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 safe and inclusive environment which fosters the holistic growth of our students. We celebrate the diversity of our school community, valuing each student as unique individuals and learners, to ensure that everyone experiences all aspects of personal growth: intellectually, physically, emotionally and artistically. Our halls are full of athletes, musicians, mathematicians, scientists, cooks, social activists, woodworkers, environmentalists, artists, writers, readers, thinkers, collaborators and leaders. We encourage students to support each other and to reach out to our community.
Our Music Program
The music program at John G. Althouse is exceptional. Every student plays an instrument, whether in band or strings, and every student participates in vocal music. We have two major performances each year: Gift of Music in December and Crescendo in June. In addition, for two weeks in February, students compete in the Kiwanis Music Festival. There are numerous music groups at John G. Althouse, including Stage Band, Jazz Choir, JGA Chorale, Junior Choir, Chamber Strings, Honour Orchestra, and grade level Band and String groups.
Interesting Feature
Platinum Eco School
John G. Althouse has earned Platinum Level for Eco Schools for the past 2 years in a row. We have a very dedicated group of students and staff who work hard to instill sustainable and ecological thinking and practices at our school. Some highlights include a student-led recycling routine, litterless lunches, social justice campaigns and ecological inquiry based learning.
More Information about John G Althouse Middle School
Sports
John G. Althouse prides itself on providing a vibrant and inclusive athletics program both in inter-school and intramural competition. Students learn a variety of skills and develop long lasting friendships. All students and staff are proud of the success of our athletes, consistently winning Conference and City Championships, both in individual and team sports.
Mental Health and Well-Being
JGA has an active parent and student mental health and well-being committee. They plan initiatives and host presentations for both students and parents that support student well-being and address issues such as anxiety, self-harm and bullying. Our goal is to have each student create their own self-care plan and engage in self-care strategies such as mindfulness.
Student Leadership
Students are committed to learning about and contributing to the world they are growing up in. Our elected student leaders meet regularly with class representatives to organize and implement school spirit events, Eco Schools initiatives and outreach activities such as our strong partnership with Youth Without Shelter.
Technology
Our school has 4 mobile computer carts, which service each of our 4 main school hallways. Students are also encouraged to bring their own devices to school to support and enhance their learning. Interactive White Boards are currently located in 6 of our classrooms.
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
Student Life - Where You Belong
Student life at John G. Althouse is very exciting. Along with recognizing the importance of the traditional subject areas, we are fortunate to be able to deliver additional programs for the students that cultivate interest and life-long skills. All Grade 7 and 8 students participate in family studies and design and technology. There are a multitude of opportunities for students to participate in student interest clubs 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 French Concours Club. Grade 6 students have the outstanding opportunity to have a one day music camp that kick starts their initiation to instrumental music. Grade 7 students participate in an overnight outdoor education experience at Camp Manitou, that actively extends the physical education and science curricula. Grade 8 students have a special graduation overnight trip to Quebec City in June. There are numerous other trips throughout the year that build on the curriculum expectations for each grade.
What Sets Us Apart
What sets us apart are our amazing students, staff and parents. There is tremendous committment for learning and doing for others. Together as a school community we concentrate on social justice issues and raise money for such worthy causes as providing breakfast and lunch programs through the Toronto Foundation for Student Success, conducting food, clothing and holiday drives for local communities in need and subsidizing school trips for those who cannot afford them. Our students support a range of other outreach initiatives including the Terry Fox Annual Run, Earth Day, Earth Hour and Neighbourhood Clean-ups. The ideology of giving back to the community is achieved through our Me to We Social Justice student leadership group, our partnership with Youth Without Shelter and by embedding the fundamentals of Character Education within the curriculum. Fundraisers include Club Blue Note, an evening of Jazz music performed by our students, bake sales, 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 offers a range of opportunities for parents to become engaged in school life. We have a before and after school program, as well as our community school programs during evenings and on weekends. The John G. Althouse School Council is a dynamic group of parents and staff from the school community. The council provides a forum for parents to be informed, get involved and have input into school issues and activities. The council runs a series of fundraisers over the year, including monthly pizza lunches and Freezie Fridays. Fundraising efforts support classroom activities, as well as events like the Grade 8 Graduation, the Grade 7 trip to Camp Manitou and the Grade 6 Music Camp. In addition to parent council, there are many other ways to become involved in school life.
