Alternative Programs
Flex
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Flex Program
What does education look like in 2023? The world is changing, workplaces are changing, technology is changing, and in Lakeshore we believe that education needs to change too. 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?
In Lakeshore, we recognize that each student is unique and that 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. The Program 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.
The following are the steps involved in applying for the program:
Step One: Fill out the application form for Flex pre-registration deadline is June 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.
What does Learning in Flex look like?
Flex is an individualized alternative program for students and each program plan will look different. Below are some of the delivery options that may be considered in a program plan under each of the areas of focus.
Academics:
- All students (Grades K – 12) will have access to remote learning resources according to their academic level (laptops, online learning programs, TEAMS, print resources, etc.) and teacher mentorship.
- Students will be required to participate daily in learning and assessment with minimum standards as set forth by the Manitoba Provincial Government and Lakeshore School Division. Assignments will reflect the learning outcomes of the Manitoba curriculum and will be differentiated to meet the learning needs of students. The delivery of all programs may alter due to individual needs, but programing will often consist of the following:
- Grades K – 4: Consists of paper-based independent learning resources combined with on-line teaching/ support and additional in-person support. Learning material packages are sent home on a monthly basis. In addition, students will be assessed twice annually in addition to ongoing feedback.
- Grades 5 – 8: Consists of regular, online direct instruction combined with independent learning (reading, viewing and responding to pre-recorded videos, and engaging in project-based learning.) Learning materials and assignments will be delivered on a monthly basis. Programming will be delivered in a combination of on-line teaching/ support and additional in-person support.
- Grade 9 – 12: Consists of various options including remote learning programs with a possible combination of specific in-school programing (music, mechanics, carpentry, science, etc.). Learning materials and assignments will be delivered on a bi-weekly basis. Programming may be delivered in a combination of on-line teaching/ support and additional in-person support.
Community engagement/experiential learning:
- Volunteering
- Project-based learning
- Land-based learning
- Work experience placements
- Community group involvement
- Group activities
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.
Contact Information
Interested in more information? If you are a potential program participant or an employer who would like to host a student please contact:
LEGO Program Director
Lakeshore School DivisionBox 100
Eriksdale, MB R0C 0W0
204-739-2101
Contact Donald Nikkel
