F oothills - Homepage | Foothills School Division wildlife veterinarian Dr. Asa Fahlman – provide...
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F oothills
OILFIELDS’ QUEST PROGRAM
Scott Carey, Principal of Oilfields School, and Quest
teacher Adam Argento provided Trustees with an
update on this award-winning grade 10-12 outdoor
adventure learning program introduced at the school six
years ago. Scott credited then Oilfields’ vice-principal
Cynthia Glaicar (now principal at Westmount School)
with having the dream of a program that would enable
students to achieve learning outcomes through a year-long
outdoor education program.
Quest combines traditional classroom instruction with
outdoor experiential learning through cross-curricular
projects and field studies. The program also features small
class sizes, peer mentoring in a multi-grade learning
environment, and strong teacher relationships. In addition
to Adam Argento (who provides CTS and Outdoor Ed.
instruction), the Quest teaching team includes Karen Larter
(Math and Sciences) and Chase Sillito (English and Social
Studies), who work collaboratively to instruct and support
students in their learning.
Structured as a three-year program for approximately 30+
students per year, Quest features a yearly environmental
education theme through which students explore core
curricular outcomes for the entire year: 2015-16:
Biodiversity (Biology focus); 2016-17: Energy (Physics
focus); 2017-18 Water (Chemistry focus). For example, this
year Quest students have been participating in the Fish in
Schools program, a stewardship project to contribute to the
ecosystem health in local watersheds. Students have
raised 60 rainbow trout from eggs that were released in
Champion Lakes west of Millarville.
Students generally enter the program at the grade 10 level,
and must undergo an application / interview process to
gauge their interest level, as the program requires a strong
commitment to outdoor education and community
involvement.
Students complete all courses required for high school
graduation and participate in regular outdoor field studies
to meet these requirements through excursions – such as
hiking, overnight backpacking, cross-country skiing,
wilderness navigation, emergency response and back-
country cooking – focusing on academics, outdoor skills,
and team development. Collaboration with experts – such
as wildlife biologist and retired superintendent of Banff
National Park Kevin Van Tigham, Calgary Zoo
conservation research specialist Tatiana Hayek, and
Swedish wildlife veterinarian Dr. Asa Fahlman – provide
students with real-world understanding and insight into
potential careers.
Quest is generously supported by local communities and
the Friends of Quest Education Foundation, which
organizes a major fundraising event annually.
For more information about Quest, contact Oilfields
School at 403-938-4973 or visit http://
oilfields.fsd38.ab.ca/our-school/quest/.
YI… News from the June 15, 2016 Board Meeting
Quest students raising rainbow trout for eventual release to help improve local watershed ecosystem health
BUDGET 2016-2017
Following consultation with FSD stakeholders, including
school administrators, the Board passed a motion
approving FSD’s 2016-17 budget. With a 0% increase in
provincial funding, the division is directing more than 78%
of revenue to instruction, which includes staffing.
Budget change items include:
An increased focus on elevating student excellence
through targeted professional development, and the
addition of 3 full time equivalent (FTE) staff for
instructional coach time and contracted services, and
addition of 3 FTE teachers.
Additional .6 FTE to Hub program (flexible high school
learning option), based at École Secondaire Foothills
Composite High School/Alberta High School of
Fine Arts (ÉSFCHS/AHSFA), to address increased
demand.
Allocations to support a provincially mandated focus on
FNMI (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) instruction.
Approximately $53,000 to cover carbon levy for the
period January-August 2017.
Infrastructure, Maintenance and Renewal (IMR)
funding increased more than $820,000 to $2.1 million
to address school facility needs (majority to address
roofing and flooring requirements).
A move to a centralized technology help desk format
has been very successful; FSD will also shift to
centralized accounting processes to reduce demands
at school level and streamline the financial process.
As part of a three-year plan to support instructional levels
and requirements, FSD anticipates a budget deficit just shy
of $1.4 million. Through prudent management, the division
has accrued healthy reserve levels to address provincial
funding challenges.
