Charles H. Best Elementary and Middle School began life in 1978 as an amalgamation of Wilmington, Cedar Grove and Dufferin Heights schools which all closed their doors in June of that year. Our school was named after Charles H. Best who discovered insulin and gave hundreds of millions of diabetics the chance to survive. The school has a proud history, and the desire to serve the community continues to the present day. The school houses Grade 5 to Grade 8 students.
CYBERARTS
In grade 6, our students are able to apply for our grade 7 and 8 CyberARTS Program. CyberARTS is a multi-disciplinary program integrating technology and and multi-media. Students are actively involved in project based assignments that weave their knowledge and understanding of the Ontario Curriculum into artistic renderings of content material.
Character Education
We strive to ensure that there is a respectful, positive, and inclusive learning environment at Charles H. Best with a sense of belonging for all. Our character education program promotes assemblies and other in-school initiatives to highlight a different character trait each month. We work with our school Guidance Counsellor, School Police liaison officer as well as outside agencies to provide our school community with information sessions and presentations to promote inclusiveness and equity for all.
More Information about Charles H Best Middle School
Student Leadership
There are numerous opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills through involvement in:
-"Best" Radio (morning announcements)
- reading partners
- regular assemblies
- student committees
- peer mediators
-Student Council
- Student Leadership Team
- Volunteer Program
Transitions
We work with local secondary and elementary feeder schools to ensure a smooth and successful transition for our students. Our Guidance Counsellor works with our grade eight students to visit secondary schools prior to making a final decision for their grade 9 placement. They also support our parents with transition information sessions to provide common understandings.
Sports
Our C.H. Best Bears participate in many extramural sports: Volleyball, basketball, track and field and soccer. We also encourage the students to participate in athletic clubs such as basketball and table tennis, as and floor hockey. Fitness is an integral part of the physical education program. Intramurals are played at lunchtime to promote physical fitness.
Community Partnership - BBBST
We have formed a community partnership with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto! Our students have worked with community mentors and have been supported through a wide variety of in-school and out of school activities. Our students continue to develop their self-advocacy skills and character!
Student Life - Where You Belong
We provide our students with numerous opportunities to be involved in a variety of activities at lunch as well as before and after school. Sports, clubs, and leadership activities encourage our students to be involved in the school community. This involvement provides links to the outer community and promotes positive interactions with the community. Offerings include concerts and performances, house leagues, computer clubs, chess club, ping pong club, sketchbook club and competitive sports teams (e.g., volleyball, basketball, soccer, cross-country, track & field). Outside partnership programs include: The Big Brothers/Sisters Mentoring Program as well as OISE teachers and Welcoming Communities Partnership.
What Sets Us Apart
Regular Grade 5 to 8 classes take place at our school. In addition, we have several specialized classes in Charles H. Best Middle School: a ISP Learning Disabilities class, a ISP Developmental Delay class, an ISP Autism class, ISP Behaviour class, and a strong English as a Second Language class. As well as our vibrant Grade 5 to 8 programs, CH Best houses the Wilmington/Best Childcare and also hosts International Language School on Saturday.
Parent and Community Engagement
We provide our parent community with access to Settlement workers in various languages to support them in their transition to life in Canada. Our Community Police Officers deliver special programs to our students and their parents to promote a safe and caring school culture. The CyberARTS classes partner with CyberARTS students at Northview Heights Secondary School. As well, OISE/UT faculty of education North Option classes are housed on site and teacher candidates work within our classrooms. We are pleased that the Artstart Dance Program with York University continues to grow at Charles H. Best. We have an active parent community that volunteer by assisting in classrooms, on trips, by reading to students, and helping in the library and computer lab. The "Best" School Council organizes fund raising events to support school initiatives.
