superintendent’s memo 7-11th 2018.pdf · indian horse—is a book written by richard wagamese,...
TRANSCRIPT
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Superintendent ..................... 2
Technology ............................ 3
Curriculum ............................ 4
Transportation ...................... 6
Extras .................................... 7
Around BTPS ………………….8-17
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BUFFALO TRAIL PUBLIC SCHOOLS
1041 10A Street
Wainwright, AB T9W 2R4
P: 780.842.6144
F: 780.842.3255
www.btps.ca
Twitter: BTPS#28
Superintendent’s Memo
For the Week of May 7th -11th, 2018
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT...
Email: [email protected]
Question of the week, Page 7
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MISSION: Buffalo Trail Public Schools is committed to maximizing student learning,
in a safe and caring environment, supported by a highly effective team.
May has arrived! It is so nice to see the snow gone and spring emerging. It is pretty hard to believe that in just 8 weeks we will be at the end of the 2017-2018 school year! Time goes by fast…… To start this week, I want to recognize two individuals who have taken on new roles in BTPS. As of May 1st, Shelia Doherty is the Acting Principal of Vermilion Elementary School. As well, Raelene Tupper will be taking on the responsibilities of the Acting Assistant Principal for the remainder of the school year. I want to welcome them to our leadership team and thank them for “stepping up to the plate”! I am confident that they will do a great job of finishing out the school year. At the same time we have changes in VES, we have Michelle Webb stepping into the position of Deputy Superintendent of Buffalo Trail Public Schools. While Michelle is well known to the members of our leadership team and some of the people in our jurisdiction, she may not be familiar to many members of our team. So the rest of this Sup’s Memo will be dedicated to her saying “Hello”.
Over the past week I have been familiarizing myself with the role of Deputy Superintendent and am eager to have begun the work of supporting staff. I have appreciated the phone calls and emails that have welcomed me to this new position and to the questions that I have been asked about staffing. As I was wandering around the office and trying to find the coffee pot, looking for light switches and trying to locate papers I had printed, I realized that the learning I have to do is on many levels.
SUPERINTENDENT CONTINUED…..
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I have been in the education field for the past twenty-seven years, the past seventeen in ad-ministration. Six years ago I had the opportunity to join Vermilion Elementary School in the role of principal. Working with this dedicated staff, TES teams and all the other staff who sup-port students has made it very apparent that all of the staff members of BTPS truly are com-mitted to “maximizing student learning, in a safe and caring environment”. Being a part of the BTPS team is rewarding and making a difference for students. I reside in Vermilion with my hus-band, Mike. Our son, Cameron, graduated from JR Robson two years ago and currently attends the engineering program at the U of A.
I am excited and privileged to support our highly effective team as we meet student needs in my new role. If you have questions for me, always feel free to email [email protected] / [email protected] or directly to [email protected].
Have a great week,
TECHNOLOGY/NETWORK HAPPENINGS - WINDOWS UPDATES
Version 1803 of windows was finally released by surprise on May 1st. Microsoft had delayed it. This is a complete reworking of the Windows 10 operating system. Many of you allowed the update to happen on your machine last week. However, if you are on a machine that is rarely used you may end up in a situation that it will be updating for up to 30 minutes before you can use it. Please plan for this if you can when using a machine that is not on every day. This method of updates is the new normal for Windows so we will need to get used to it. Next major update will be in September or October 2018.
FIREWALL
The new Palo Alta firewall has been in operation for a month now. We are continuing to work with firewall and our partner Cybera in getting the configurations correct. The majority of our vast traffic has not been affected, but unfortunately, some traffic has been affected. We are continuing to work on a priority bases to get our firewall set correctly and securely. Because this is pilot and we are being allowed to do this major change with very little cost to BTPS, however the tradeoff is we need to do all changes through Cybera. This will take longer to accomplish. Once the project goes out of pilot and we have trained our people on this new device we will have a better response time to changes.
DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP: COPYRIGHT
Many kids, and even adults don't fully understand the power of the copyright law. As we all know, the internet makes it extremely easy to use other people's work without permission. But access to all this content also gives us incredible opportunities for creation and critical thinking. Helping your students understand copyright law, fair use, public domain, and Creative Commons licenses can support their development as critical, creative digital citizens.
Young kids understand respect and fairness, and copyright at its most basic level can be explained in these terms. With older students, in addition to focusing on what qualifies as plagiarism, you can introduce the complexities of copyright, including fair use, which gives students the right to remix and critique media. Kids of any age can feel incredibly validated to learn that the law protects their ideas and creations. To kick off the conversation in your classroom, here are a few great lesson plans to get you started:
Lesson Plans & Interactives to help students learn to deal with distractions:
Kindergarten - Grade 2 My Creative Work Grade 3 - Grade 5 Whose Is It, Anyway? Grade 6 - Grade 8 Rework, Reuse, Remix
Grade 9 - Grade 12 Rights, Remixes, and Respect
For more links to lesson plans, activities and interactive games, visit the Digital Citizenship section on our BTPS EdTech Website.
Reminder: Do not call the main central office switchboard , as they are not able to help with technology.