CAPITAL UPDATE
Assistant Superintendent of Corporate Services Drew
Chipman and Planning Director Monica Kohlhammer
updated Trustees on several facility / community projects:
New K-9, west 32nd
St. Okotoks – Expected
imminently: utility connection designs and signing of a
“Bridge” Agreement with the Town of Okotoks to cover
the period until the land is formally transferred to FSD.
ÉSFCHS/AHSFA Modernization – Tenders have
closed and budget documentation is finalized. Survey
work for a modular classroom is being done for
drainage management and paving work.
Modular Classrooms – In connection with FSD’s
2015 modular request, two classrooms are being
moved from École Senator Riley Middle School
(holdovers from when Notre Dame Collegiate was
sharing space following the 2013 flood) to École Percy
Pegler School. A third modular, approved by the
Province this year, will be installed at the same time for
efficiency and cost benefits. FSD is targeting 10-12
weeks for installation. In the meantime, the division is
proceeding with the development permit for one
modular classroom at Spitzee Elementary School, and
tendering documents are also being prepared.
New High River Division Office – The completion
date for the Government Building in which FSD will
lease space has been shifted to February 11, 2017
(from late December 2016 / early January 2017). Work
on the sub-structure continues to move along at a
good pace.
Potential Black Diamond Joint Use Agreement – A
meeting was held on June 15th to initiate the drafting of
an agreement between the Town and FSD. The
agreement is aimed at maximizing the usability of
playfields, sports fields and facilities within the town by
local organizations as part of FSD’s and the Town’s
joint focus on encouraging healthy, active lifestyles.
Longview & Cayley Boiler Replacement – The
contracts have been awarded to Chisholm Industries
Ltd. Work will take place throughout the summer
months.
Alberta Education Facility Tour – Members of
Alberta Education Capital Planning will tour three FSD
facilities / sites on Tuesday, June 28: new Okotoks K-9
school site, ÉSFCHS/AHSFA modernization and
Heritage Heights School (where FSD, the M.D. of
Foothills and Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools
are requesting a speed limit reduction in the area prior
to the opening of a new Catholic school in the fall).
Budget 2016-2017: vast majority of expenditures related to instruction
BOARD ORGANIZATION MEETING
Prior to the regular board meeting, Trustees held an
organizational meeting on the morning of June 15,
primarily to elect the chair, vice-chair and committee
representatives for next school year. Trustee Christine
Pretty will again serve as Board Chair, while Trustee
Michael Pollard will return as Vice-Chair. For a list of Board
Committee representatives, please visit http://
www.fsd38.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Board-
Committees-16-17.pdf.
INFORMATION ITEMS
Trustees reviewed minor housekeeping changes to several
Administrative Procedures (APs): AP 504-Teacher Staffing
Allocations; AP 505-Instructional Support Staff; AP 539-
Furniture & Equipment Repair; AP 105-School-Based
Decision-Making; AP 390-Appeals; and AP 317-Severe
Allergies. AP 317 includes the addition of section 1.5
strongly recommending “that students with severe allergies
have two injectors available for off campus or outdoor
education trips when emergency services are not readily
available.”
Trustees also reviewed a summary of overnight, out of
province and out of country field trips for the 2015-2016
school year.
