School Renewal Engagement
Your voice is important and we need your help to ensure a safe, caring, and welcoming learning environment for students and staff as we return to school in the 2021/22 school year.
Our focus during this universal renewal and recovery stage will be on:
- Mental health for students and staff
- Socio-Emotional Learning competencies
- Supporting and creating opportunities to renew connections & relationships
- Addressing potential gaps in learning
- Equity in education
- Celebrating resiliency and successes
- Continuing to provide timely and transparent communications
Have questions or suggestions? You are welcome to share your wonders and concerns below or email engage@fsd38.ab.ca.
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Alberta Public Health, Alberta Education, and the Office of the Premier have the authority to implement public health restrictions. As a local school board, Foothills School Division must follow provincial measures. If you would like to express your concerns or request a change to the provincial school COVID-19 plans, you are encouraged to contact your MLA.
Your voice is important and we need your help to ensure a safe, caring, and welcoming learning environment for students and staff as we return to school in the 2021/22 school year.
Our focus during this universal renewal and recovery stage will be on:
- Mental health for students and staff
- Socio-Emotional Learning competencies
- Supporting and creating opportunities to renew connections & relationships
- Addressing potential gaps in learning
- Equity in education
- Celebrating resiliency and successes
- Continuing to provide timely and transparent communications
Have questions or suggestions? You are welcome to share your wonders and concerns below or email engage@fsd38.ab.ca.
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Alberta Public Health, Alberta Education, and the Office of the Premier have the authority to implement public health restrictions. As a local school board, Foothills School Division must follow provincial measures. If you would like to express your concerns or request a change to the provincial school COVID-19 plans, you are encouraged to contact your MLA.
Do you have any questions regarding the 2021-22 school year?
Please note that the name you select will be visible with your question, if you wish to remain anonymous simply type in "Anonymous" as your name. The email provided will remain private and will only be used to notify you of a response or reply.
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Share I am disappointed that our school division has opted not to continue with mandatory masking. I hope you will reconsider this as we continue to see rising cases of Covid. on Facebook Share I am disappointed that our school division has opted not to continue with mandatory masking. I hope you will reconsider this as we continue to see rising cases of Covid. on Twitter Share I am disappointed that our school division has opted not to continue with mandatory masking. I hope you will reconsider this as we continue to see rising cases of Covid. on Linkedin Email I am disappointed that our school division has opted not to continue with mandatory masking. I hope you will reconsider this as we continue to see rising cases of Covid. link
I am disappointed that our school division has opted not to continue with mandatory masking. I hope you will reconsider this as we continue to see rising cases of Covid.
Sam asked about 3 years agoWhile the Education Minister announced on August 13, 2021 that school jurisdictions had flexibility in determining local measures, Foothills School Division will continue to follow provincial measures. We are not public health experts, we are educators. These decisions should be made by medical professionals following the latest research and available information.
The authority to implement public health orders still resides with Alberta Public Health. Officials continue to monitor the pandemic and will not hesitate to implement local or provincial measures if required.
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Share I am grateful that masks are not being mandated in schools this year. I have done a lot of research on the affects it has on children's mental and physical health and it's very concerning to me. Our son has developed anxiety over the idea of having to wear one again and now has frequent headaches which never occurred prior. He has told us they make him feel nauseated and he struggles to breathe. He has an exemption letter from his physician. How is this being handled on busses? on Facebook Share I am grateful that masks are not being mandated in schools this year. I have done a lot of research on the affects it has on children's mental and physical health and it's very concerning to me. Our son has developed anxiety over the idea of having to wear one again and now has frequent headaches which never occurred prior. He has told us they make him feel nauseated and he struggles to breathe. He has an exemption letter from his physician. How is this being handled on busses? on Twitter Share I am grateful that masks are not being mandated in schools this year. I have done a lot of research on the affects it has on children's mental and physical health and it's very concerning to me. Our son has developed anxiety over the idea of having to wear one again and now has frequent headaches which never occurred prior. He has told us they make him feel nauseated and he struggles to breathe. He has an exemption letter from his physician. How is this being handled on busses? on Linkedin Email I am grateful that masks are not being mandated in schools this year. I have done a lot of research on the affects it has on children's mental and physical health and it's very concerning to me. Our son has developed anxiety over the idea of having to wear one again and now has frequent headaches which never occurred prior. He has told us they make him feel nauseated and he struggles to breathe. He has an exemption letter from his physician. How is this being handled on busses? link
I am grateful that masks are not being mandated in schools this year. I have done a lot of research on the affects it has on children's mental and physical health and it's very concerning to me. Our son has developed anxiety over the idea of having to wear one again and now has frequent headaches which never occurred prior. He has told us they make him feel nauseated and he struggles to breathe. He has an exemption letter from his physician. How is this being handled on busses?
Momto4 asked about 3 years agoA mask exemption form can be submitted by email to transportation@fsd38.ab.ca.