Problems with Technology email - [email protected]
Problems with PowerSchool or PowerTeacher email - [email protected]
Phone - 780.806.2053 Text - 780.806.9228 Twitter hashtag #btps28 BTTube:
Remember your asset tag number on all tickets!
TECHNOLOGY
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CURRICULUM
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2018 Lakeland Regional Skills Competition
A big shout out goes to all the Buffalo Trail students who partic-
ipated in the Lakeland Regional Skills Competition on Friday,
April 27. BTPS had 9 competitors and 5 top 3 finishes. Congratulations to Elizabeth Irving,
Ryan Philips and Max Moffat who are advancing to compete at Provincial Skills in Edmonton
the end of May.
Competing in Carpentry: Competing in TV/Video Production: Kieran Speck - Mannville Leyton Bates and Meaghan Stewart, JR Robson Max Jean—Edgerton Austin Axley - JR Robson
Competing in Welding: Competing in Baking: Ryan Phillips – E.H. Walter School Elizabeth Irvine - JR Robson Max Moffat – E.H. Walter School Cavin Jones— JR Robson
Tools that support rich numeracy tasks
If you haven’t heard of Desmos yet, check them out @DESMOS! This amazing collec-tion of tech tools (and teacher support resources/ ideas) help students explore and engage with conics, expressions, functions, inequalities, linear systems, quadratics and much more. My personal favorite is the desmos geometry tool, it’s seriously like a digital Spirograph! Here’s a teaser for another lesson ...click the image.
I had the pleasure of meeting Angela Stockman @angelas-tockman last week. She is an am azingly talented and inspir-
ing woman, whose love is supporting kids in writing. Her work is influenced by design thinking, inquiry, student engagement, and making!
Her twitter account and blog posts are inspiring and chalk full of amazing strategies to
help all writers. Here is a great example of how Angela merges design process, making, inquiry, writing, and real world learning/ sharing.
Organizational Story Writing Leading a Listening Session
Read more, and borrow more great ideas here.
CURRICULUM CONTINUED…
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Education for Reconciliation
May 10 is Bear Witness Day
Jordan’s Principle (www.jordansprinciple.ca) aims to make sure First Na-
tions children can access all public services in a way that is reflective of their
distinct cultural needs, takes full account of the historical disadvantage linked
to colonization, and without experiencing any service denials, delays or dis-
ruptions related to their First Nations status. Ten years ago, Jordan's Princi-
ple was unanimously passed in the House of Commons, but Indigenous chil-
dren across Canada are still waiting for the government to fulfill this promise.
Show your support and "Bear Witness" to Jordan's Principle Implementation
by bringing your bears to daycare, school or work on May 10th. Host a Jor-
dan's Principle "bear birthday party," coffee break or lunch to learn more
about Jordan's Principle and to honour Jordan River Anderson!
Find out more about Jordan's Principle and don't forget to tweet and post your
photos using the hashtags
#JordansPrinciple and
#BearWitnessDay
Here are some great examples of how to engage students in this
conversation:
Upcoming Local Learning Opportunities
The Learning Network’s Third Annual Spring Gathering for Educators: “Meet the
Métis”
4:00 pm May 22, full day May 23, till noon May 24, 2018
Portage College, St.Paul, AB More detailed info and register here
newo-isîhcikewina mâmawikapesiwin - Four Ceremonies Gathering — Cultural
Camp
May 27 – May 31, 2018
University of Blue Quills, 5 km west of St. Paul, Alberta
More info here Group registration link here
Indian Horse—is a book written by Richard Wagamese, which has been adapted for film. Indian Horse
the film, is now playing in theatres across Alberta. I encourage you to read the novel, and see the
film; it is an important story and a good resource for high school ELA classes. There are also
great educator resources being developed to support this learning.
Help kids learn about Jordan’s principle,
then them tweet out important facts to
the world on May 10.
Have kids reflect and share why Jordan’s
principle is important to all Canadians
Have students learn about and
hare facts about Jordan’s Princi-
ple over the PA system for the
week of May 10th.
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NEW:
MONDAY, MAY 7, 2018 IS BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION DAY:
The first Monday in May has been designated Bus Driver Appreciation Day in Alberta. Living in rural communities means taking the bus to and from school for a lot of our students. This would not be possible without the commitment and dedication
from our bus drivers and contractors. The contractors make sure their buses are safe and ready for bus drivers to safely transport children to school and home again. Please take the time to tell your bus driver and contractors how much they are appreciated.
2018 TRY-A-TRADE TRANSPORTATION:
Thank you to all of the bus drivers and contractors that transported students to Try-A-Trade in Lloydminster, AB this past Wednesday. My son attended and he said it was very interesting and would have loved to have tried even more trades. A big thank you to Transportation Assistant, Mason Herzog, for organizing the bussing and to the Board for supporting this great opportunity for students!
REMINDERS:
2018-2019 TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION PAMPHLETS:
The Transportation Information Pamphlets for your new student packages are ready to go. They are not back from the printing company, but they are available online for you to print out for your kindergarten registration nights and any new students inquiring about bussing for the 2018-2019 school year. Click here for the 2018-2019 Transportation Information Pamphlet.
