Education
Red Deer Public sets its strategic direction for the next three years
Red Deer Public Schools has set its strategic direction after the Board of Trustees approved the Three Year Education Plan.
“The highest priority for our Division is the success of every student. Our focus is to ensure there is excellence in teaching and learning in every classroom across Red Deer Public Schools,” said Board Chair Nicole Buchanan. “To ensure every student reaches their full potential, our three priority areas include Literacy and Numeracy, Equity and Student Success and Completion.”
Seven proposed outcomes ensuring that all students reach their full potential will be supported by nine specific strategies. Some of these strategies include implementing and professionally staffing Student Support Rooms in schools to provide additional supportive options for students experiencing issues such as dysregulation and anxiety; implementing a comprehensive bullying intervention plan, which includes initiatives involving the prevention of bullying; the intervention process when bullying occurs; and the collaboration between parents/guardians, staff and students. The plan, which will be evaluated on an ongoing basis, will help Red Deer Public strive to continually improve its approach to addressing bullying in the schools.
“During our Community Engagement earlier this year, we heard from students at various grade levels that bullying is an issue in schools,” said Buchanan. “In response to hearing this, we will take a look at how we can prevent and provide further education about bullying. As we move forward in the upcoming school year, this initiative will involve students, staff and parents in terms of developing strategies of what this will look like.”
Work on the bullying intervention plan will begin in the 2023/2024 school year.
The implementation of Student Support Rooms in most elementary, K – 8 and middle schools for the 2023/2024 school year is also part of the Division’s Three Year Plan.
“These Student Support Rooms will be overseen by a full-time certified teacher, and will meet the needs of hundreds of students across the Division,” said Buchanan. “All students, no matter their age, grade or ability are supported in the Division, not just academically but emotionally, mentally and physically. The Student Support Rooms will be in addition to the various wrap around support services for students.”
In addition, Red Deer Public will research and explore various models to more equitably redistribute educational funding to schools, with implementation to occur during the 2024/2025 school year.
“We have schools with varying needs in our Division, so our goal is to explore a different model in which educational funds may be distributed more equitably depending on each individual schools’ needs,” said Buchanan.
The Three Year Education Plan was approved by the Board of Trustees on May 10.
Just when we thought our smiles couldn’t get any bigger – they did! And we have the Red Deer community to thank for their overwhelming support.
We are so excited to share the total from the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign this past spring…and it’s very impressive. In fact, it’s an all-time record, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Over the long-week campaign held April 28-May 4, Red Deerians indulged in a lot of cookies – $80,773 worth! These funds will go directly to helping struggling readers become readers of potential through Reading College, a project of The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools.
Reading College, held each July, provides students with identified reading gaps an incredible summer experience that builds their skills, confidence, and love for reading. Students leave the program with stronger reading and writing abilities, and a solid foundation for success in school and life. Now in its 14th year, 1,000 students have graduated from Reading College.
“We continue to be amazed by the generosity of our community and the partnership with Tim Hortons,” said Kristine Plastow, Board Chair for The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools. “These dollars directly impact kids who need extra support to become confident readers. The difference this program makes is life-changing.”
Tanya Doucette, Tim Hortons Restaurant Owner in Red Deer, said it’s incredible to see what can happen when a community comes together. The simple act of purchasing a cookie by so many amazing guests, makes a huge difference for young students right here in Red Deer.
“This record-breaking year shows how much our guests care. We are so pleased to support Reading College and help give students the tools they need to thrive,” she said.
When you meet Brayden Chenier, a Grade 8 student at GH Dawe School, it’s clear why he’s been chosen to represent youth across Alberta. Brayden is the proud recipient of the Integrated School Support Program Provincial (ISSP) Chief Youth Courage Award, presented by the Calgary Police Youth Foundation, in recognition of his resilience, leadership and commitment to his community.
The award celebrates students who demonstrate courage and dedication to becoming a responsible and caring citizen, especially within a diverse school and community, and was presented earlier this spring at the Calgary Police Awards Gala. As part of the honour, Brayden will now serve as a youth ambassador, helping to raise awareness about child and youth crime prevention, education, and intervention programs across the province.
“It’s pretty surreal that I will be all over the province for a year,” said Brayden. “I am looking forward to helping out in the community.”
Brayden has been part of the ISSP program through GH Dawe School since 2023 and has benefited greatly from the support offered.
With the support of the mental health professional, Brayden has been able to successfully navigate a variety of challenges in his life including coming to terms with his disability and navigating a tragic loss in his life.
Born with clubfoot, Brayden has never let his physical disability stand in his way. He is an avid athlete in a number of sports including hockey, basketball, golf, track, volleyball and soccer. His goal is working towards becoming an athlete in the Paralympics.
Brayden was nominated by GH Dawe School Counsellor Amy Johansson, who described him as a compassionate, kind, hardworking, and honest person who is driven and motivated to be his very best at all that he attempts.
She added that within the GH Dawe School community, Brayden is a highly respected citizen by all students and staff. “He is highly committed to sports connected to our school, as well as sports outside of our school community. Brayden works diligently at his academics. And is so very helpful and caring, always. Brayden works to overcome a list of things that he will not allow to hold him back.”
GH Dawe School is part of Alberta’s Integrated School Support Program – a child wellness initiative aimed at improving academic performance and the overall well-being of students. The program supports schools like GH Dawe with services to meet the diverse needs of students and families.
As he takes on his role as a provincial ambassador, Brayden continues to be a role model for his peers and a reminder of the power of perseverance and community support.
How Chinese State-Linked Networks Replaced the Medellín Model with Global Logistics and Political Protection
New RCMP program steering opioid addicted towards treatment and recovery
We need an immigration policy that will serve all Canadians
EU investigates major pornographic site over failure to protect children
-
Canadian Energy Centre2 days agoCross-Canada economic benefits of the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline project
-
Alberta2 days agoAlbertans need clarity on prime minister’s incoherent energy policy
-
conflict22 hours ago“Evacuate”: Netanyahu Warns Tehran as Israel Expands Strikes on Iran’s Military Command
-
Health1 day agoLast day and last chance to win this dream home! Support the 2025 Red Deer Hospital Lottery before midnight!
-
Energy21 hours agoCould the G7 Summit in Alberta be a historic moment for Canadian energy?
-
Alberta2 days agoAlberta’s grand bargain with Canada includes a new pipeline to Prince Rupert
-
Crime2 days agoManhunt on for suspect in shooting deaths of Minnesota House speaker, husband
-
Business2 days agoCarney’s European pivot could quietly reshape Canada’s sovereignty