Education
Teacher Jeremy Spink wins huge prize for Eastview Middle School
From Red Deer Public Schools
Jeremy Spink named NHL/NHLPA Most Valuable Teacher!
Title comes with $10,000 technology grant
Eastview Middle School Teacher Jeremy Spink has been named the 2020/21 NHL/NHLPA Most Valuable Teacher presented by SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing) for the month of February!
Spink was one of 20 Future Goals™ teachers from across North America who were vying for the title. He has won a personalized NHL club jersey and a $10,000 technology grant provided by SAP to help bring Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics concepts to life for students.
With the $10,000 grant, Eastview will purchase technology for classrooms that will get into the hands of their students. The school will also look at how to add to and improve programming in their hockey development classes.
Spink is now in the running as a finalist to receive an additional $20,000 for Eastview Middle School, and $1,000 towards a personal technology device to improve the virtual classroom experience. That winner will be announced in May following another round of voting.
“I’m so excited and almost overwhelmed,” said Spink, who is also a minor hockey coach and runs a charity hockey tournament every year to raise money for Melanoma research and other local charities. “I want to say thank you so much to the whole community. It was amazing to see the community rally and help us win.”
Spink has incorporated the Future Goals™ – Hockey Scholar program into his classroom, which is designed to leverage STEM in hockey to create a fun and memorable learning experience.
“It is a great program and it all ties right into our curricular goals,” he said. “I am dedicated to teaching applications for STEM because I know that it not only impacts how healthy and productive students are during this time, but also their well-being and success far beyond the K-12 years.”
Eastview Middle School Principal Kevin Robertson said Spink has long been a leader in the school. He is also instrumental in coordinating the hockey program and worked with other teachers in delivering programming to Grades 6-8.
“I am so happy for Mr. Spink that he has been recognized for the work he does in our school. He has had such a positive impact on so many students who are currently at Eastview and who have had him as a teacher or a coach in the past,” said Robertson. “One of the things that I have most appreciated is hearing about the countless past students who have reached out to Mr. Spink as a result of this to thank him for making a difference and for being such a positive role model for them. It is a pretty exciting day for Eastview!”
Chad Erickson, Superintendent of Schools, said Spink’s win is something to be proud of.
“Jeremy has been a teacher with Red Deer Public for 25 years – all of which he has spent teaching at Eastview Middle School,” he said. “We are proud of Jeremy’s dedication to students and ensuring they have the best teaching and learning experiences possible.”
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.
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