As the summer sun began to fade and the back-to-school season approached, we launched two heartwarming initiatives that brought us all closer to our communities and supported important causes. Our recent school supply drives in Texas, carried out in partnership with Star of Hope in Houston and the other with Partnerships for Children in Austin, have left us inspired and grateful. Read on to learn more about how our team has succeeded in giving back to communities that have given us so much.

Spreading the Word and Sharing the Love

It takes a team to achieve a dream, and that couldn’t be truer in these cases. At the start of our initiatives, we reached out to our homeowners, vendors, prospects, and realtors, inviting them to be a part of something meaningful. Spreading the word within our model homes and across our Texas communities, we encouraged people to join hands with us in supporting students in need.

Turning Generosity Into a Friendly Competition

Who doesn’t love a little competition? To add some extra excitement to our initiatives, we turned our school drives into contests among our communities. The challenge was simple: who could gather the most supplies and create the most impact? The response was nothing short of phenomenal.

From Model Homes to Office Walls: A Ripple Effect of Kindness

Our initiatives weren’t just confined to our communities. The spirit of giving spread to our office spaces as well. Our team didn’t hesitate to add their own donations to our growing piles of supplies.

The Impact of Small Acts of Kindness

Through the collective efforts of our team in Houston, we were able to donate about 200 items to support students in need with our contributions in Austin being just as successful. Items like notebooks, folders and pencils are simple items but can make a substantial difference in a student’s school life.

Our Continued Efforts of Give Back

Our partnerships with Star of Hope and Partnerships for Children are more than just one-time endeavors. They’re commitments to our communities and uplifting those around us. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who participated, donated, and spread the word. Your involvement has left an indelible mark on our communities and has shown that, when we come together with purpose, remarkable things happen.

Discover some of the other initiatives we’ve been a part of in support of our local communities, including our volunteer day at Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Schools play a major role in deciding where to live and are often one of the most important considerations when thinking about the growth of your family. To help Canals homeowners in Welland navigate their way through their extensive education options, we’ve rounded up the top elementary, secondary and post-secondary schools in the area to make life easier prior to enrolment.

Fitch Street Public School

Grades: JK – 8

Address: 164 Fitch St, Welland, On L3C 4V5 | 8 minutes from Empire Canals

Extra Curriculars: Choir Club, Art Club, Crocheting Club, Musical Instruments Club, Talent Show, French Club, Lego Robotics

Sports Teams: Junior and Intermediate Volleyball, Junior and Intermediate Basketball, Cross-Country Running, Track and Field, Co-Ed Soccer

Holy Name Catholic Elementary School

Grades: JK – 8

Address: 290 Fitch St, Welland, On L3C 4W5 | 10 minutes from Empire Canals

A Catholic Elementary School located in the heart of Welland a part of the Niagara Catholic District School Board.

École Secondaire Catholique Saint-Jean-De-Brébeuf

Grades: 9 – 12

Address: 620 River Rd, Welland ON L3B 5NB | 13 minutes from Empire Canals

Niagara’s strong commitment to French-Canadian culture is reflected in its French school options. This Secondary French Bilingual Catholic School in Welland serves as a French immersion option for local students.

Eastdale Secondary School

Grades: 9 – 12

Address: 170 Wellington Street, Welland, ON L3B 1B3 | 9 minutes from Empire Canals

Extracurriculars: Concert Bands, Jazz Bands, Chess Club, Drama Club, Environment/Recycling Club, Technical Club, Yearbook

Sports Teams: Basketball, Cross-Country, Badminton, Slo-Pitch, Soccer, Track & Field, Volleyball

Notre Dame College School

Grades: 9 – 12

Address: 64 Smith St, Welland, ON L3C 4H4 | 11 minutes from Empire Canals

A Catholic Secondary School founded by the Holy Cross Fathers, a group of Roman Catholic priests who also founded the University of Notre Dame.

