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

Back to school

Red Deer Public Schools is ready and excited to welcome 11,000 students back to the classroom on Wednesday, August 31! Staff have been busy preparing their classrooms and schools since Thursday, August 25. It’s going to be a great year full of teaching, learning and inspiring students.


“We want to ensure all students in Red Deer Public have a great school year, and are able to achieve their very best,” said Chad Erickson, Superintendent. “The last two years have been a challenging way to start as Superintendent for Red Deer Public. Looking ahead to this year I want to move forward. I want to engage with and connect with our staff, students, parents and community, and sharing a vision and aspirations for students and staff will play a big role in that. Red Deer Public Schools is the best choice for all students and we will continue focusing on that and improving where we can by working together.”


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 a morning of connection, inspiration and motivation as staff heard addresses from Superintendent Chad Erickson and Board Chair Nicole Buchanan. Themes included the importance of building relationships, having optimism, and believing in yourself.


BEST CHOICE


It’s an exciting time of year as school hallways will soon be buzzing with activity. In addition to seeing the faces of new students, Red Deer Public welcomes 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 will be done through work by the Board of Trustees and community engagement this school year.


Red Deer Public will offer its newest choice to families this year….The Sports Academy. More than 300 students are 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,” said 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.”


CURRICULUM


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 our top priority is 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,” said Erickson.


Meanwhile, Buchanan added Red Deer Public is looking forward to a year full of excellence in teaching and learning in every classroom.


“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,” she said. “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.”

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