Welcome to Dr. J.M. Denison Secondary School.
We are committed to working with families to support student learning, achievement and well-being. Our staff work hard to create safe, caring and inclusive learning environments and opportunities that support student success.
We invite you to explore our school website to learn more about our school community.
History
Dr. J.M. Denison S.S. is named after Dr. John Michael Denison.
Dr. Denison was a witty and ambitious doctor who was much loved and respected in and around the Newmarket area. His generosity and outstanding work with teenagers inspired the community to name the school after him, an honour seldom bestowed on a living person.
Our school mascot is the Husky.
Facilities
Dr. J.M. Denison S.S. was officially opened in 1989. Additions were placed on the original school in 1991.
A child-care centre, Denison Child Care Centre is operated by Denison Child Care Centre.
School facilities also include:
- Art Lab
- Cafeteria
- Construction Lab
- Family Studies Lab
- Gymnasium
- Outdoor Fields
- Resource Centre
- Staff Room
- Washrooms and Shower Facilities
- Guidance Office
- Fashion and Sewing Lab
- Drama Stage
- Classrooms
- Design and Technological Lab
- Food Lab
- Music Rooms
- Outdoor Track
- Science Labs
- Student Council Office
- Weight Room
- Student Parking Facilities
11 Computer labs including 4 laptop carts, providing students access to over 500 computers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parent(s)/guardian(s)/students age 18 and older, and students who have declared their independence, must report all absences, late arrivals and/or changes to departure plans to the school in a timely manner. Where possible, notify in advance by calling the school at (905)836-0021 and leaving a message on the answering machine or emailing the school at dr.j.m.denison.ss@yrdsb.ca.
Contact the Guidance Office after your child has been ill for at least 3 days. The secretary will co-ordinate the collection of work from his/her teachers. Please allow the teacher 24 hours to put the work together. 905-836-0021 ext. 126.
An automated call/email will go home to notify parents/guardians of any absences or lates that haven’t been approved. This call/email will also help as a reminder to guardians to please notify the school for any absences. An automated call/email will also go out at the end of the day for absences and lates that haven’t been excused for the day.
If a student has been marked absent because they were late in error, they should speak with their teacher to have it revised.
Extended Absence Form
If your student is going to be absent from school for three or more consecutive days an Extended Absence Form should be picked up from the Main Office. The student will take the form to each teacher to document the work and\or assignments they are responsible for during the time of the absence. The form is to be signed by the student and the parent(s)\guardian(s) and then returned to the Main Office. The form will be reviewed and signed by the Vice Principal. The attendance system is also updated accordingly. The student should pick up the form at least one week prior to the first day of their absence.
Please have your child pick up a green attendance absence form from the Attendance office, and ask each teacher to fill in what work needs to be completed. Once all teachers and a parent have signed the form, please return it to the Attendance office.
Exams are held in January and June. Details will be shared with students and families.
If school buses are cancelled Board wide due to weather conditions, exams from that day will be written on an alternate date.