(Image credit: AIAO)

By Pete McIntyre

SD22

Parent group seeks support to keep school program operating

Jan 18, 2024 | 11:40 AM

An online petition aimed at saving an alternative learning program in the Vernon School District, has generated several hundred names in support.

The Awaken Inquiry and Adventure Okanagan (AIAO) program at Fulton Secondary will be shut down for the 2024/25 school year, with the school’s principal telling the staff and students last week, it was due to a decline in student registrations.

Sandra Detwiller, who is part of a parent group, started a petition on change.org to save the program. Since starting the petition on Jan. 16, 359 people had supported it as of 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 18.

“As a community we need to stand up and have our voices heard by the SD22 board of trustees. AIAO provides a safe and inclusive space for students,” Detwiller wrote.

Detwiller said several students in the program are on the Autism Spectrum, diagnosed with ADHD and/or anxiety or face other mental health challenges, while other students attend simply because that’s how they learn best.

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She said AIAO “should be the gold standard for education.”

“The closure of Awaken Inquiry and Adventure Okanagan (formerly the Vernon Community School) is unacceptable and our parent group would love to help,” Detwiller stated.

Detwiller is encouraging people to sign the petition and to email the school and school board to show support for the program.

Click here to access the petition.

Vernon Matters has reached out to School District 22 administration for comment on the program, and its future.