DIVISION HIGHLIGHTS
MILESTONES: The Board of Trustees, FSD, Foothills
ATA and CUPE Local 5040 hosted the division’s annual
Employee Recognition Evening at Lynnwood Ranch on
Friday, June 10. The event celebrates those retiring from
the division and marks employee years of service. A total
of 168 employees received service recognition pins (in five
year increments ranging from 5 to 35 years) while 18
retiring / retired teaching and support staff were thanked for
their dedication to student learning during their years with
FSD. These include:
Lorrie Adams, Educational Assistant, École Percy
Pegler School
Beth Amundsen, Teacher, Dr. Morris Gibson
School
Jayni Caldwell, Teacher, ÉSFCHS/AHSFA
Kathy Dymond, Regular Driver, Transportation
Services
Murray Elliott, Regular Driver, Transportation
Services
Herb Froese, Teacher, École Senator Riley Middle
School
Helena Grant, Teacher, Heritage Heights School
Janet Kercher, System Support Analyst, Learning
Technologies-Division Office
Carole Maurice, Regular Driver, Transportation
Services
Virginia McLeod, Director, Transportation Services
Lorrie Morales, Teacher, École Senator Riley
Middle School
Myrna Pauls, Teacher, Big Rock School
Anita Pohl-Dagge, Teacher, Dr. Morris Gibson
School
Janet Ramsum, Regular Driver, Transportation
Services
Greg Sterenberg, Teacher, Big Rock School
Colleen Tucker, Accounts Payable Technician,
Division Office
Liz Westman, Junior Kindergarten Learning Coach,
Division Office
Bill Young, Teacher, École Secondaire Highwood
High School
Four employees were recognized with solid gold FSD pins
for achieving provincial recognition in 2015-16:
Chet Musgrove, Principal Longview School –
Distinguished Leadership Award presented by the
ATA’s Council for School Leadership
Darren Olson, Teacher and Coach, ÉSFCHS/
AHSFA – Laurie Robertson Memorial Tier II High
School Football Coach of the Year presented by
Football Alberta
Lisa Willis, Regular Driver, Transportation Services
– Bus Driver of the Year Award presented by the
Student Transportation Association of Alberta
Bill Young, Teacher and Coach, Highwood High
School – Inductee into the Alberta Schools’ Athletic
Association Hall of Fame.
FSD also recognized two local organizations that stand for
partnership, collaboration and community through their
support for the division and our schools and students: M.D.
of Foothills; and Western Financial Group and Western
Communities Foundation (see photos on next page).
Former Red Deer Lake teacher Elizabeth Critchley did
a stellar job as Master of Ceremonies. More than 330 staff
members attended the evening of celebration.
Assistant Superintendent of Employee Services Al
Davidson acknowledged the hard work of the
organizing committee in executing a smooth and enjoyable
event: Trustee Laurie Copland; Christa Finch, Social
Committee Chair, Foothills ATA (and teacher at
Highwood High School), Jody Scott, President (and
Educational Assistant, Dr. Morris Gibson School)
and Lori Richardson, Vice President (and Technology
Facilitator, Learning Technologies), CUPE Local 5040;
and Deborah Spence, Communications & Events Manager.
LIFELONG LEARING: On behalf of the Association of
School Business Officials (ASBO) International,
Superintendent John Bailey presented Drew Chipman,
Assistant Superintendent of Corporate Services, with a
certificate recognizing his achievement of the Certified
Administrator of School Finance and Operations (SFO)
designation. In making the presentation, John described it
as another example of the commitment by FSD staff to
ongoing learning.
GRADUATIONS, ETC.: Trustees have been enjoying
making the rounds of schools to attend year-end
celebrations:
Board Chair Christine Pretty: Red Deer Lake
School graduation (she applauded the
“unbelievable student speeches”), and the International
Baccalaureate student presentations at Millarville
Community School.
Board Vice-Chair Michael Pollard: Blackie, Cayley
and Heritage Heights school graduations, and the
Cayley band concert – “great to see the kids’ aptitude
on fiddles”.
Trustee Laurie Copland: Red Deer Lake D.A.R.E.
grad (last FSD D.A.R.E. grad of the year), Westmount
School Spring Outdoor Concert, ÉSFCHS/AHSFA
Dance Showcase (“Wow!”), and the ÉSFCHS/AHSFA-
École Okotoks Junior High School (ÉOJHS) choral
concert (kudos to students and choral leaders,
AHSFA’s Nicole Hounjet and ÉOJHS’s Sam
Shumka. Trustee Copland also attended
Westmount School’s Sports Day, where Outdoor
Ed. teacher Graham Campbell raffled off the right for a
student to be the barber and cut his flowing locks. He
now sports a Mohawk! Funds raised were in support of
Fort McMurray families.
Trustee Jeannine Tucker: Oilfields School’s spring
production, Big Bad Musical (The jury must decide the
outcome of the biggest trial ever in the fairy-tale
world! The notorious Big Bad Wolf is being slapped
with a class-action lawsuit by storybooks of quirky
characters who want to get even: Little Red Riding
Hood, her Grandmother, the Three Little Pigs and the
Shepherd in charge of the Boy Who Cried Wolf).
Jeannine also congratulated all of the students who
received awards at Oilfields’ Drillers Athletic Night on
June 9 and at the Black and Gold Awards on June 10.
