BTPS Newsletter
April 12, 2024
Superintendent's Memo
Next week is Education Week. This week is not only about recognizing the academic achievements of our students but also celebrating the dedication and hard work of all those who contribute to the success of our schools. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our students and shaping a brighter future.
I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible work happening in our classrooms and communities. From the dedication of our staff to the enthusiasm of our students, rural education is truly special. Let's celebrate the achievements, the triumphs, and the milestones of our students. Let's honour the dedication and hard work of our staff and let's continue to nurture a love for learning and strengthen our bonds as a school community. Happy Education Week to all our amazing students, staff, families and community members!
It is also our privilege to shine a spotlight on the incredible contributions of volunteers within our BTPS school communities as next week is also National Volunteer Week. These individuals embody the spirit of selflessness and community service, enriching the educational experience for our students in countless ways. From assisting teachers in the classroom to organizing community events to being integral members of our school councils, their dedication and passion are truly inspiring.
During this National Volunteer Week, let us take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to each and every volunteer who selflessly gives back to our schools. Your commitment to service not only strengthens our communities but also leaves a lasting impact on the lives of our students. Your contributions, big and small, are deeply appreciated and valued. Thank you for all that you do to make our schools vibrant centers of learning, growth, and community. Happy National Volunteer Week!
Be well,
Michelle
In the last newsletter, there was a google form scavenger hunt for you to partake in for a chance to win a prize. Thank you to all who participated. The lucky winner of the draw goes to... Patti Neale!
Superintendent Webb speaks on CBC Radio on the new Wainwright Elementary School delays
Check out Superintendent Webb's interview on CBC Radio discussing the new Wainwright Elementary School delays.
Listen here.
For more information or questions, please view our media release or E-mail buffalotrail@btps.ca.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees of Buffalo Trail Public Schools wishes to advise that there will be public meetings held April 15th at JR Robson School in Vermilion, April 16th at Wainwright High School, and April 18th, 2024 online. Meetings will begin at 7:00PM. These meetings are part of the final phase of the BTPS Ward Review. Stakeholders will have their say on the electoral boundaries. Changes to ward boundaries do not impact school attendance boundaries. A ward review is focused on fair representation in the jurisdiction and is guided by Board Policy 104BP, “Establishment of Wards”.
Considerations for Determining Ward Structures and Number of Trustees
When considering any revision to electoral boundaries and/or number of Trustees, the Board shall consider the following;
a) Fair representation
b) General population
c) School enrollment
d) Transportation Service Area
e) Sparsity and density of population
f) Wherever possible, existing municipal boundaries
g) Geographical features, including existing road systems
h) The desirability of understandable and clear boundaries and
i) Any other factors it considers to be appropriate
Information presented will include applicable legislation, current ward structures, current populations from the most recent census data and any other information deemed necessary.
April 15th (7:00PM)
JR Robson School
5106 – 46 Street
Vermilion, AB
April 16th (7:00PM)
Wainwright High School
800 – 6 Street
Wainwright, AB
April 18th (7:00PM)
Online
Visit our BTPS website for the link to join the online meeting.
Dr. Folkins Community School
Dr. Folkins has been busy with many different activities since the fall. We have held a very successful toy drive, did skating and curling at the Arena, had a ski trip, a field trip to the Legislature, as well as many activities around literacy. Parents and Grandparents have come to visit the school to read and be read to by the elementary classes. We have also held “Lunch with your Student” day, with more planned. We celebrated Pi day with school wide activities. A big event at the school was the Easter supper with activities for the students including an Easter egg hunt. Badminton is in full swing, and soon there will be track and field. Chauvin is an active and supportive community that loves to come to the school.
Buffalo Trail Learning Hub
The Learning Hub is currently connected to 310 students from a variety of places, many who are seeking a course not offered by their school or are seeking an alternate environment and/or delivery method. There have been a number of exciting events recently at the Hub.
Studios students working hard in the comfort of the Hub.
Ditto!
During our PD day on March
15th, staff was introduced to
our newest book study. We
will be learning from Matt
Miller’s “AI for Educators”
learning strategies, teacher
efficiencies, and a vision for
an artificial intelligence
future.
Buffalo Trail Learning Hub is a place where all are welcome and all can learn!
We had special visitors for Easter!
We hosted Easter Dinner for students, parents and guests, including our Board members, techs and maintenance crew.
Education Week
Education Week is April 15-19, 2024 with the theme: Learning Uplifts All
Education Week is a time to celebrate public education and the important work that goes into creating an inspired future for every child; a future that is supported by teachers, leaders, students, parents, and community partners, working together, to achieve:
- Optimal learning conditions for every child.
- Creative and innovative learning programs.
- Students who are engaged and successful in their learning.
- Parents and communities that are involved and supportive of learning.
- Excellent teachers and school leaders.
Join BTPS in honouring the incredible educators, students, and families who make our school communities thrive. Let's celebrate the joy of learning, the power of knowledge, and the limitless potential of our students!
National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week is April 14-20, 2024 with the theme: Every Moment Matters
During National Volunteer Week we honour and appreciate the invaluable contributions of our volunteers. This year's theme, "Every Moment Matters," resonates deeply as we recognize the profound impact volunteers have on our school communities.
To all the volunteers who generously give their time, skills, and passion to support our students and staff, thank you! Your dedication makes a difference in every moment, shaping brighter futures for our learners.
Superintendent's Public Speaking Competition
We are excited for the upcoming 12th Annual Superintendent's Public Speaking Competition.
Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Where: JR Robson School - North Training Centre
Time: 9:30am - Noon
We are looking forward to showcasing our BTPS students incredible talents!
Reminder: Submissions are due by April 17, 2024
Seesaw
Every month, Seesaw makes timely updates to the Seesaw Library! Buffalo Trail teachers can check these out below…
- Brand new Story Pirates Idea Storms lessons are now available in the Seesaw Library under the English Language Arts subject tile! This 3-5 collection provides students with bite-sized creative writing exercises from our friends at Story Pirates.
- Reflect on learning throughout the year with Seesaw’s new digital portfolio collection, Highlights! The Highlights collection is broken up into two types of journaling opportunities: Portfolios and Pages. Highlights Portfolios allow students to capture their work inside of Seesaw across all core subject areas, thus creating a digital portfolio for students, teachers, and families to see growth over time. Highlights Pages give a templatized way for students to reflect on their work on a more regular basis.
- As always, teachers can find fun and ready-to-go activities for each school day in Seesaw’s April Dailies calendar. This month’s calendar features April Special Days, Math and Stats Month, and much more!
The Student Voice Poetry Contest
Student poetry topic:
This year we want you to tell us how technology has shaped your learning, and how it will influence your life in the future. Does it make learning easier, or just more complicated? Will artificial intelligence take over? In 20 years will kids get their lessons through TikTok? Tell us what you think through poetry. Use your voice to share your thoughts, and don’t be shy it’s your poem. Write it in verse, make it rhyme, or compose a haiku–it’s up to you! We can’t wait to hear what you have to say.
Submissions are due by April 30, 2024. Winners will be announced May 13, 2024. Win prizes and have your work featured on the #StudentVoicePodcast!
For more information and to submit poems, visit: https://hapara.com/poetry/