Extracurriculars: Arts Club, Cosmetology Club, Chaplin’s Crew, Fashion Arts Club, Mathletes, Robotics, Student Council

Sports Teams: Basketball, Cross-Country, Golf, Rowing, Soccer, Hockey, Volleyball, Track & Field, Swimming

Niagara College

Address: 100 Niagara College Blvd, Welland, ON L3C 7L3 | 13 minutes from Empire Canals

Located in the heart of the Niagara region, Niagara College offers more than 130 innovative programs. These state-of-the-art campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake provide unique living laboratories and top-notch facilities.

Brock University

Address: 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1 | 22 minutes from Empire Canals

Brock University offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate programs across seven academic facilities. It’s listed in the top five among all Ontario universities for the prestigious 3M Teaching Excellence Awards and is home to leading researchers, scholars and Canada Research Chairs.

Mohawk College

Address: 135 Fennell Ave W, Hamilton, ON L9C 0E5 | 1 hour from Empire Canals

This public college of applied arts and technology in Hamilton, Ontario, has three main campuses: the Fennell Campus on Hamilton Mountain, the Stoney Creek Campus in Stoney Creek, and the Mohawk-McMaster Institute for Applied Health Sciences at McMaster University.

McMaster University

Address: 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8 | 1 hour from Empire Canals

McMaster University is one of the four Canadian universities ranked among the top 70 in the world by the major global ranking system. It boasts excellent academic resources for its driven students.

Think Welland is right for you? Learn more about our Canals community today.

Next, learn five reasons why you’ll love living at Empire Canals and discover some fun things to do along Southwestern Ontario’s waterways.

With approximately 1000 school districts in the state, it can be hard to navigate your education options when trying to decide where to make your next move. Not to worry — we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do the research for you and have rounded up some of the top-rated school districts in Texas, as well as the Empire communities that are zoned to each ISD.

Are you thinking of calling Texas home? Discover the many reasons why so many are choosing to make the move to this larger-than-life state. 

Images courtesy of: Houston Chronicle (Katy ISD); Durotech (Clear Creek ISD); Joeris General Contractors (Conroe ISD); HAR (Spring Branch ISD); Joeris General Contractors (Northside ISD); Georgetown ISD (Georgetown ISD).

Learning doesn’t have to stop when the final school bell rings. In a world filled with screens and endless digital connection, you may want to give your little ones a break from it all every now and then. Whether you’re a busy parent, or are looking for fun activities for your kids, explore some of the after-school programs offered close to your community in the Carolinas.

Thinking of making the move to the Carolinas? Learn more about why you should consider purchasing a home with Empire. Plus, discover a few reasons why we think you’ll love living in Charlotte.

Schools play a major role in the growth of your family and are often one of the most important considerations when buying a new home. To help our Belle Grove homeowners navigate their way through their new school options, we’ve put together this handy guide on all things education.

School District in Marvin, NC

Young residents at Belle Grove will have access to outstanding education within the Union County Public School District (UCPS), a highly-regarded district that includes three of the state’s top-performing schools. Here’s everything you need to know about your school options, including size, extra curriculars and sports. Keep in mind this information is always changing and evolving from year to year, and it’s important to meet with prospective schools to get a sense of the atmosphere and educational experience they have to offer.

In our experience, nothing compares to an actual visit. Sometimes reports and stats don’t take into account the amazing teachers and staff or overall atmosphere of a school. At the end of the day different kids connect with different environments and what works for one family might be different for the next. Spend the time visiting, meeting and talking to families who already attend the school and use our info as a launching point to find the school that’s right for you.

Schools play a major role in the growth of your family and are often one of the most important considerations when buying a new home. To help our Oldenburg homeowners navigate their way through their new school options, we’ve put together this handy guide on all things education.

School District in Marvin, NC

Young residents at Belle Grove will have access to outstanding education within the Union County Public School District (UCPS), a highly-regarded district that includes three of the state’s top-performing schools. Here’s everything you need to know about your school options, including size, extra curriculars and sports. Keep in mind this information is always changing and evolving from year to year, and it’s important to meet with prospective schools to get a sense of the atmosphere and educational experience they have to offer.

