BTPS Newsletter
June 7, 2024
Superintendent's Memo
As we welcome June, we are proud to celebrate National Indigenous History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and honouring the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. This month is an opportunity for all of us to deepen our understanding and appreciation of Indigenous communities and their profound impact on our shared heritage. Throughout June, we encourage you to engage in activities and learning opportunities that promote awareness and appreciation of Indigenous cultures, including incorporating Indigenous perspectives into your curriculum and inviting Indigenous elders and knowledge keepers to share their stories.
Last month, Tyler Pearse, our Innovation Coach, shared some valuable information that you might find helpful. I have linked it again for you to review and use as you see fit.
BTPS Indigenous Teacher Resource Workspace
Teacher's Guide - Seven Grandfather Teachings
Truth and Reconciliation Books
Indigenous Language Revitalization Children's Books
Foundational Knowledge for Indigenous Education
Traditional Games Lesson Plans
Our commitment to reconciliation goes beyond this month. As educators, we have a responsibility to foster an inclusive environment where Indigenous histories and perspectives are recognized and valued year-round. Let us use this month as a springboard to continue our efforts to build a more inclusive and understanding community. We encourage you to share your ideas, actively participate in planned events and activities, and ensure that classroom discussions and activities are inclusive and respectful of Indigenous cultures and histories. Thank you for your dedication to fostering a learning environment that respects and celebrates the diversity of our community.
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... Ronda LaHaye!
Check out this edition’s scavenger hunt form for a chance to win.
Board of Trustees
Check out the Board Highlights from the May 29th Regular Meeting.
Highlights include: BTPS Education Plan, BTPS 2024-2025 Projected (Spring) Budget, Superintendent Highlights, Student Engagements, School Fees, and Transportation Update.
You can read the full summary here.
Buffalo Trail Public Schools is committed to maximizing student learning, in a safe and caring environment, supported by a highly effective team.
Provost Public School
It has been a busy few months at Provost Public School. The grade one and nine students engaged in a collaborative project where the grade one students designed their own personal stuffy and the grade 9 Home Ec. class sewed their designs. The grade one’s were so excited to see the results of their designs and share this collaborative time with older students.
The grade 6 class recently embarked on an exciting educational trip to the Alberta Legislature. The adventure began with a ride on the LRT to downtown, setting the stage for a day filled with learning and exploration. At the Legislature, the students were captivated by the tale of the Magic Spot, an intriguing acoustic phenomenon. They toured the Assembly Chambers and learned the fascinating history behind the first mace of the Alberta Legislature. The students also watched "Our People Our Province" in the Pehonan Theatre, a unique and immersive experience. Princess Louise Caroline Alberta shared a story projected onto a 360-degree screen, taking visitors on a journey through Alberta's fascinating social and political history. The highlight of the visit was participating in a Mock Legislature, where the students enthusiastically took on various roles, gaining a hands-on understanding of the legislative process.
At Provost Public School, we recently celebrated our fifth annual art competition, with kindergarten to grade six students participating.Twenty entries moved to the semi-finals, judged by over 120 school and community members. Students creatively incorporated a black-and-white pistachio template into their artwork using various mediums.
Last week, our grade 1-5 classes participated in Rodeo Days where students engaged in stations, practicing their rodeo skills alongside members of the Cadogan Agricultural Society.
Members of our grade 10 class worked alongside our local Communities in Bloom committee members, planting flowers in the planters around the community of Provost.
The Provost Panther's have been competing in Track and Field! Our Juniors have competed in Wainwright and 21 of our athletes have advanced onto finals in Vermilion on June 6th. We had 4 of our Seniors move onto Zones in Red Deer.
We definitely appreciated our Provost Pantry crew. They have been hard at work preparing and delivering treats to our bus drivers and school staff.
Hughenden Public School
Our elementary students came up with projects for their science fair. Fun was had by all, there were some very creative ideas!
After a few Gibson Energy employees came to HPS to do a classroom presentation, the group of high school students went on a fieldtrip out to the facility by Hardisty for a tour.