Please remember that we cannot register a student for bussing if they have not registered for a school.
2018-2019 TRANSPORTATION DEADLINES:
May 1, 2018 – Boundary Exemption and Cross-Jurisdiction application deadline
June 15, 2018 – Vermilion Intown Bussing, Wainwright Intown Bussing, Kitscoty Intown Bussing,
Ineligible Bussing and Transportation to Caregiver
All pay-ride bussing services are based on first come first serve and space availability. Payment must
be made before bussing will begin and registrations will be processed. Deadline for initial payment is
August 15, 2018. Bus routes are based on registrations received by June 15, 2018.
TRANSPORTATION
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2018-2019 BUS FEES: Single Family (2+ children)
Ineligible Bussing (Payride): $285.00 $570.00
Vermilion Intown
Kitscoty Intown
Wainwright Intown
Transportation to Caregiver: $285.00 $570.00
Transportation to 2nd Primary Residence: $285.00 $570.00
2018-2019 BUS REGISTRATIONS:
Parents wishing to register their children for the bus for the 2018-2019 school year can do so by
choosing the school bus service they wish to apply for and completing the online application form on
our Transportation
Registration website. Payride bussing is offered on a first come first serve basis. Bus times will not be
given until August 2018 as bus routes may change. Please make sure you specify the date your child
requires the service for. Thank you.
Chrysti Mannix
Director of Transportation
Buffalo Trail Public Schools
STUDENT SAFETY IS OUR GOAL!
TRANSPORTATION CONTINUED…
EXTRAS
STEPHANIE ALDEN @ EH WALTER
What two other schools
did Edgerton host on
May 3rd?
Answer here.
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Sr High Art class from HPS collaborated and shared their artistic talents with Grade 4 students. These
students painted side by side and did a project to share with their moms this Mother’s Day. Great
sharing of art talents!
Submitted by: Lara Ledger/Ashely Swanson
Mannville school elementary celebrated Education Week by completing a collaborative art project. Big thank you to Mrs. Campbell for organizing and compiling the artwork. Submitted by: Karina Miller
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Grade 4CR students from Provost Public had a great experience planting sweet peas at Continuing Care
at the Provost Health Care Center as part of their monthly visit. They enjoyed working with the staff and
residents during this community activity that ties in nicely to their science study of plants.
Submitted by: Laureen Clarke-Rennie
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Modern Art Reproduction - Art 10 @ EH Walter School. Students each selected a different modern art movement to research. They then selected a
painting from their movement and reproduced it using acrylic paint on canvas.
Submitted by: Miss Kurtz
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Here are some pictures of WHS students at Try a Trade.
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On May 2nd, the K-6 students at Marwayne Jubilee School celebrated Education Week by
learning about the culture and history of the different regions of Ukraine, and the various
dances associated with each of the areas. A big thank you to the Vermilion Samotsvit
Dancers and the Lloydminster Malanka Dancers for sharing their traditional costumes
and dances with us. It was greatly enjoyed by all!!!!
Submitted by: Kristin Presley
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On May 3rd, Edgerton Public
School hosted the very first
"Grow Your Own" Health Careers
Skills Day. In collaboration with
RhPAP, the Village of Edgerton
and Edgerton Public School a day
full of information about various
health careers, hands on activi-
ties and motivational speaking
from Alvin Law was provided to
BTPS students. Students from
Edgerton, Irma and Chauvin
were able to hear from local
alumni about various careers in-
cluding a Lab and X ray Techni-
cian, Pharmacist, Physiothera-
pist, Psychologist, Speech Lan-
guage Pathologist, Physician,
Registered Nurse and Dieti-
tian. Students were able to expe-
rience hands on activities like
suturing, starting an IV, inserting
a catheter, acupuncture, reflexol-
ogy and more. It was a great day
for all 51 BTPS students in-
volved.
Submitted by: Mandy Leskow
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Irma School’s Grade 5 class is smaller than one cubic meter!! Each group started by making a two dimensional square shape equaling an area of one square meter. Together the math class put their squares together and created a cubic meter to see if their class could fit into it.
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VES 4C’s Energy Diet Challenge Contest Adventure
By: Mr. Beecroft - Teacher at Vermilion Elementary School
I got an email in December from Canadian Geographic to remind me about the upcoming
Energy Diet Challenge Contest that my class and I participated in last year. I remembered
the great learning opportunity this contest was last year for my Grade 5 students, and thought
why not go in it again this year with my Grade 4’s. There were 25 challenges to complete
from ranging from tracking our trash and electricity usage to learning about alternative
energy sources and vehicles. One of the really difficult challenges was to get 150 digital
signatures to promise to use less energy. However, we received lots of support from parents,
students and BTPS employees! The students enjoyed taking turns running the paper
recycling program for our school. We also got to plan, and perform and record a one minute
video about saving energy. This brought about a good technology learning experience on how
to work with WeVideo. We will be getting a cheque for $444 in prize money, and we will be
deciding what to use the money for in our school in the near future.