BTPS Buzz

It is hard to believe we are already halfway through the school year! For families with older students, next week marks the beginning of the second semester—a time of fresh starts and new learning opportunities. I hope you have had the chance to visit your child’s school, connect with staff, and see firsthand the great things happening in our classrooms. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity, we encourage you to do so—whether by attending school events, meeting with teachers, or simply stopping by to see the learning in action. When parents and educators work together, we create the best possible experience for students. As the saying goes, "When schools, families, and communities work together, students succeed."

One of the most powerful ways to support student success is through literacy. Strong reading and writing skills open doors to learning in every subject and build a foundation for lifelong learning. This week, we celebrate Family Literacy Day—a perfect reminder of the importance of reading together as a family. Whether it’s sharing a bedtime story, discussing a favourite book, or encouraging your child to explore new topics, these small moments make a big impact.

Thank you for the many ways you support your children’s education. From helping with homework to cheering them on at school events, your involvement makes a difference. We look forward to working together through the rest of the school year to ensure every student feels supported, challenged, and excited to learn!

Be well,

Michelle Webb

Superintendent

Want to stay informed with the latest updates from the BTPS Board of Trustees?

Check out the Board Highlights from the December 2024 meeting and the January 2025 meeting.

All highlights from previous meetings are also listed on our website for easy access—check them out here.

We are excited to welcome your child(ren) to our school community!

• How to Register: Visit our registration page to complete the process.
• Need Assistance? If you have any questions about your child's registration, you may contact your school directly or reach out to our division office at 780-842-6144. Each school's contact information can be found on their website under the 'Contact' section.

Buffalo Trail Public Schools is committed to maximizing student learning, in a safe and caring environment, supported by a highly effective team.

As part of that commitment, BTPS continues reaching out to educational stakeholders assuring the educational program, sharing results, and seeking input on direction. Parents/guardians, students, staff, school council, and community members all have unique experiences, and we need representation from all these stakeholders to get a complete understanding of how BTPS is meeting needs.

The 2023-2027 Education Plan highlights three priorities:

1. Supporting Learning Success for All Students
2. Fostering Safe & Caring Learning Environments
3. Building Strong Collaborations

The purpose of this engagement is to:

• Share with stakeholders the highlights of the Annual Education Results
• Check-in on direction around strengths and challenges moving forward
• Identify areas of focus for 2025-2026

Educational stakeholders are invited and encouraged to attend one of the following meetings that best fits their schedule.

• Monday, February 3
• Tuesday, February 11
• Thursday, February 20
• Wednesday, February 26

All meetings will be held online from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The link to join the meetings is here. We hope to see you online and share the exciting work of BTPS’ staff and students!

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 the Math Diploma Review Program.

BTPS has identified improving student results in secondary mathematics as a key focus in the 2024-2025 Education Plan. This focus is driven by insights from the Annual Education Results Report (AERR), which highlighted the importance of supporting students in achieving strong results on mathematics diploma exams.

In a show of dedication and collaboration, a group of BTPS educators has developed a comprehensive 12-hour Math 30-1 and Math 30-2 diploma review program. These teachers dedicated their time on Saturdays in December to design this initiative, which not only supports students but also fosters professional growth and the sharing of effective teaching strategies.

The program was delivered through online evening sessions throughout January, along with a full-day session. Open to all BTPS students, this format ensured accessibility and provided comprehensive support for diploma exam preparation.

With over 85 students registered, the strong response reflects the enthusiasm and commitment of principals, staff, students and families across the division. This initiative aligns with BTPS’ focus on collaboration, innovation, and creating opportunities for student success.

BTPS is excited to see the impact of this initiative on student achievement and remains committed to supporting all learners in reaching their full potential.

Check out the "My Child's Learning: A Parent Resource" section available on our website.

This comprehensive tool provides detailed insights into the Alberta curriculum, helping you understand what your child is learning at each grade level. You can explore subject-specific information, access the complete program of studies, and even customize printouts to focus on the courses your child is taking. This resource empowers you to stay informed and engaged in your child's educational journey. To access this valuable tool, please visit the Alberta Education Resources section on the Resources & Links page on our website under "Parents & Students."

Did you know you can quickly check your bus status?

Download the Bus Status App in the APP store and Google Play store!

1. Select BTPS
2. Favourite your bus routes
3. Get instant notifications for cancellations or delays!

The status of bus routes will also be displayed on our website.

On Wednesday, December 18th, the Board of Trustees approved the 2025-2026 school year calendar.

The calendar was developed using the BTPS framework as set out in 302.1AP Calendar Guidelines.

The 2025-2026 School Year calendar can be found on the BTPS website under 'Calendars.'