Division Newsletter: March 2025
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Welcome to the March 2025 edition of the Foothills School Division Monthly Newsletter. This regular communication directly from the Division Office is a great way to stay connected with the activities, advocacy, opportunities, and stories from around the system. Here is what we have for you this month:
As always, if you have wonders or concerns about your child’s learning, please connect with their teacher; if you wish to address a concern regarding learning environments or school operations, please connect with your child’s school ( Resolving Concerns). | |
 Board of Trustees (L to R) Phil Irwin (Ward 5), Lisa Penzo (Vice Chair, Ward 4), Superintendent Chris Fuzessy, Theresa Letendre (Chair, Ward 3), Jack Molyneux (Ward 1), Sharon Nichols (Ward 4), John Evans (Ward 2) | |
Meet our Board of TrusteesFoothills School Division is governed by six elected officials who represent the five wards of the division. They set the strategic direction of the division and allocate resources to achieve the Education Plan. You can learn about our Board of Trustees at our website.
Board Meeting Dates
To learn more about board operations, please see Policy 6 – Board Operations Celebrating our Flourishing CommunityCheck out the Flourishing Community Reports shared at our Board Meetings: March 2025 February 2025 | |
Footnotes: Informed Insights: Setting the Stage for Balanced DecisionsKnowing how school boards are funded, and who supports the board operations are important pieces to understanding the upcoming 2025-2026 Budget. The Division received its profile at the end of March, and the details of that document outline the resources available for the Division to maintain excellence in student learning and well-being. |  |
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FSD wants to know your funding priorities for the 2025-2026 school year. The provincial government released their 2025-2026 budget on February 27, and we anticipate learning what this means for FSD and students in early April. While we plan for the year ahead, we want to hear from you. To help understand your funding priorities for the upcoming year, we invite you to participate in a short 10-question engagement at FSDConnect.com/ideas-that-make-cents. Your responses will help inform decisions regarding the 2025-2026 budget that will be released at the end of May 2025. | |
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Entering Grade 10? Get a head start with Summer School!Are you a grade 9 student looking for ways to make the most of the summer break? Look no further! Foothills School Division Summer School offers an incredible opportunity for students entering grade 10 to get a head start on their academic journey.
Visit the Foothills School Division Summer School webpage to learn more. FSD Summer School: Catch Up, Keep Up, Get Ahead! | |
 | A Thoughtful Moment with Foothills School Division: Community & CollaborationLeading a school division extends beyond policy decisions and logistical planning—it requires empathy, adaptability, and a deep commitment to student success. It means making difficult choices in uncertain times and engaging in respectful, sometimes difficult, conversations. It also means responding with professionalism and understanding to concerns expressed by our community, recognizing that frustration and uncertainty often accompany situations like these. While approximately one-third of our staff exercise their legal right to job action, our focus remains on supporting students and maintaining their learning experience to the greatest extent possible. |
 | A Thoughtful Moment with Foothills School Division: Misinformation, Disinformation, and MalinformationIn education we learn by sharing data and experiences. In times of uncertainty, an increase of information is often shared to bolster opinions or make sense of the world around us; however, not all information shared is valid or accurate. |
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Connecting the Dots: Family ConferenceHosted by: Inclusion Foothills AssociationMay 3, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm Sheppard Family Park in High River Tickets $25 with lunch provided Join us for a day that supports and empowers families who have children with disabilities. Hear from local experts, connect with other families, learn helpful tips, and find tools to support your child’s future! Presentations on:
Visit https://inclusionfoothills.org/ to learn more about this great community partner! | |
Alberta Education Assurance Survey: Deadline Extended | |
.png) | The annual Alberta Education Assurance Survey is issued to families of students in grades 4, 7 and 10 across the province. The survey will gather important information about students’ and parents’ school experiences and will help to inform continuous improvement in our education system. Alberta Education has extended their deadline for the 2025 Alberta Education Assurance Survey to March 28, 2025. This year, access to the survey was delivered digitally. If you are a parent or guardian of a student in grade 4, 7, or 10, please check your email (or spam folder) for this important access code. If you have already completed this survey, thank you for informing continuous improvement within the province. |
