It’s back to school for 11,000 students and 1,500 staff at Red Deer Public

Officials say that connection began last Friday, August 26, when all 1,500 Red Deer Public Schools staff took part in the Division’s Kick Off event, held at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School. It was described as a morning of connection, inspiration and motivation as staff heard addresses from Superintendent Chad Erickson and Board Chair Nicole Buchanan. Themes included are said to have been the importance of building relationships, having optimism, and believing in yourself.

In addition to seeing the faces of new students, Red Deer Public is welcoming 30 new staff for the 2022/2023 school year. One focus area for the Division includes ensuring Red Deer Public is the best choice by offering enhanced programming and meeting the needs and interest of students and families. This is expected to be done through work by the Board of Trustees and community engagement this school year.

Red Deer Public says it will offer its newest choice to families this year….The Sports Academy. More than 300 students are said to be enrolled in the Academy. In partnership with The Dome Red Deer, sports offered include:

Baseball/Softball
Soccer
Hockey
Sportfit (multi-sport opportunity)

“Our Sports Academy is one of many choices we look forward to offering our students and families. We want to ensure Red Deer Public Schools is the best choice for your children. They are going to get excellence in teaching and learning, with opportunities that will ensure they are well prepared for their future,” says Nicole Buchanan, Board Chair. “We offer a number of choices already that help students reach their full potential, and our Board is excited to offer this new program of choice.”

The start of the new school year also means a new curriculum for students in Kindergarten to Grade 3. Over the last six months, the Division’s Learning Services Coordinators, along with K-3 teachers have been actively reviewing the new curriculum to ensure they are prepared for a successful implementation as the Division’s top priority is said to be excellence in teaching and learning in every classroom.

“When Kindergarten to Grade 3 students arrive in our classrooms for their first day of school tomorrow, they will be learning a new curriculum with excellent, engaging lessons as they always have in Red Deer Public,” says Erickson.

Also of note, Red Deer Public was fortunate to welcome over 20 students, and their families, fleeing the war in Ukraine.

As registrations continue for the 2022/2023 school year, Division officials say they are waiting to see how many additional Ukrainian students and families will be welcomed.

“We anticipate seeing an increase from last year and look forward to welcoming them into our schools and community,” reads a statement from Red Deer Public Schools.

“Red Deer Public has welcomed students from around the world for many years. As we welcome students from Ukraine, they are enrolled in Red Deer Public’s – English As A Second Language program, which offers additional support to ensure each student reaches their full potential and sees success in the future. These programs are available at three of our schools including Fairview Elementary, Central Middle and Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School.

“Beyond this, we recognize all of these students and families have a wide range of needs given the incredibly difficult circumstances they face. Our schools are equipped with Community Liaison Workers or school counsellors, as well as academic support and other services to ensure all students are well taken care of and are supported mentally, emotionally and physically.

“We are empathetic and feel for the unique circumstances Ukrainans have come from as they settle into our community. We look forward to continuing to welcome and support them in Red Deer Public Schools providing stability and success for each student.”

“As we start the year, our Division and our priorities, which include Literacy and Numeracy, Equity, and Student Success and Completion, continue to be at the foundation of what we do and these have resulted in significant success,” shares Board Chair Buchanan. “Given the last 30 months, these priorities are even more vital as we begin this year. These priorities drive our day to day work and ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

by rdnewsNOW Staff

It’s back to school for 11,000 students and 1,500 staff at Red Deer Public

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