BTPS Buzz

At Buffalo Trail Public Schools, fostering a Welcoming, Caring, Respectful, and Safe Workplace & Learning Environment is at the heart of everything we do. This commitment is reflected in BTPS Board Policy 901BP, which guides us in creating inclusive and supportive spaces for all. Throughout February, we have actively celebrated kindness through Random Acts of Kindness Week and Pink Shirt Day, reinforcing the importance of respect, empathy, and standing up against bullying. Kindness is a powerful force, and we are grateful for the ways our students, staff, and families embody it each day.

As February draws to a close, we welcome the promise of spring and the energy that fills our schools each day. This is a wonderful time of year, and we want to take a moment to celebrate our incredible school communities and express our deepest gratitude to you—our families—for your ongoing support.

We also want to share an update regarding negotiations with CUPE Local 1606 (CUPE). First and foremost, we want to express our gratitude to our CUPE staff. CUPE staff provide vital services that impact student success, well-being, and the efficient operation of our schools. Their impact is meaningful and far-reaching, and we acknowledge and appreciate their contributions.

Late last week, we were notified that CUPE will hold a supervised strike vote on March 2 and 3, 2025. We will provide families and staff with the outcome and next steps once we have the results of the vote. It’s important to note that should the result be a positive strike vote, it does not mean an immediate strike. If CUPE members vote in favour, the union would still need to provide 72 hours notice before any labour action could take place. BTPS has contingency plans in place and, as always, student safety, well-being, and learning are our top priorities.

We understand that labour negotiations can bring uncertainty, and we appreciate your patience and understanding. We remain committed to working with CUPE toward an agreement that supports our employees while maintaining stability for students and families.

Information is continually being updated on our Labour Relations webpage, and families will continue to be informed through email updates as information becomes available. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to labourrelations@btps.ca.

As we step into spring, we look forward to new opportunities, growth, and continued student success. Your support, patience, and partnership mean so much, and we deeply appreciate all you do. Together, we look ahead with optimism and gratitude for the season ahead.

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 February 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.

We can't wait to meet our newest learners!

Each year, the Alberta Education Assurance (AEA) survey gathers valuable feedback from parents, students, and staff to evaluate the quality of education in our schools. This feedback helps school authorities assess their progress and plan for the future. The results are reflected in the Annual Education Results Report (AERR) and the Assurance Dashboard, which provides school-by-school performance insights.

You can explore these reports and the interactive Assurance Dashboard on our website under Reports.

To encourage more participation, Alberta Education is providing schools with Random Access Codes for parents. Your input plays a critical role in shaping the AERR and ensuring continuous improvement. Information will be shared from your school; please take a moment to complete the survey.

Together, we can strengthen education for all students.

Thank you to all the parents, community members, staff and students who supported this year's Board Stakeholder Engagement sessions. Each year, the Board of Trustees reach out to stakeholders to solicit input on the focus for the upcoming Education Plan. In 2023, over 500 stakeholders supported the development of a 4-year Education Plan 2023 to 2027. From this plan, three priorities were developed:

1. Supporting Learning Success for All Students

2. Fostering Safe and Caring Learning Environments

3. Building Strong Collaborations

The Board updates this 4-year plan each year by identifying focus areas to support the direction to take in the coming year. The focus is determined by looking at the Annual Education Results Report (AERR), monthly engagements between the Board and students, and these stakeholder Engagement Sessions. These insights shape the annual What We Heard document, which in turn helps shape the Education Plan for the following year.

All reports, along with an interactive Assurance Dashboard displaying school-by-school results, are available on our website under Reports.

Thank you for supporting the students of BTPS.

BTPS Trustees and Superintendent Webb were thrilled to connect with school council representatives from across the division on November 4, 2024. The session was a huge success, with engaging discussions, valuable networking, and positive feedback from participants.

The next Council of School Councils session is happening on March 31, 2025! This is another fantastic opportunity for school councils to:

✅ Share successes and learn from each other
✅ Strengthen communication between schools and families
✅ Grow memberships and enhance community partnerships

Get involved! Parents and community members play a vital role in shaping our schools. If you're interested in joining your local school council, reach out to your school today!

Are you getting your child ready for kindergarten? Buffalo Trail Public Schools offers valuable Early Childhood Services (ECS) resources to support families in preparing their little learners for success!

🔹 Kindergarten Readiness Tips
🔹 Early Learning Programs & Supports
🔹 Helpful Resources for Parents

Visit the BTPS ECS Resources to explore how we can help your child start their education journey with confidence!