Alternative Programs

Click the following links to explore the Alternative Programs offered by Lakeshore School Division:

Flex Program

The Flex Program is an alternative K-12 program that offers individualized options that are as unique as each student. It is a program that takes an expansive, community-based approach to education; linking together students, teachers, schools, parents and resources.
Who is Flex for?
Each student is unique and a one size fits all approach is not the best for everyone. While all of our schools adapt and modify programming, there are also some students who learn best in alternative, out of school environments. Flex is tailored for each of these individuals, combining academics, community engagement, and experiential learning.
How does Flex work?
The Flex program consists of several components therefore there is no set path. Each student will have their own individualized plan. There are learning goals that need to be met but it is a co-creation between the individual student, parents, Flex coordinator, and teachers.
What Does Learning In Flex Look Like?
The Flex Program consists of several components and there is no set path to success although we do follow the Manitoba curriculum.
Below are some of the delivery options that may be considered in a program plan:
Grades K – 8: Consists of regular, online direct instruction through a supplied laptop, combined with independent learning. Learning materials and assignments are available online and printed materials are delivered. There are also monthly Together Days at Inwood School plus in-person learning trips and home visits.
Grade 9 – 12: Consists of various options including remote learning programs available online. Learning materials and assignments are available online and printed materials are delivered. Programming will be delivered in a combination of on-line teaching, 4 mandatory in-person sessions, and individual in-person visits.
An Example of What a Month Might Look Like in the Flex Program?
For K – 8 students:
• 4-5 weekly teacher instructed classes associated with their grade.
• 2 – 30-minute online gym classes available.
• 2 – 1-hour online group activity class (this may vary in what activities are available, as the students help pick what they would like to do. Examples from the past are art projects, Book Club, STEM Club including Debate Club, Minecraft Club, cooking activities (Gingerbread House making), playing games such as Christmas Bingo, Kahoot!)
• 1 additional 30 minute online 1 on 1 support class (anything that the student requires help with.)
• Support resources available where students can ask for additional help; additional group supports may be added as required
• 1 online family support visit every 6-8 weeks depending on each students’ particular needs. (This is determined on an individual basis.)
• 2 Together Days per month; where we offer a variety of activities. Which include 1 day in Inwood School and 1 on a group field trip in Winnipeg or throughout the province.
How Does Applying to Flex Work?
The following are the steps involved in applying for the program:
Step One: Fill out the application form for Flex registration - deadline is May 15, for the coming school year. Applications beyond this date may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Step Two: Your application will be reviewed, and you will be contacted by the Flex coordinator.
Step Three: Successful applicants and their parents will meet with the Flex coordinator to discuss program options and goals.
Step Four: The Flex coordinator will create a program plan for each individual student that links together academic learning, community engagement and experiential learning. This plan will then be shared and reviewed with the team (parents, students, teachers).
Step Five: The Flex coordinator will be in regular communication with the team to check on progress and support where needed
Lego
Beginning in 2014, Lakeshore School Division embarked on a project to create an alternative program that focuses on offering a fuller vocational/career experience to students. The LEGO program stands for Lakeshore Educational Growth Opportunities and allows individuals between the ages of 16 and 21 who need additional career training and who would benefit from a hands-on approach to learning to have an intensive study period in order to:
- Explore new career opportunities in an area of interest
- Gain high school credits
- Make connections with employers
- Know what steps are needed to achieve life goals
- Understand what post-secondary options are available
- Practice healthy lifestyle choices
- Build employability skills
Program Structure
The LEGO program is divided into fall and winter semesters that coincide with the School Division calendar. In each semester there are eleven weeks of programming as well as breaks. Please refer to the online Divisional calendar for a further breakdown of the weeks.
Fall Semester
September to October
From the beginning of September until mid-October, participants who are currently working towards their high school diploma will focus on completing an individualized plan to further their education. This plan will be developed between local school administration, the LEGO program director and the participant. Participants who have completed their high school requirements will not be required to take part in this portion of the program.
1st week of the fall semester
The first week of the program will be based at an alternative camp setting in the Whiteshell or Kenora area. The focus of this first week will be on classroom sessions that cover a number of employment related topics and build essential skills required to be successful in work environments. A combination of computer, written, and hands on activities will be used to achieve these goals.
2nd and 3rd weeks of the fall semester
The focus of these two weeks will be for individuals to get hands on experience working together as a group at various work placements. Potential partnerships include Habitat for Humanity building houses and Winnipeg Harvest. First aid training will also be provided during these two weeks in order to have participants certified prior to individual work placements.
November through January
For the remaining eight weeks of programming, participants will be matched with co-operating employers who will provide on the job, hands on work. Participants will spend evenings and nights at Camp Manitou near Winnipeg and will be transported to and from their work placements by Lakeshore staff. Tuesday through Fridays will be spent with co-operating employers and Mondays will be spent at camp completing employment related assignments. Participants will follow the school division calendar and will have two weeks off at Christmas as well as a one-week break.
Winter Semester
February through May
The second session will include a two-week partnership with Habitat for Humanity where participants will have the opportunity to take part in an international work exchange to Central America. Before and after the trip, participants will do work placements in their home communities or in the Winnipeg area if they prefer. If a participant chooses to do their work experience in the Winnipeg area there will be no overnight supervision and participants will be responsible for their own accommodation. In the second session the group based employability skills classes will be bi-weekly and located near the participant’s home community. It will be the participant’s responsibility to arrange transportation to the sessions.
Interested in more information? If you are a potential program participant or an employer who would like to host a student please see contact information below.