In our experience, nothing compares to an actual visit. Sometimes reports and stats don’t take into account the amazing teachers and staff or overall atmosphere of a school. At the end of the day different kids connect with different environments and what works for one family might be different for the next. Spend the time visiting, meeting and talking to families who already attend the school and use our info as a launching point to find the school that’s right for you.

Schools play a major role in the growth of your family and are often one of the most important considerations when buying a new home. To help our Enclave at Massey homeowners navigate their way through their new school options, we’ve put together this handy guide on all things education.

School District in Fort Mill, SC

Young residents at the Enclave at Massey will have access to outstanding education within the Fort Mill School District (FMSD), a highly-regarded district with top-performing schools. Here’s everything you need to know about your school options, including size, extra curriculars and sports. Keep in mind this information is always changing and evolving from year to year, and it’s important to meet with prospective schools to get a sense of the atmosphere and educational experience they have to offer.

In our experience, nothing compares to an actual visit. Sometimes reports and stats don’t take into account the amazing teachers and staff or overall atmosphere of a school. At the end of the day different kids connect with different environments and what works for one family might be different for the next. Spend the time visiting, meeting and talking to families who already attend the school and use our info as a launching point to find the school that’s right for you.

A great community requires great amenities in order to thrive and provide for its residents. That is why we love to hear stories like that of St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School in our Summerlea community. Built in 2010 St. Matthew School in Binbrook, just on the outskirts of Hamilton, is one of the first elementary schools in the province to employ a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) designation. The building’s design portrays the excellence and innovation that has come to be expected of its staff and students.

Innovations in Green Building

In order to achieve LEED certification, a building must obtain a certain level of ‘points’ in various categories. These points can be achieved by building with green materials, having green features or providing technology and landscaping that encourages green behavior after construction is complete.

For St. Matthew School, the LEED certification was achieved by initiatives such as providing bicycle racks and pathways to encourage walkers and riders as well as shading heat-generating paved areas with tree canopies. As we move into the building, there are expertly placed windows encouraging natural light and ventilation, with sunscreens to reduce heat in the summer. High windows along the central gymnasium provide light to both the facility and the corridors throughout.

Other LEED features include light censors that turn off when there is no movement and automatically adjust to the amount of natural light available. Solar panels heat water and generate electricity and low consumption plumbing features will reduce the amount of water waste. Other building features offer educational value, such as an outdoor classroom beside the secondary storey green roof and monitoring systems both in classrooms and in the corridors, where students can monitor or observe their energy consumption.

Excellence in Teaching

In addition to the healthy learning environment provided, St. Matthew has established a reputation for teaching excellence. Every year, The Learning Partnership picks 40 individuals in the country to commemorate their commitment to innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and creativity in finding solutions and opportunities. In 2015, St. Matthew’s principal, Ms. Flora Nordoff was named one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals. In addition to joining the ranks of this prestigious distinction, Ms. Nordoff also benefited from a five day leadership training program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.

Having built a successful school culture of inclusion at her previous school, Ms. Nordoff was tasked with recreating a similar culture at St. Matthew. Nominated by her peers and staff, it could not be clearer that Ms. Nordoff has had a profound impact on achieving just that. Candidates are chosen using a number of criteria, including innovative leadership, partnership with staff, parents and community and examples of successful change. The praise and support for her nomination from her staff, peers and the larger community made it immediately evident that Ms. Nordoff exemplified this criterion.

Superintendent of Education, Gus Hubbard, nominated Ms. Nordoff for the award, stating her effective use of student data to inform teaching and learning resulted in a 30 percent increase in Grade 6 EQAO reading assessment scores. Mr. Adrian DeTullio, Principal of St. John the Baptist Catholic Elementary School said in a letter supporting the nomination, “Good principals not only have a positive influence on their own schools, but impact other principals as well as other school communities”. Hamilton Police Service School Resource Officer Perry Mason spoke to Ms. Nordoff’s obvious devotion to her students, her commitment to collaboration with Hamilton Police and the City of Hamilton in Restorative Justice practices.

