Welcome back!
We’ve just wrapped up the first week with students back in our buildings, and I truly hope this time has been filled with laughter, learning, and, most importantly, those meaningful connections that make our work so special. I hope your year has kicked off positively and that you’ve already started building wonderful memories with your students. And now, with the weekend upon us, I’m sure we’re all looking forward to a well-deserved chance to rest and recharge!
I want to express my deepest gratitude for all the incredible work that went into preparing for the return of our students. From the gleaming hallways and sparkling buses, to the mowed lawns, fresh bulletin boards, and the thoughtfully designed lesson plans, every detail is so appreciated and has made for such a smooth and welcoming start to the 2024-2025 school year. Behind the scenes, there’s been even more work done by each and every one of you, ensuring that we’re set up for success. THANK YOU!
Reflecting on last week, when we gathered as an entire division to kick off the school year, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride and awe. Seeing so many passionate individuals, all united in our mission to support student learning, was truly powerful. It was wonderful to reconnect with you after the summer break and feel the excitement for the year ahead. The buzz in the gym indicated how much our staff enjoy one another. I’ve also heard great feedback from Dr. Greg Wells’ keynote on wellness—it’s clear that our focus on health and well-being resonates with so many of you, and I look forward to seeing how we infuse that learning into our schools.
As we dive into this new year, I hope that while you care for your students, you also take the time to care for one another and, just as importantly, for yourselves. Wishing you all a fantastic and rewarding school year!
With gratitude and excitement,
Be well,
Michelle
Check out the Board Highlights from the August 29th Regular Meeting.
Highlights include: Organizational Meeting Update, Personal Electronic Devices, Divisional Learning Day, School Success Collaborations Value Scoping, Superintendent Highlights, and Trustee Livingston.
You can read the full summary here.
Trustee Livingston
The Board of Trustees regretfully announces the resignation of Trustee Barry Livingston effective August 29, 2024.
The Board of Trustees is very grateful to Trustee Livingston for all his contributions to the students, staff, and families of BTPS over his time with the Division. He will be sadly missed.
At this time the Board will not hold a by-election and Trustee Spornitz volunteered to attend Provost School events and Trustee Ford volunteered to attend Amisk and Hughenden School events. All trustees will provide additional support as needed.
On Friday, September 20, Buffalo Trail Public Schools is proud to recognize Military Family Appreciation Day, celebrated annually on the third Friday of September.
We honour and value the immense contributions of military families who face long deployments, frequent moves, and countless sacrifices to support their loved ones in service.
On this day, and every day, we remember the sacrifices and celebrate, thank and acknowledge the resilience of our military families.
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a day to remember, reflect, and recommit ourselves to the journey of truth, healing, and reconciliation. On Friday, September 27, staff and students will engage in learning to recognize the day.
We invite you to join us in wearing Orange Shirts on September 27 as a symbol of our commitment to truth and reconciliation. Here are some links to help guide your planning for activities for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Register for Truth and Reconciliation Week
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
ATA Library Teaching Resources
Truth and Reconciliation Books
Five Things to know about September 30 - Warrior Kids Podcast
BTPS is committed to honouring and respecting Truth and Reconciliation.
Please see attached formal invitation to our Celebration and Retirement Event happening the evening of Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Wainwright at the Wainwright Communiplex Halls 1&2.
This is an open invitation to all staff to come and celebrate our long service employees and retirees for the 2023-2024 school year. Supper is being provided by the Board of Trustees.
Each school has their own sign up sheet. Please RSVP with your respective admin assistant or administrator by Friday, October 11, 2024 so we have a final count for our caterer.
We hope to see you there!
Outstanding Support Staff Award
We are seeking nominations for this year's Outstanding Support Staff Award. It is the time of year for you to identify all of the excellent contributions your support staff make for your students, families, staff, schools, and the division.
Here is a link to the Administrative Procedure that has the criteria and nomination form that you may share with staff. Forward all nomination packages to Camille Quinton prior to the last day of September.
Thank you for taking the time to recognize these valuable members of our team!
Last year, the innovation coaches were in the classrooms modelling a wide range of things including Mathology, math starters and the use of math manipulatives, robust literacy blocks, effective instructional strategies, and the use of EdTech.
As we approach the new school year, we want to remind you that we are available to help you with any of those things, along with both long-range and unit planning. Together, we can design purposeful units that enhance student learning.
Please don't hesitate to reach out via email (or complete this Google Form) if you have any questions or would like to collaborate with us!
- Stacy and Tyler
Criterion-on-Demand enables teachers and students to access a large variety of feature films online, at the click of a button. BTPS has a subscription for streaming movies in your classroom. All other streaming services are not legally permitted.
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password: BuftrL
On June 17, 2024, the Minister of Education, Demetrios Nicolaides, made an announcement regarding restrictions on personal mobile devices and social media in schools.
For more information on the new regulations on personal electronic devices in our classrooms, please see the attached: Letter to Parents and Guardians - Use of Personal Electronic Devices.
The 2024 FASD Awareness Theme is Everyone Plays a Part
How can you play a part? Check out the CanFASD interactive webpage to find out.
For more information about FASD support services here in east central Alberta, assessment and diagnostics for adults and children, professional development opportunities and partnerships, please visit prairiecentralfasd.ca
To learn more about FASD Awareness Month please visit https://canfasd.ca/fasd-awareness-month/
Looking to show off your BTPS pride in style? Our online store has all your spirit wear and apparel needs covered!
From hoodies to hats and everything in between, we've got a wide range of BTPS-themed clothing and accessories for everyone.
Grab your gear today at urstore.ca/buffalo-trail-public-schools!