Board Chair Pretty, who also attended, commended
the many community partners that contributed to more
than $20,000 in scholarships and bursaries handed
out.
M.D. of Foothills Mayor Larry Spilak (far left) & Deputy Mayor Ted Mills (middle) accept Friends of Foothills Award from Board Chair Christine Pretty, Superintendent John Bailey and Assistant Superintendent Drew Chipman
Joe Sirianni, Executive Vice President, Network, Western Financial Group (second from left) accepts Friends of Foothills Award at Milestones, June 10, 2016
Drew Chipman (left) receives ASBO International certificate from Superintendent John Bailey
FSD Retired Teachers’ Association Gives Back: C. Ian
McLaren School is the recipient of a $500 donation to
replace some Learning Commons shelving that has seen
better days... Speaking of FSD Learning Commons, check
out the story in the May 2016 edition of School
Construction News featuring Turner Valley School and
Learning Commons Facilitator Carol Webb: From
Library to Learning Commons: Alberta School Library
Undergoes Modern Renovation (pages 11 & 15).
ÉSFCHS/AHSFA CELEBRATES ACHIEVEMENT:
More than 50 athletes from four school divisions
competed in the 15th
Annual Foothills Invitational
Track Meet. Thank you to everyone who
volunteered including Foods staff and students who
provided a fantastic lunch. Principal Vince Hunter
received many accolades from the other schools
praising volunteers’ hard work and energy. Check out
the CTV News coverage.
Congratulations to the boys’ rugby squad on earning a
silver medal at the Provincials!
Kudos also to the boys’ soccer team on finishing
strong at the Zones on June 4 and 5 in Canmore.
League games ended on a high note with a win over
High River (combined Highwood High School / Notre
Dame Collegiate team) – “Especially commendable,”
said Principal Vince Hunter, “since this team had
previously crushed us.”
High fives to film studies students Joshua Sim and
Richard Williams on doing the school and division
proud at the National Skills Competition in Moncton
June 5-8. They earned the Spirit Award, and both
credit communications technology teacher Ben
Stevens for helping them advance their skills.
WESTMOUNT
NEWS:
After a
challenging
start to the
year, the flag
football
team
persevered
to become
the best
team in the league! They truly came together as a ‘wolf
pack’ to win gold. Congratulations to the players for the
second league championship in two years – and to the
coaches, teachers Tammi Andrew, Sean Culp and
Lisa Snyder!
The school’s Outdoor Classroom was recently planted
with the help of many hands. Thank you to the parents
and students who dedicated their time – and to all of
the individuals and organizations that supported the
project: Robert Mercier for donating his time and
bobcat; Tawni Bartisch for her arborist expertise; Hawk
Excavating and Contracting Ltd. for boulder placement;
Vaughn Peoples at 5 Star Tree for a great discount on
trees; Dirt Cheep for donating topsoil; and the Town of
Okotoks for donating logs and mulch.
STUDENT-FOCUSED
PD: Teachers Natasha
Kamal (Highwood High
School) and Kelli
Courage (ÉOJHS) were
thrilled to make the
acquaintance of Dr.
Bruce Perry, Senior
Fellow of the
ChildTrauma Academy
and keynote speaker at
the 2nd
International
Neurosequential Model Symposium in Banff June 8-10. Dr.
Perry presented on a range of topics including Early
Childhood, Mental Health and Child Welfare.
SUMMER SCHOOL DEADLINE
Don’t forget the FSD Summer School registration deadline
coming up on Friday, June 24th! In addition to the extensive
course offering, including grade 7-12 English as a Second
Language (ESL) instruction, Summer School is piloting a
new two-week Outdoor Education/Adventure program –
FSD Go Wild! Students will acquire the knowledge and
skills associated with safe outdoor travel and appreciation
of wildlife. They can also earn SIX high school credits.
Choice of two dates for FSD Go Wild! – July 4-15 or 18-29.
For more Summer School information and to register
visit http://summerschool.fsd38.ab.ca/
FOOTHILLS FYI RETURNS IN
SEPTEMBER. HAVE A
Working hard on Westmount’s Outdoor Classroom