excellence and equity in education, and for our vision of learning cultures and school communities that are respectful, safe, caring and inclusive. Excellence in education includes character development. Through character, we find common ground." - Finding Common Ground; Character Development in Ontario Schools, K-12, 2008.
Character Matters is one approach that York Region Schools use to create and support a positive climate for learning and working.
Peer Tutoring
We currently do not have any peer tutoring available. This initiative is being reviewed in hopes of being able to re-start for semester 2. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Want to be a Peer Tutor?
Being a peer tutor is a rewarding experience that will help you consolidate your knowledge and feel good about helping someone else. You can use this experience on your resume and may be able to earn community service hours for it too! If you are interested in becoming a tutor, fill out the application form below and the Student Success team will keep it in our files. When we have a request from a student looking for help in your subject areas of strength, we will contact you and make the match. When you meet your tutee, you will arrange to get together with them on your own schedule. Many will plan to meet at lunch time or before or after school.
Tutor Application. Due to the ongoing pandemic, tutoring is on pause this semester.