EXPEDITE CONSTRUCTION OF GYMNASIUM AT STEM INNOVATION ACADEMY SR. HIGH
EXPEDITE CONSTRUCTION OF GYMNASIUM AT STEM INNOVATION ACADEMY SR. HIGH
The Issue
We are deeply concerned parents, guardians, students, friends, and supporters of the STEM Innovation Academy. In 2023, we were ecstatic at the announcement of a new high school location in the Smart Technologies Building. This opened doors to hundreds of families who genuinely believe in the extraordinary opportunities offered through STEM education.
When the Charter Hub project was announced a year ago, it included 2-year funding for the entire project, including construction of gyms for the schools in the building. As of today, no architect has been formally retained to start work on the design, despite it being a year since this project was announced. Alberta Infrastructure will be handling the gym construction, and using standard timelines it is estimated a gym will not be operational until the 2027-28 school year – 4 years after this project was announced. We are asking the government to expedite construction and provide clear timelines and commitment for its opening.
The links to the Ministerial mandate letters where they commit to advancing choice in education, advancing STEM Education, and building schools faster, are below:
We understand that this project is a complex process. Nonetheless, our parents have struggled getting concrete answers from our government. It appears that no proactive steps are being taken to expedite the process. In fact, we are now being told that construction may be delayed by another 2-3 years. Our parents are losing trust and confidence in our government's ability to deliver on this important promise to build a gymnasium for the well-being of our children.
WHAT DO GYM CLASSES LOOK LIKE RIGHT NOW?
Students currently attend classes at the UofC or at Vecova. The facilities are a short walking distance from our current location, but this is not a sustainable option for our growing student population at the high school.
IMPENDING CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS
VECOVA will soon undergo renovations and repairs, which will hinder our students' access to their facilities. We will also be welcoming 750+ students next year (Grades 10-12), and we need a dedicated space that can accommodate this large student population.
WHY EVERY STUDENT DESERVES A GYM
Regular physical activity not only improves overall health but also enhances cognitive function and reduces stress, which is crucial for students' well-being and academic performance. According to Statistics Canada, approximately 20% of Canadians aged 18-24 are not getting enough physical activity (Statistics Canada). This can lead to medical decline and exacerbation of mental health issues.
Gyms also serve as social hubs where people from diverse backgrounds come together to pursue fitness goals, participate in group classes, and engage in recreational activities. This fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among gym members, promoting social interaction, friendship, and support networks.
WE ARE SEEKING EQUITY FOR OUR PROGRAM AND OUR STUDENTS
Most of the schools in Calgary have a gymnasium, and we believe that a school and gymnasium go hand in hand. Our students rightfully deserve a gymnasium regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, and education program they choose to pursue. Our charter program also deserves equitable funding in terms of building, resources, furniture, equipment, etc. We want to hold our government accountable to ensure fairness and equity when it comes to the gym issue AND equitable funding regarding other resources.
Please sign this petition if you believe in:
1. Equitable rights for all students in Calgary;
2. Holding our government accountable regarding the gymnasium commitment to our school;
3. Access to a fitness facility that can help with physical and mental health;
4. Access to a facility that will promote social cohesion and foster a sense of belonging at the school community;
5. Equitable funding for our school in terms of furniture, educational resources, equipment, etc.
OUR PLEA IS FOR OUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT TO HOLD TRUE TO THEIR COMMITMENTS AND FOLLOW THROUGH WITH TIMELY COMPLETION OF THE GYMNASIUM CONSTRUCTION. WE ALSO WANT EQUITABLE FUNDING REGARDING RESOURCES, FURNITURE, AND EQUIPMENT FOR OUR STEM CHARTER SCHOOL PROGRAM.
1,075
The Issue
We are deeply concerned parents, guardians, students, friends, and supporters of the STEM Innovation Academy. In 2023, we were ecstatic at the announcement of a new high school location in the Smart Technologies Building. This opened doors to hundreds of families who genuinely believe in the extraordinary opportunities offered through STEM education.
When the Charter Hub project was announced a year ago, it included 2-year funding for the entire project, including construction of gyms for the schools in the building. As of today, no architect has been formally retained to start work on the design, despite it being a year since this project was announced. Alberta Infrastructure will be handling the gym construction, and using standard timelines it is estimated a gym will not be operational until the 2027-28 school year – 4 years after this project was announced. We are asking the government to expedite construction and provide clear timelines and commitment for its opening.
The links to the Ministerial mandate letters where they commit to advancing choice in education, advancing STEM Education, and building schools faster, are below:
We understand that this project is a complex process. Nonetheless, our parents have struggled getting concrete answers from our government. It appears that no proactive steps are being taken to expedite the process. In fact, we are now being told that construction may be delayed by another 2-3 years. Our parents are losing trust and confidence in our government's ability to deliver on this important promise to build a gymnasium for the well-being of our children.
WHAT DO GYM CLASSES LOOK LIKE RIGHT NOW?
Students currently attend classes at the UofC or at Vecova. The facilities are a short walking distance from our current location, but this is not a sustainable option for our growing student population at the high school.
IMPENDING CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS
VECOVA will soon undergo renovations and repairs, which will hinder our students' access to their facilities. We will also be welcoming 750+ students next year (Grades 10-12), and we need a dedicated space that can accommodate this large student population.
WHY EVERY STUDENT DESERVES A GYM
Regular physical activity not only improves overall health but also enhances cognitive function and reduces stress, which is crucial for students' well-being and academic performance. According to Statistics Canada, approximately 20% of Canadians aged 18-24 are not getting enough physical activity (Statistics Canada). This can lead to medical decline and exacerbation of mental health issues.
Gyms also serve as social hubs where people from diverse backgrounds come together to pursue fitness goals, participate in group classes, and engage in recreational activities. This fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among gym members, promoting social interaction, friendship, and support networks.
WE ARE SEEKING EQUITY FOR OUR PROGRAM AND OUR STUDENTS
Most of the schools in Calgary have a gymnasium, and we believe that a school and gymnasium go hand in hand. Our students rightfully deserve a gymnasium regardless of their background, socioeconomic status, and education program they choose to pursue. Our charter program also deserves equitable funding in terms of building, resources, furniture, equipment, etc. We want to hold our government accountable to ensure fairness and equity when it comes to the gym issue AND equitable funding regarding other resources.
Please sign this petition if you believe in:
1. Equitable rights for all students in Calgary;
2. Holding our government accountable regarding the gymnasium commitment to our school;
3. Access to a fitness facility that can help with physical and mental health;
4. Access to a facility that will promote social cohesion and foster a sense of belonging at the school community;
5. Equitable funding for our school in terms of furniture, educational resources, equipment, etc.
OUR PLEA IS FOR OUR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT TO HOLD TRUE TO THEIR COMMITMENTS AND FOLLOW THROUGH WITH TIMELY COMPLETION OF THE GYMNASIUM CONSTRUCTION. WE ALSO WANT EQUITABLE FUNDING REGARDING RESOURCES, FURNITURE, AND EQUIPMENT FOR OUR STEM CHARTER SCHOOL PROGRAM.
1,075
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Petition created on April 22, 2024