John G Althouse Middle SchoolADDRESS: 130 Lloyd Manor Rd, Etobicoke, ON

M9B 5K1PHONE NUMBER: (416) 394-7580EMAIL ADDRESS: JohnGAlthouse@tdsb.on.caWEBSITE: http://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/johngalthouseGRADE RANGE: 6 to 8

Platinum EcoSchoolJohn G. Althouse hasearned Platinum Levelfor Eco Schools for thepast 2 years in a row. We have a verydedicated group ofstudents and staff whowork hard to instillsustainable andecological thinking andpractices at our school.Some highlights includea student-led recyclingroutine, litterlesslunches, social justicecampaigns andecological inquiry basedlearning.

 John G. Althouse (JGA) is a dual track middle school(Regular and Gifted Programs) in the Martingrove/Eglinton area.At JGA we are committed to creating a safeand inclusive environment which fosters the holistic growth of ourstudents. We celebrate the diversity of our school community,valuing each student as unique individuals and learners, toensure that everyone experiences all aspects of personalgrowth: intellectually, physically, emotionally and artistically. Ourhalls are full of athletes, musicians, mathematicians, scientists,cooks, social activists, woodworkers, environmentalists, artists,writers, readers, thinkers, collaborators and leaders. Weencourage students to support each other and to reach out to ourcommunity.

Our Music ProgramThe music program at John G.Althouse is exceptional. Everystudent plays an instrument, whetherin band or strings, and every studentparticipates in vocal music. We havetwo major performances each year:Gift of Music in December andCrescendo in June. In addition, for two weeks in February,students compete in the Kiwanis Music Festival. There arenumerous music groups at John G. Althouse, including StageBand, Jazz Choir, JGA Chorale, Junior Choir, Chamber Strings,Honour Orchestra, and grade level Band and String groups.

More Information about John G Althouse Middle School

SportsJohn G. Althouse prides itself on providing a vibrant and inclusiveathletics program both in inter-school and intramural competition.Students learn a variety of skills and develop long lastingfriendships. All students and staff are proud of the success of ourathletes, consistently winning Conference and City Championships,both in individual and team sports.

Mental Health and Well-BeingJGA has an active parent and student mental health and well-beingcommittee. They plan initiatives and host presentations for bothstudents and parents that support student well-being and addressissues such as anxiety, self-harm and bullying. Our goal is to haveeach student create their own self-care plan and engage in self-carestrategies such as mindfulness.

Student LeadershipStudents are committed to learning about and contributing to theworld they are growing up in. Our elected student leaders meetregularly with class representatives to organize and implementschool spirit events, Eco Schools initiatives and outreach activitiessuch as our strong partnership with Youth Without Shelter.

TechnologyOur school has 4 mobile computer carts, which service each of our4 main school hallways. Students are also encouraged to bring theirown devices to school to support and enhance their learning. Interactive White Boards are currently located in 6 of ourclassrooms.

Additional Features● Community School Programs● Partnership with Toronto Police● Partnership Youth Without Shelter● Me to We Social Justice Group

● Pizza Lunches● QSP Magazine Fundraising● Freezie Fridays● Student Bake Sales

For a list of all programs that are also offered visit http://www.tdsb.on.ca/Findyour/Schools.aspx?schno=2033&schoolId=1056

Student Life - Where You Belong

Student life at John G. Althouse is very exciting.  Along withrecognizing the importance of the traditional subject areas,we are fortunate to be able to deliver additional programs forthe students that cultivate interest and life-long skills.  AllGrade 7 and 8 students participate in family studiesand design and technology. There are a multitude ofopportunities for students to participate in student interestclubs such as Lego Robotics, Knitting Club, Card Club,Chess Club, Scrabble Club, Debate Club, Anime Club,Numbers for Dessert, Doctor Who Club, Harry Potter Club,Drawing Club, Pride Club, Science Fair Club and FrenchConcours Club.  Grade 6 students have the outstandingopportunity to have a one day music camp that kick startstheir initiation to instrumental music.  Grade 7 studentsparticipate in an overnight outdoor education experience atCamp Manitou, that actively extends the physicaleducation and science curricula.  Grade 8 students have aspecial graduation overnight trip to Quebec City in June. There are numerous other trips throughout the year thatbuild on the curriculum expectations for each grade.

What Sets Us Apart

What sets us apart are our amazing students, staff andparents. There is tremendous committment for learningand doing for others. Together as a school community weconcentrate on social justice issues and raise money forsuch worthy causes as providing breakfast and lunchprograms through the Toronto Foundation for StudentSuccess, conducting food, clothing and holiday drives forlocal communities in need and subsidizing school trips forthose who cannot afford them. Our students support a rangeof other outreach initiatives including the Terry Fox AnnualRun, Earth Day, Earth Hour and Neighbourhood Clean-ups.The ideology of giving back to the community is achievedthrough our Me to We Social Justice student leadershipgroup, our partnership with Youth Without Shelter and byembedding the fundamentals of Character Education withinthe curriculum.  Fundraisers include Club Blue Note, anevening of Jazz music performed by our students, bakesales, spirit days, music nights, and our QSP fall fundraiser.We also have a strong dedication to sports and the arts. 

Parent and Community Engagement

John G. Althouse Community School is a vibrant school which offersa range of opportunities for parents to become engaged in schoollife. We have a before and after school program, as well as ourcommunity school programs during evenings and on weekends. TheJohn G. Althouse School Council is a dynamic group of parentsand staff from the school community. The council provides a forumfor parents to be informed, get involved and have input into schoolissues and activities. The council runs a series of fundraisers overthe year, including monthly pizza lunches and Freezie Fridays.Fundraising efforts support classroom activities, as well as eventslike the Grade 8 Graduation, the Grade 7 trip to Camp Manitou andthe Grade 6 Music Camp.  In addition to parent council, there aremany other ways to become involved in school life. 

Imagine a TDSB where all schools share a common core set of characteristics. They arecommunity-driven and focused on teaching and learning. Students and parents have a wide variety ofopportunities and there are enough students in every school to increase program choices. Imagine there is a clear focus on achieving student success and every student is engaged, has a voice,access to a caring adult and the opportunity to develop their full potential. Here at the TDSB our focus is on student achievement, parent and community engagement and financialstability.

Contact Information

SCHOOL NAME: John G Althouse Middle SchoolADDRESS: 130 Lloyd Manor Rd, Etobicoke, ON

M9B 5K1TELEPHONE: (416) 394-7580EMAIL: JohnGAlthouse@tdsb.on.ca