Beamsville District Secondary School
Encyclopedia
Beamsville District Secondary School is a secondary school
in Beamsville, Ontario
, Canada
, It is a very busy and active school, balancing the academic demands of classes with extracurricular activities.
The original building of 1888 was where Jacob Beam public school sits on King St.West at William St. Today the school consists of 3 separate buildings. Wing 1, constructed in 1917 with additions in 1924 and 1963. Wing 2 was constructed in 1958 and Wing 3 was built in 1963. Wing 3 is home to labs, technology shops, and the large second gym. Although designed as free standing structures, the three wings are interconnected by an elevated walkway between Wing 1 and Wing 2.
The 1917 component of the school was designed by noted architect Walter William LaChance
, who had written two books on school architecture. He also wrote an article in an architectural magazine about his design for this school.
The teaching staff consists of 60 full time staff, one principal, one vice-principal and part time vice-principal. The support staff includes secretaries, educational assistants and caretakers. The school also has a full service cafeteria that serves breakfast as well as lunch.
In the fall of 2002, the high school started a $6.5 million renovation and rebuilding project. One of the most visible renovations was the creation of a front entrance for the school. The new entrance provides a front foyer and new, better functioning office space. The front steps to the building, which were covered over more than 20 years ago, are uncovered and refurbished, now drawing one's eyes up to the massive pillars of the original building. Less visible is the much larger renovation to infrastructure such as electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems which improve both the safety and comfort of the school, as well as a new sprung hardwood gym floor in the large gym. Other notable renovations are evident in the original gymnasium and performance area, as well as into classes such as the welding shop.
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
in Beamsville, Ontario
Beamsville, Ontario
The community of Beamsville is part of the town of Lincoln in the province of Ontario in Canada. It is located along the southern shore of Lake Ontario and lies within the fruit belt of the Niagara Peninsula...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, It is a very busy and active school, balancing the academic demands of classes with extracurricular activities.
History
BDSS has established a long tradition of excellence dating back to 1888, when the very first classes were conducted. Since that time BDSS has continued to offer a wealth of choice in areas of academics, sports and club activities. Academic studies include classes in English, French, Geography, History, Mathematics and Science. Students can also choose from a variety of classes including: the Arts (Music, Art, Drama), Business and Computer Studies, Family Studies, Physical Education and Technological Studies (Transportation, Construction, Electrical, Welding, Manufacturing, Design, Communications, and Horticulture.)The original building of 1888 was where Jacob Beam public school sits on King St.West at William St. Today the school consists of 3 separate buildings. Wing 1, constructed in 1917 with additions in 1924 and 1963. Wing 2 was constructed in 1958 and Wing 3 was built in 1963. Wing 3 is home to labs, technology shops, and the large second gym. Although designed as free standing structures, the three wings are interconnected by an elevated walkway between Wing 1 and Wing 2.
The 1917 component of the school was designed by noted architect Walter William LaChance
Walter William LaChance
Walter William LaChance was a Canadian architect best known for his designs of rural schools, although he also designed numerous buildings of other types. His commissions were concentrated in Cleveland, Ohio, Hamilton, Ontario, Welland, Ontario, and various communities in Saskatchewan...
, who had written two books on school architecture. He also wrote an article in an architectural magazine about his design for this school.
The teaching staff consists of 60 full time staff, one principal, one vice-principal and part time vice-principal. The support staff includes secretaries, educational assistants and caretakers. The school also has a full service cafeteria that serves breakfast as well as lunch.
In the fall of 2002, the high school started a $6.5 million renovation and rebuilding project. One of the most visible renovations was the creation of a front entrance for the school. The new entrance provides a front foyer and new, better functioning office space. The front steps to the building, which were covered over more than 20 years ago, are uncovered and refurbished, now drawing one's eyes up to the massive pillars of the original building. Less visible is the much larger renovation to infrastructure such as electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems which improve both the safety and comfort of the school, as well as a new sprung hardwood gym floor in the large gym. Other notable renovations are evident in the original gymnasium and performance area, as well as into classes such as the welding shop.
Notable alumni
- George HudsonGeorge Hudson (Canadian football)George Hudson is a professional Canadian football centre for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. He was drafted by the Edmonton Eskimos in the third round of the 2000 CFL Draft...
, CFLCanadian Football LeagueThe Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football....
player - Tanya Verbeek (Olympic Wrestler)