We’d like to congratulate Ms. Nordoff and St. Matthew School in Binbrook for its wonderful achievements over the years and for the work they will continue to perform in bettering for their students and community.

At the end of last year, school data website Niche named the 25 best school districts in Texas for 2020, with Tomball ISD — where Empire’s Fairway Farms and Reserve at Spring Lakes communities are zoned — ranking eighteenth. The rankings are based on key statistics and reviews from students and parents, with factors that include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, SAT and ACT scores, teacher quality, public school district ratings and more.

Tomball Independent School District is a top-rated public school district with over 18,000 students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through to grade twelve across 20 campuses. Established as a school district in 1936, Tomball ISD has a current student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. Read on to learn more about why Tomball ISD is one of the state’s top-rated school districts.

1. It has the Tomball star academy

During the 2017-2018 school year, Tomball ISD celebrated the opening of Tomball Star Academy, an early college high school that was founded as a joint initiative between Tomball ISD and Lone Star College. The program enables high school students to earn their diploma while also working towards up to 60 college credit hours free of charge. According to Tomball ISD’s website, the Tomball Star Academy “provides a rigorous, supportive learning environment that blends high school and the first two years of college. Students have the ability to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities as well as intramural sports.”

2. It’s constantly expanding and evolving

Tomball ISD has enjoyed a continued wave of growth and expansion, beginning in 2000 when voters approved a $98.4 million bond referendum that enabled the district to renovate Tomball High School as well as expand its extracurricular and instructional programs. Voters passed a second bond years later in 2007 that saw the establishment of three new elementary schools, a high school and additional support facilities; in May 2013, another $160 million bond program was introduced that funded four new schools and addressed security and technology district-wide.

More recently, a $275 million bond — the largest in the district’s history — was passed in 2017 that will address improvements in all areas of academic success at Tomball ISD, from fine arts to technology and athletics. It will also fund the renovations of existing campuses and the construction of new district facilities, including an agricultural barn, swim training facility and stadium.

3. It’s an award-winning district

Tomball ISD is a proud member of the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA), which provides annual Star Awards in recognition for the outstanding education communications and projects of its members. Tomball ISD has won over 50 Gold, Silver and Bronze awards.

Tomball ISD was also a recipient of the H-E-B Excellence in Education Award in 2018. The award recognizes outstanding school districts and their commitment to student achievement through innovative programs, parent and community involvement and professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators.

To learn more about Tomball ISD, including school and department information, visit their website.

Images courtesy of Welcome to Tomball (Tomball ISD); Har (Tomball High School).

Schools play a major role in the growth of your family, and are often one of the most important considerations when buying a new home. To help our Avalon homeowners navigate their way through their new school options, we’ve put together this handy guide on all things education. If you’re planning on visiting, which we highly recommend, use our handy map to plan your best route.

School Districts

Avalon falls under the Haldimand County district of the Grand Erie District School Board. Here’s everything you need to know about your school options, including size, extra curriculars and sports. Keep in mind this information is always changing and evolving from year to year, and it’s important to meet with prospective schools to get a sense of the atmosphere and educational experience they have to offer.

