Saying thanks to our Friends - Board Highlights June 2022

Each spring the Battle River School Division Board of Trustees  invites staff to put forward names of individuals and organizations that are worthy of celebration as Friends of Battle River School Division. Those who are selected to be recognized are invited to join the Board for a brief presentation at a Board meeting, as well as     receive a plaque and be the Board’s guests for lunch. This spring, BRSD is honoured to celebrate five special friends.

Brad Rabbit

Elder and Knowledge Keeper Brad Rabbit, a former Chief of the     Montana Band at Maskwacis, was acknowledged for his work in sharing Indigenous culture, heritage and

ways of knowing with students and staff across the school division.

Brad is pictured, right, with the BRSD Board members.

Kay Procter A dedicated volunteer who provides lunches for students at three schools in Tofield,  Kay Procter never misses a week. In addition to her kindness and care, Kay helps ease the minds and lives of those who experience food insecurity.  Kay is pictured with Trustee Lyle Albrecht.

Bashaw Community Resource Centre

This important community hub provides everything from donations to mental health support to Bashaw School and their work is appreciated! At right, Sarah Unsworth and Christine Buelow at right with Trustee Karen Belich.

Lynne Jenkinson, Director of FFCS, was celebrated for all her work in ensuring schools are always given opportunities to take part in community events and conversations. Lynne is pictured, below left, with Trustee Dwight Dibben.

 ECKS and ECCHS Music Parents Associations were jointly celebrated for all they do in support of jr / sr high music programs in Camrose.  In the photo below right, Michelle Kennedy Hawkins, Susan Nichol and Chris Nichol joined Camrose Trustees.

Early Learning Programs for 2022

Battle River School Division has been creating partnerships with community playschools and pre-schools, to ensure the youngest learners get the support they need—no matter which program they attend. The Board heard about the application BRSD has made to obtain licensing that will allow families to access subsidies for our own Pre-Kindergarten programs as well.

Literacy and Numeracy surveys

In other business at the June meeting of the BRSD Board, Trustees heard that more than 250 people had responded to recent surveys asking for feedback on the school division’s Literacy and Numeracy programs.

A summary of the findings, and the actions BRSD will take, will be shared with stakeholders prior to the end of this school year.

Celebrating Literacy Intervention at Ryley School

Ryley School shared a delightful video with board members, featuring the Grade 1 students demonstrating their growing understanding of literacy concepts. From sounding out words to reciting lines from a play, the young learners were a great showcase of the good work being done to support literacy across BRSD.

 Locally Developed Courses

At their May 26 meeting, Trustees also learned about the school division’s partnerships with other Alberta school authorities, which allow us to access courses that meet specific student needs and interests of high school students. Wherever a BRSD student goes to school they can access these courses, even if they are the only one interested in the subject.

Three-year Education Plan Approved

Trustees approved the Three-year Education Plan on May 25, which outlines priorities for the coming years. The priorities are set based on data about BRSD student learning  outcomes, as well as input from stakeholders, the priorities of the division and the priorities of Alberta Education. A copy of the plan can be found on the website:  brsd.ab.ca/our-division/reports

Going on the Road

During the months of May and June, BRSD Trustees and senior staff will be travelling the division, allowing the elected officials to tour each and every BRSD school and facility. It’s a great opportunity to get a first-hand understanding of the division’s programs, services and buildings.

- Based on information from the May 26 and June 9, 2022  meetings of the BRSD Board of Trustees