New Norway School

Welcome to another school year!

We are excited to see all our Spartan families and look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday. A very special welcome to all new students joining the New Norway Spartans. We are glad you are with us!

This newsletter contains the new 2024-2025 bell schedule, the new personal communication device policy, Real time reporting, information on becoming an agent of the board and so much more .

We are very lucky to be part of an extraordinary team of educators and support staff at New Norway School.

2024-2025 Staff

Principal- Mrs. Kelly Arial

Assistant Principal- Mr. Steve Searle

Administrative Assistant- Miss Jenna Miller

ECS - Ms. Gutmann

Grade 1 - Mrs. Zarski

Grade 2/3 - Mrs. Bucek

Grade 4 - Mrs. Fleck

Grade 5 - Miss Leslie/Mrs. Metcalfe

Grade 6 - Mrs. King

Grade 7 - Mr. Kluthe

Grade 8 - Mr. Lindstrand

Grade 9 - Ms. Skuce

Grade 10 - Mr. Searle

Grade 11 - Ms. Berg

Grade 12 - Mrs. Shostak

Our Amazing Support Staff:

Mrs. Danielle Weiler

Ms. Hanna Norman

Mrs. Nicole Rostad

Mrs. Denise Williams

Some Key Information to know for the return of school day for students:

- Students should bring all supplies on the first day of school

- Lockers will be provided as in years past. With the BRSD's new Admin procedure 135 (see below) , we are asking all grade 7-12 students to bring a combination lock ( no key locks please) Locks have been ordered to rent from New Norway School although the timeline on receiving these is TBD.

-Doors open at 8:30am end of the day bell rings at 3:03pm

-There are no early dismissal days this school year

** For new students who are unsure of which entrance, please come through the front doors to the office and we will assist you.

As you may have heard the Alberta government has a new order around the use of personal communication devices in schools. https://kings-printer.alberta.ca/Documents/MinOrders/2024/Education/2024_014_Education.pdf. New Norway School will align with this ministerial order and BRSD's Administrative Procedure 135.

Battle River School Division is excited to announce a significant change in how we will be reporting student academic progress at your child’s school. Traditionally, report cards served as a snapshot of your child's performance at specific points in the school year. However, with our transition to PowerSchool four years ago, we are now able to offer a more dynamic and informative way to keep you updated on your child's academic journey.

Effective September 2024, printed report cards will no longer be sent home as a progress report. Instead, we are embracing digital reporting through the PowerSchool platform. Here's why we believe this change is beneficial for both you and your child:

1. Real-Time Information: With PowerSchool, you can access your child's academic progress in real-time. This means you can stay up-to-date on their learning journey whenever you want, rather than waiting for periodic report cards.

2. Unlimited Access to Assessment Results: You are no longer limited to seeing your child's progress three times a year. With digital reporting, you can check assessment results at any time, enabling you to have a deeper understanding of their academic performance.

3. Active Partner in Learning: This transition empowers you to become an active partner in your child's education, rather than merely an observer. You can now be more involved and engaged in their learning process.

4. Timely Support: If your child is facing challenges or has missing assignments, you can address these issues promptly, preventing them from becoming larger problems. Digital reporting allows for timely intervention.

5. Access to Teacher Feedback: You'll have easy access to teacher feedback on assignments, which can help you better support your child's learning by understanding their strengths and areas for improvement.

6. Engagement in the Learning Process: We view education as a partnership between parents and educators. Digital reporting fosters greater collaboration and engagement in the learning process.

7. Close Communication with Teachers: The PowerSchool platform also facilitates closer communication with your child's teachers, allowing for quick and efficient exchanges of information.

We understand that not everyone may have access to technology. If you find yourself in this situation, please reach out to our school. We will work with you to establish alternative arrangements to ensure you can still receive timely updates on your child's progress if you wish. If you have not signed up for the PowerSchool ‘portal' to access your child’s information please contact us at New Norway School and we will support you through the process.

