Maplewood Secondary School existing issues and petition circulating to change the school day start time

A year late in opening the doors to Maplewood Secondary School on September 23, 2024, the school is still not fully operational although classes have been taking place since the delayed opening. The cafeteria space is open; however, meals and service will not be offered this year. Now open, the gymnasium, music and technical wing are still considered as construction zones, with work to be completed after hours, or to minimize disruptions, work will be coordinated with the school.

On January 10, 2025, Superintendent of Education (South), AJ Keene sent via email an update to parents about the situation at the school. The email read as follows:

Good afternoon Maplewood Families,

I am happy to provide an update for you announcing significant changes to our occupancy at Maplewood Secondary School.

Starting Monday, January 13, staff and students will now be able to access and utilize the following spaces in the school:

  • Cafeteria
  • Music rooms
  • Gymnasium
  • Science labs
  • Gym/Music Corridor including washrooms near the far stairwell

Please note that the cafeteria space is open for students, but we will not be offering kitchen/cafeteria service this year as previously noted. Also, there will still be ongoing work in the gym/music/tech wing, and areas that are still considered a construction zone. These areas are clearly marked and will be locked. Work in those spaces will typically be after-hours or coordinated with the school to ensure no disruption during the day.

I am excited to see students able to use these spaces, and again would like to thank staff and students for their patience as we have worked through difficult times.

Thank you,
AJ Keene
Superintendent of Education (South)

A Stittsville resident and parent of a child attending Maplewood contacted Stittsville Central to share that an online petition is being circulated proposing the school’s start time be changed from 8:00am to 8:30am at the earliest. “The current early start time does not work for many families and is not in compliance with standards that support the mental and physical health of pre-teens and adolescents,” he shared.

The header of the petition states – Please sign this petition to reduce stress and anxiety for you and your child, and allow your child sufficient sleep, improve their mental health, and to have enough time to eat a healthy, nutritious breakfast every school day. Residents can view and sign the petition at this link.

In addition, the parent shared, “As of January 14, 2025, Crossing Guards (Ottawa Safety Council) and certain stop lines, cross walks, and pedestrian crossovers remain outstanding. Without these pedestrian safety measures in place, the risk of a vehicle-pedestrian accident around the school remains high.

It is disappointing to parents and students that outstanding issues and disruptions still exist for this new high school.

When Maplewood Secondary, located at the corner of Robert Grant Avenue and Cope Drive, is fully operational, the school will have more than 1,400 students from Grades 7 to 12 in attendance.

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