Nature Based Learning

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Thank you for participating in our Nature-Based Learning Engagement.  This consultation has now concluded

To Register:

1. Go to https://www.fsd38.ab.ca/Registration.php and complete the district registration form. Your registration will be marked as pending until such time that you receive confirmation from the EPPS Administration.

2. Go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScpnkpt7xwq-KCG8hgFsjQ4381AKroO-Rj5x11KOkZArNgLHA/viewform?usp=pp_url to complete the Nature Based Learning Program follow up questionnaire.

3. Attend the Virtual Nature Based Information night TODAY - March 11. Both presentations will begin at 6:30pm. Please attend via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/93123448249?pwd=THJrSVhueWpPV1VvckY4emJwL2Y4Zz09.

Meeting ID: 931 2344 8249
Passcode: fBz8AB


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On Wednesday February 10, 2021, the Board of Trustees approved the Nature-Based Alternative Program.

This program may launch at École Percy Pegler School (ÉPPS) for the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year given sufficient enrollment.

This decision was based upon a feasibility study and implementation plan that was presented at the January 27, 2021 Board Meeting.

Previously, during the October 7, 2020 Board of Trustees meeting, Foothills School Division teachers, Ryan Lemphers and Graham Campbell presented a proposal for a Nature-based Alternative Program. At the same meeting on October 7, 2020 the Board approved that the school administration at ÉPPS to conduct this public engagement to complete a feasibility study for this Nature-based Alternative program.


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What is Nature Based Learning?

Nature based learning uses nature and our surrounding communities to develop strong, resilient, and engaged learners who have a sense of place and the confidence to lead in their communities and the world.

Why Nature based learning? Nature based learning is a powerful way to learn. Instead of making abstract connections from a textbook, students are immersed in the academic content as it unfolds before them in their own community. There is a beautiful flow that happens when learning in the outdoors. Students feel a sense of calm as they learn, and this leads to a more supportive learning environment.

Students involved in this program will:

  • Experience increased motivation, engagement, and success with learning.
  • Develop deep connections to nature and the environment
  • Experience increased academic achievement.
  • Experience learning that is meaningful and connected to the real world.
  • Develop skills to overcome physical, emotional, and academic challenges.
  • Become well rounded students who have a strong sense of community.
  • Develop leadership skills to benefit their communities now and in the future.


To Register:

1. Go to https://www.fsd38.ab.ca/Registration.php and complete the district registration form. Your registration will be marked as pending until such time that you receive confirmation from the EPPS Administration.

2. Go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScpnkpt7xwq-KCG8hgFsjQ4381AKroO-Rj5x11KOkZArNgLHA/viewform?usp=pp_url to complete the Nature Based Learning Program follow up questionnaire.

3. Attend the Virtual Nature Based Information night TODAY - March 11. Both presentations will begin at 6:30pm. Please attend via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/93123448249?pwd=THJrSVhueWpPV1VvckY4emJwL2Y4Zz09.

Meeting ID: 931 2344 8249
Passcode: fBz8AB


---

On Wednesday February 10, 2021, the Board of Trustees approved the Nature-Based Alternative Program.

This program may launch at École Percy Pegler School (ÉPPS) for the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year given sufficient enrollment.

This decision was based upon a feasibility study and implementation plan that was presented at the January 27, 2021 Board Meeting.

Previously, during the October 7, 2020 Board of Trustees meeting, Foothills School Division teachers, Ryan Lemphers and Graham Campbell presented a proposal for a Nature-based Alternative Program. At the same meeting on October 7, 2020 the Board approved that the school administration at ÉPPS to conduct this public engagement to complete a feasibility study for this Nature-based Alternative program.


---

What is Nature Based Learning?

Nature based learning uses nature and our surrounding communities to develop strong, resilient, and engaged learners who have a sense of place and the confidence to lead in their communities and the world.

Why Nature based learning? Nature based learning is a powerful way to learn. Instead of making abstract connections from a textbook, students are immersed in the academic content as it unfolds before them in their own community. There is a beautiful flow that happens when learning in the outdoors. Students feel a sense of calm as they learn, and this leads to a more supportive learning environment.

Students involved in this program will:

  • Experience increased motivation, engagement, and success with learning.
  • Develop deep connections to nature and the environment
  • Experience increased academic achievement.
  • Experience learning that is meaningful and connected to the real world.
  • Develop skills to overcome physical, emotional, and academic challenges.
  • Become well rounded students who have a strong sense of community.
  • Develop leadership skills to benefit their communities now and in the future.