All of the students and staff celebrated Glenn Gouthro’s 80th birthday in April. He stopped in for flowers, words of inspiration, his very own cake to take home, and lots of hugs.
Mrs. Ashley Swanson organized a “Fun Run!” in the middle of May. It was a 2km run (or walk) during the afternoon for the elementary and any junior and senior high students that wanted to participate. It is part of the Alberta Medical Association and Ever Active Schools program.
This is the winning team at the annual Hole in One for Mental Health last month. The top golfer of the event is holding the trophy (Ryder Holte – grade 9).
After winning first in hurdles at Areas in Stettler, this HPS student won 2nd at the CASAA Zones track championship in Red Deer. She now advances to Provincials in Edmonton (Emma Tuftin – grade 11).
These are the students that were celebrated at our monthly Achievement Tree awards. They receive a leaf describing their achievement. Draws are made from the recipients for $10 Scholastic book order certificates and one lucky student receives a $10 Walmart Gift Card. Students are selected for their hard work and/or improvement in many areas.
A couple of our grade 11 shop students, Joni Motley & Emma Tuftin, built a Gaga Ball Pit for the elementary students. It turned out so well, Amisk School asked them to build one for them!
ASBA Trustee Governance Program
Buffalo Trail Public Schools would like to congratulate Trustee Yonkman for completing the ASBA Trustee Governance Program!
Mannville School Leadership
Buffalo Trail Public Schools is pleased to announce that Becky Peck will be the new Principal of Mannville School commencing August 2024.
Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Mrs. Peck to Buffalo Trail Public Schools!
May 2024 Hāpara Collaborative Educator Awards
Hāpara recently awarded the following educators with the Hāpara Collaborative Educator badge.
Celeste Matovich
Nicole Cey
What makes a Hāpara Collaborative Educator? Hāpara Collaborative Educators have mastered the important evolution to digital, online learning. These educators assign and access student work from student Google Drives with relative skill. They are adept at meeting students “in the cloud” and providing formative feedback, support, comments and assessment on various online file types including Google Docs, Sheets and Slides. Hāpara Collaborative Educators create class assignments and learner routines that include shared online assignments and units of study, emulating 21st century, real-world work and collaboration.
Congratulations Celeste and Nicole!
KHS Band Program - Flourishing Story Rural Caucus of Alberta School Boards
The Board of Buffalo Trail Public Schools is a member of the Rural Caucus of Alberta School Boards. On the RCASB website it showcases ‘Flourishing Stories” from rural Alberta schools.
This month, Buffalo Trail Public Schools was proud to showcase and celebrate 40 years of the Kitscoty High School Band Program!
Kitscoty High School is proud to showcase its long-running band program involving students in grades 7-12. The program has been offered for over 40 years since moving into its current location, and in a school with a population of around 240 students, just under 200 of those are in band this year.
By participating in the band program, students are given opportunities to interact with their community, collaborate with their peers on a whole new level, and explore the world around them. Students have competed in music festivals around Alberta, attended workshops at various universities and colleges, performed 2 - 4 concerts annually for the community, collaborated with the school’s drama club a few times, and gone on tour both within our own province as well as internationally with the Buffalo Trail Public Schools Honour Band.
Current band director of KHS, Jamie Stromberg, says, “One of the perks of teaching a band program in a rural setting is that you get to see the sparks of excitement in the eyes of the beginners and watch their journey through to mature musicians in high school. In the cities you often only get to experience the beginning of the journey or the end, not both.”
Thank you to our supportive community, parents, and administration for making this program a success!
Check out the full feature here.
ASBA Zone 2/3 Edwin Parr Awards Banquet
ASBA held the Zone 2/3 Edwin Parr Awards Banquet on Friday, May 24.
BTPS was honoured to attend and celebrate our Edwin Parr Teacher Award Nominee for 2024, Lauren Heck, from Provost Public School.
Congratulations, Lauren!
Technology Department
A quick reminder from your BTPS Tech Team: Let's keep our company email strictly for work. Using it for personal websites or subscriptions can pose security risks and clutter our inboxes. Please use personal emails for non-work-related activities.
Thanks for your cooperation!