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Diamond Valley Youth FoundationSpring Fling '25April 12, 2025 | 5:30PMTurner Valley Legion Tickets $30 One of the core objectives of the Diamond Valley Youth Foundation is to create opportunities for CONNECTION within our community! Click here for more information and to purchase your tickets | |
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Celebrations for AllFoothills School Division is a Place for All. Together, let’s make Foothills School Division a place where everyone feels welcome, included, and celebrated. Watch our socials for information on these dates and join in the celebration of our wonderful learning community! Days of Significance for AprilCelebrate Diversity Month a time to acknowledge and appreciate the diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives that enrich our nation and our school division.Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation, and Prevention Month We remember the millions of victims who suffered and lost their lives to genocide. We honour the resilience and courage of all survivors and their descendants, as we strive to create a world where this atrocity is not only remembered but prevented. Sikh Heritage Month To recognize the important contributions Sikh Canadians have made to Canada’s social, economic, political, and cultural fabric. April 2: World Autism Awareness Day April 4: Refugee Rights Day April 7: Green Shirt Day April 12: International Day of Pink April 21 to 25: Support Staff Appreciation Week April 22: Earth Day April 23: Administrative Professionals Day Check out our Celebrations for All Calendar at our website! | |
Public Safety Notice: Violent Online Groups Exploiting Children and Youth The following awareness bulletin addresses an emergent threat from violent online groups targeting youth through tactics that can include sextortion, self-harm, animal torture, and a radicalization to violence. Please read the important bulletin here. See something, say something. Any information or concerns related to the contents of the bulletin should be provided to the NWR INSET via email at rcmp.kinsetintakekeisnadmission.grc@rcmp-grc.gc.ca, or by phone at 403-852-6387 (Calgary office). Measles Awareness While there are no cases of measles in our schools, there have been cases confirmed in Alberta. We are sharing the following letter on behalf of Alberta Health Services that includes information on the disease and how, through preventative measures, the spread and impact can be minimized. We thank you for reading the following information: AHS Measles Information . | |
Important DatesMarch 31 - Non-Instructional Day April 18 - Statutory Holiday: Good Friday April 21 - Statutory Holiday: Easter Monday April 22 to 25 - Spring Break May 16 - Non-Instructional Day May 19 - Statutory Holiday: Victoria Day | |
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FSD In the NewsCelebrating student achievement, showcasing learning opportunities, and staying informed on the issues the impact education. March 24 - Oilfields Drillers battle for fourth place provincial finish (WesternWheel.ca) March 23 - Young Millarville horseman (Levi Swales) cracks top 5 in U.S. competition (WesternWheel.ca) March 23 - Alberta's new collegiate programs offer hands-on career experience for high-school students (CBC.ca) March 21 - Oilfields Drillers will play for provincial medal in Calgary (WesternWheel.ca) March 16 - Foothills Falcons provincial run ends in Elite Eight (WesternWheel.ca) March 14 - Concert to help Okotoks music students fund Nashville trip (WesternWheel.ca) March 14 - Okotoks students celebrate French culture (WesternWheel.ca) March 14 - More schools for Calgary and region (Alberta.ca) March 13 - FSD lauds province's school nutrition program, slated for additional funding (HighRiverOnline.com) March 12 - School enrolments are rising, so is funding (Alberta.ca) March 11 - Big Rock skaters spin to provincial qualification (WesternWheel.ca) March 10 - The Foothills Falcons are on their way to Provincials, after soaring at the Zone Championship (HighRiverOnline.com) March 10 - Healthy meals make healthy minds | Des repas sains pour des esprits sains (Alberta.ca) March 9 - Gallery: Foothills Falcons find the zone to provincial playoffs (WesternWheel.ca) March 8 - Gallery: Foothills Falcons win fourth straight zone banner (WesternWheel.ca) March 7 - Building schools in every corner of the province | Construire des écoles aux quatre coins de la province (Alberta.ca) March 4 - FSD to welcome Ms. Katelyn Nickel as Assistant Superintendent, Corporate Services/Secretary Treasurer (FoothillsSchoolDivision.ca) March 3 - Foothills School Division looks forward to provincial commitments to education funding (FoothillsSchoolDivision.ca) March 1 - Alberta Francophonie Month: Ministers Fir and Glubish | Déclaration des ministres Fir et Glubish à l’occasion du Mois de la francophonie albertaine (Alberta.ca) | |
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