Thank you for participating in our Nature-Based Learning Engagement.  This consultation has now concluded

  • Welcome

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    Welcome to the Nature Based Learning Engagement Page. The Foothills School Division Board of Trustees has requested this study to determine if there is community interest and support in creating a Nature Based Program at Ecole Percy Pegler School.

    This page will continue to be updated with regular information regarding the proposed program. You'll notice several modules with information:

    1. Important Links - contain links to available resources.
    2. Who's Listening - contains the contact information of who is reading your comments and answering your questions.
    3. Poll - take a moment to share your thoughts in the quick poll.
    4. News Feed - this page which will be updated with regular information regarding the Nature Based Learning program.
    5. Questions - contains questions and answers along with an opportunity to submit your own questions. When asking a question you will be prompted to enter a name and email, this will allow you to receive a notification when your question has been answered.
    6. Comments - you're welcome to provide and read feedback and comments submitted by our school community.
    7. Survey - Complete the survey today to help the Board of Trustees determine if there is community interest and support in creating a Nature Based Learning program at Ecole Percy Pegler School.

  • Benefits

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    Engagement

    • Students are highly engaged in learning because it is relevant, meaningful, and connected to their community.
    • Students develop community mindedness as they make connections with nature, the environment, and community members.
    • Strong relationships are built with local businesses, non-profit organizations, and the Town of Okotoks which provides real world connections for students.
    • Students develop real world problem solving skills as they face challenges and overcome them.

    Support

    • Learning outside increases academic, social, and emotional resilience.
    • Learning outside has been proven to reduce disruptive behaviours, which has a positive impact on all student’s learning.
    • Students develop a strong sense of stewardship for the world around them, as they interact with it on a regular basis.
    • Learning in the outdoors has been proven to reduce stress hormones in the brain, which promotes learning, and healthy brain development.

    Success

    • Students have high levels of motivation for learning which leads to greater academic success.
    • Students develop deep conceptual understanding of the subject matter they study.
    • Students develop the academic resilience needed to face difficult challenges and find strategies to solve them.
    • Students apply their knowledge in new ways, which leads to deeper understandings, and better retention of knowledge

  • Frequently Asked Questions

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    Time outside: Your child will be learning outside in our community for at least two full school days each week.

    Location: The program will be part of Ecole Percy Pegler School. On outdoor days, classes will use the surrounding areas to Ecole Percy Pegler. This may include:

    • Natural areas surrounding the school
    • The Sheep River valley
    • Downtown Okotoks
    • Community parks and pathways.
    • Community facilities such as the art gallery, museum, library, etc.
    • Kananaskis Country

    Transportation: Parents will be responsible for getting their child to and from Ecole Percy Pegler School. There will be no bussing provided.

    Equipment: Students will be expected to come to school with a backpack and clothing that will allow them to be comfortable in all weather. If a family is unable to provide proper clothing for their child, the school can help support with clothing.

    Cost: The program fee will be approximately $150 in addition to the regular school fees per child. This cost will cover all trips and experiences for the year.

    Why Ecole Percy Pegler School: LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION – Along with easy access to the Sheep River, Deer Gully, and the Mystical Forest, we are within easy walking distance to the heart of the Okotoks community. This allows for the Nature Based Learning Program to flow from Ecole Percy Pegler School.

    EPPS staff share a common philosophy that nature-based learning is wiser practice due to its ability to help students develop socially, emotionally and academically. We have been working with our natural outdoor environment in various capacities over the past 8 years.

    We believe that we are responsible as Panthers for one another no matter what age or grade level or program. We encourage students and teachers to really get to know one another. EPPS boasts strong learning leaders who are driven and talented who also have the ability to meld their individual strengths to make the whole school great. It is a part of our culture to promote inter-grade level relationships with the purpose of promoting mentorship and leadership opportunities. We come to the table to ensure that students feel like they matter. Our staff lives and breathes our essential agreements, and all stakeholders are accountable for our school environment. EPPS adults work together to align their actions with our collaboratively built school beliefs.

    This team culture and positive environment lends itself to effectively support multiple programming in one building. We are prepared to expand from our already strong dual track English and French program at EPPS to include a triple track scenario with the addition of The Nature Based Learning Program.

    Have a question: visit the questions tab to ask yours today.

  • Student Feedback

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  • Parent Feedback

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