BRSD believes that this transition to digital reporting is a positive step forward in enhancing communication, engagement, and support for your child's education. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we embark on this exciting journey together. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

New Norway School Kindergarten students will begin school with a “staggered start”. This process helps the gradual transition from home to school and gives students the opportunity to learn some of the protocols and procedures of school. The staggered start date is Tuesday, September 10, 2021. Students are divided into two groups A & B below. Please bring a small snack for the half-day, and the highlighted school supplies on the attached list. All remaining school supplies can come on the first full day. Please check your email for more information from Mrs. Guttman.

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community Coaches,

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our students? Join us in a journey of inspiration, growth, and learning by becoming a valued volunteer at our beloved school!

Ignite Learning, Foster Growth: As a volunteer, you'll have the unique opportunity to be an integral part of our students' educational and athletic journey. From field trip supervisors to coaches , your presence will light up their world and help them soar to new heights!

Safety First - Our Pledge: To ensure the safety and well-being of our students, we kindly ask all volunteers to complete an Agent of the board package. These simple steps help us create a secure environment for everyone.

Building Bonds, Strengthening Community: Join hands with fellow parents, guardians, and community coaches in a shared mission to shape the future. Together, we'll create an inclusive, nurturing environment where every child feels supported and empowered.

Let's make 2024-2025 another amazing school! Forms will be sent in a school messenger for those wishing to become an Agent of the board.

To ensure the safety of our students we are asking parents to not use the staff parking lot area. While we understand that this takes away some convenience, we are concerned about the safety of your children.

Thank you for your attention to this.

School Photo's will be on October 24th.

Please take a few minutes to complete your child's demographic forms on PowerSchool.

It is important that this information be kept up-to-date every year, especially if there is a change in medical status, parent/guardian/emergency contact information, and/or address.

If you need assistance with using PowerSchool - including completing and submitting yearly consent and demographic forms online - please contact Miss Miller in the office.

To ensure a safe environment for all, we kindly ask that all parents and guests come to the school office upon arrival during school hours. Please refrain from using side doors to enter classrooms or the gym unless it is during authorized after hours event.

We appreciate your support and understanding as we prioritize the safety of our school community.

Student success and a sense of belonging starts with consistent attendance at school.

Dear Parents and Guardians of BRSD:

I hope this letter finds you enjoying the remaining days of summer. As we prepare for the 2024-25 school year, I am excited to share our 2024-27 Education Plan, which prioritizes Learning Success for All, Enhancing High Quality Learning and Working Environments, and Well-Being.

Our vision, Every Student, Every Day a Success, embodies our commitment to providing the best possible educational experience for each and every one of our students. With a deep passion for education and a strong focus on nurturing growth, creativity, and achievement, I am honoured to be leading our exceptional team of educators and staff members.

This year, our focus will be on:

1. Learning Success for All: Ensuring that every student receives adequate support and resources to thrive while continuing to build a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy
2. Enhance High Quality Learning and Working Environments: Building a positive school culture and fostering a collaborative, supportive environment for students and staff
3. Well-Being: Promoting inclusive environments and prioritizing the mental and physical health
   of all students and staff

We are in the process of developing an administrative procedure about cell phone use in classrooms to align with the Minister’s June 2024 announcement. More information will be shared through BRSD schools when school begins.

Our first day with students is Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Thank you for entrusting BRSD with your children's education. I am truly honoured to be a part of this amazing school division where 88 per cent of parents and guardians indicate that our schools are welcoming and caring. I can't wait to see the incredible progress that the upcoming school year will undoubtedly bring.

Here's to a fantastic year of Every Student, Every Day, a Success! Please view my welcome back to school video here.

Rhae-Ann Holoien
Superintendent of Schools

4.At the top of the calendar you can choose how you would like to link events to your phone.

I’d like to acknowledge that we are on Treaty 6 territory, a traditional meeting grounds, gathering place, and travelling route to the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene and Nakota Sioux. We acknowledge all the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries.