“Traditional” Questions asked of Abbotsford Traditional Schools
Q: How is a traditional school different than any other school?
A: It is a public school for Grades K-12. In the Abbotsford School district, it is a school of choice, meaning that anyone in the District can choose to go there, and it is open to all “catchment” areas. There is a clearly defined code of conduct, detailing behavioral, academic and manner expectations, including homework, dress code and course options. It is a smaller school, where students are quickly known. In general, we have fewer behaviour problems, which leads, hopefully, to more time spent on teaching, learning and classroom productivity. At ATSS, we have one of the few 1:1 laptop programs in the province, in which every student has a laptop computer and it is an integral part of their daily work.
Q: Do you have to wear uniforms? If yes, what is the reason?
A: We have a dress code at each school that is unique to that school, and has been chosen by that school community. There is a variety of dress code apparel at each school for individual choice – i.e. shirts, vests, sweatshirts, etc. There are multiple reasons we have a dress code, including: safety, identifying of students, neatness, decreased peer pressure, learning to dress for success.
Q: Why do people choose the traditional program?
A: Commitment to traditional values, high expectations, high academic achievements, smaller school size, laptop program, increasing athletic excellence and proximity to their home would all be among the numerous reasons families choose traditional schooling.
Q: Do your kids like it there?
A: The traditional program is clearly not for everyone. It is a smaller school, course options are not as varied as in larger schools. However, for those who enjoy the smaller school environment, we have much to offer and are progressing in many areas of athletics, academics and groups such as musical theatre and band. Our students do very well when they graduate, or find themselves moving to other schools for various reasons. Statistically, we have increased our enrollment, (often dramatically) every year since our inception.
Q: How are parents kept informed of school news and school events?
A: Newsletters; emails by Teachers; school web-sites; teacher
websites; and My Grade Book (online marks) for ATSS students.
If you have a question about Traditional Schools, contact office staff at any of our family of schools. Alternatively, you may send a question electronically to the tacwebmaster@sd34.bc.ca who will direct your question to appropriate personnel.