Elementary Schools

Seneca Central Public School

• Address: 2767 Haldimand Rd 9
• Phone: (905) 772-5222
• Size: 140 students
• Grade Range: JK – Grade 8
• Distance from Avalon: 11-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars: Minecraft Club, Random Subject Club, and You’re the Chef club.
• French: Grade 4 and up
• Sports: Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field
• Full-Day Kindergarten: Yes

Caledonia Centennial Public School

• Address: 110 Shetland St., Caledonia
• Phone: (905) 765-4860
• Size: 290
• Grade Range: JK – Grade 8
• Distance from Avalon: 6-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars: Craft Club, Recycling Team, School Spirit, Student Council, Office Helpers, ‘Karma Chameleons’ Club
• French: Caledonia Centennial is also the French immersion option for Avalon from JK to Grade 6 (as of next school year)
• Sports: Cross Country, Orienteering, Soccer
• Full-Day Kindergarten: Yes

River Heights Public School

• Address: 37 Forfar St E, Caledonia
• Phone: (905) 765-5437
• Size: 600 students
• Grade Range: JK – Grade 8
• Distance from Avalon: 5-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars: Air Band, Math Club
• French: Grade 4 and up
• Sports: Cross Country, Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field
• Full-Day Kindergarten: Yes

Out of Area Education

‘Out of Area’ attendance is an option as well. This means that you choose to enroll your child in a school other than one in your Attendance Area Boundary. This can be for reasons of preference, location, convenience or services offered, as long as the rationale for the request is stated to the receiving school. Be sure to inquire about transportation options when opting for an ‘Out of Area’ school, as transportation may not be provided.

Catholic Schools

The Catholic School system is also an option. Avalon is part of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board and has two accessible options for Catholic School education.

Notre Dame Catholic School

• Address: 35 Braemar Ave. Caledonia
• Phone: (905) 765-0649
• Size: 270
• Grade Range: JK – Grade 8
• Distance from Avalon: 8-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars: Choir
• French: Grade 4 and up
• Sports: Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball etc.
• Full-Day Kindergarten: Yes

St. Patrick’s Catholic School

• Address: 81 Orkney Street East, Caledonia
• Phone: (905)765-4626
• Size: 150
• Grade Range: JK – Grade 8
• Distance from Avalon: 4-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars: Choir, Various student-led organizations.
• French: Grade 4 and up
• Sports: Cross Country, Volleyball, Basketball, Track and Field Football, Soccer etc.
• Full-Day Kindergarten: Yes

Secondary Schools

McKinnon Park Secondary School

• Address: 91 Haddington Street, Caledonia
• Phone: (905) 765-4466
• Size: 830
• Grade Range: Grade 9-12
• Distance from Avalon: 6-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars: Anime Club, Band, Book Club, Crime Stoppers, Eco Club, Reach For The Top, Recreational Badminton, safeTALK, Yearbook, Breakfast Nutrition Program, New York City and Europe Trip, Spanish
• Programs: Arts, Business, Design & Tech, English and Languages, History & Social Science, Math, Music, Phys. Ed, Science
• Sports: Basketball, Track & Field, Lacrosse, Hockey, Badminton, Soccer, Softball, Golf, Football, Hockey, Volleyball etc.

Cayuga Secondary School

• Address: 70 Highway 54, Cayuga
• Phone: (905) 772-3301
• Size: 500
• Grade Range: Grade 9-12
• Distance from Avalon: 12-minute drive
• Extra Curriculars: Book Club, Christian Fellowship, Drama, Band, Student Council, Christianity 101 course, International Student Exchange
• Programs: Construction Technology; Co op, OYAP, AOYAP ; eLearning ; Electrical, Plumbing and Sheet Metal; Forest to Furniture ; Grade 10 Construction; Guidance & Student Services; Hair Styling and Aesthetics ; Manufacturing; Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) ; Transportation
• Sports: Volleyball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Basketball, Golf, Tennis, Cheerleading, Badminton, Lacrosse, Rugby, Soccer, Softball, Powerlifting, Track and Field, Wrestling

In our experience nothing compares to an actual visit. Sometimes reports and stats don’t take into account the amazing teachers and staff or overall atmosphere of a school. At the end of the day different kids connect with different environments and what works for one family might be different for the next. Spend the time visiting, meeting and talking to families who already attend the school and use our info as a launching point to find the school that’s right for you.

Please note: this information is subject to change. Reference the school board’s website to ensure each school’s details are still up-to-date.