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Share Will FSD be observing the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation along with CBE, Edmonton Public, and six others? While the Alberta government did leave it up to individual boards to decide I would hope that FSD would set a precedent and show their commitment to reconciliation in our country and community. on Facebook Share Will FSD be observing the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation along with CBE, Edmonton Public, and six others? While the Alberta government did leave it up to individual boards to decide I would hope that FSD would set a precedent and show their commitment to reconciliation in our country and community. on Twitter Share Will FSD be observing the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation along with CBE, Edmonton Public, and six others? While the Alberta government did leave it up to individual boards to decide I would hope that FSD would set a precedent and show their commitment to reconciliation in our country and community. on Linkedin Email Will FSD be observing the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation along with CBE, Edmonton Public, and six others? While the Alberta government did leave it up to individual boards to decide I would hope that FSD would set a precedent and show their commitment to reconciliation in our country and community. link
Will FSD be observing the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation along with CBE, Edmonton Public, and six others? While the Alberta government did leave it up to individual boards to decide I would hope that FSD would set a precedent and show their commitment to reconciliation in our country and community.
Anonymous asked about 3 years agoAny calendar change requires a board motion. Our first Board Meeting this year is scheduled for September 8, 2021 and a discussion with Trustees is on the agenda regarding the National Truth and Reconciliation Day. We will certainly share your comments with them as part of this discussion.
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Share My son spent a year with hub at home in order to protect his father who is immune compromised. He is happy to get back into the class with his friends and teachers. We are concerned that the school isn't doing enough in order to protect those who are unable to be vaccinated. He will be coming to school and proudly wearing his mask, "I have no problem wearing my mask mom, its the smart thing to do and at least I can get back into the class." I am concerned that this will make him a target of other students when supervision is lacking. on Facebook Share My son spent a year with hub at home in order to protect his father who is immune compromised. He is happy to get back into the class with his friends and teachers. We are concerned that the school isn't doing enough in order to protect those who are unable to be vaccinated. He will be coming to school and proudly wearing his mask, "I have no problem wearing my mask mom, its the smart thing to do and at least I can get back into the class." I am concerned that this will make him a target of other students when supervision is lacking. on Twitter Share My son spent a year with hub at home in order to protect his father who is immune compromised. He is happy to get back into the class with his friends and teachers. We are concerned that the school isn't doing enough in order to protect those who are unable to be vaccinated. He will be coming to school and proudly wearing his mask, "I have no problem wearing my mask mom, its the smart thing to do and at least I can get back into the class." I am concerned that this will make him a target of other students when supervision is lacking. on Linkedin Email My son spent a year with hub at home in order to protect his father who is immune compromised. He is happy to get back into the class with his friends and teachers. We are concerned that the school isn't doing enough in order to protect those who are unable to be vaccinated. He will be coming to school and proudly wearing his mask, "I have no problem wearing my mask mom, its the smart thing to do and at least I can get back into the class." I am concerned that this will make him a target of other students when supervision is lacking. link
My son spent a year with hub at home in order to protect his father who is immune compromised. He is happy to get back into the class with his friends and teachers. We are concerned that the school isn't doing enough in order to protect those who are unable to be vaccinated. He will be coming to school and proudly wearing his mask, "I have no problem wearing my mask mom, its the smart thing to do and at least I can get back into the class." I am concerned that this will make him a target of other students when supervision is lacking.
anonymous asked about 3 years agoOur staff team will create an environment where any individual will be supported and encouraged in wearing a mask. If you're son has any concerns or is feeling targetted he should be encouraged to speak with his teacher. If you are still worried please reach out to your school principal.
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Share I don’t feel it’s necessary that our younger children need to wear a mask at school or a mask on the bus. Why has this changed? on Facebook Share I don’t feel it’s necessary that our younger children need to wear a mask at school or a mask on the bus. Why has this changed? on Twitter Share I don’t feel it’s necessary that our younger children need to wear a mask at school or a mask on the bus. Why has this changed? on Linkedin Email I don’t feel it’s necessary that our younger children need to wear a mask at school or a mask on the bus. Why has this changed? link
I don’t feel it’s necessary that our younger children need to wear a mask at school or a mask on the bus. Why has this changed?
Shanna asked about 3 years agoMasking within schools has changed due to updated to provincial guidance. Masks will no longer be required in school but are recommended in common spaces. Masks are still provincially required on public transportation according to CMOH Order 34-2021.
Foothills School Division aligns with all provincial public health recommendations. You can learn more about masking requirements and recommendations in our handbook.masksmasks -
Share Why not make masking mandatory until 12+ - 19 vaccination rates are higher in our area (High River is 45%)? This school population has the ability to protect others by becoming vaccinated, by choosing not to, the next best option is masking. The vulnerable will not be properly protected by this decision, forcing them to isolate further. on Facebook Share Why not make masking mandatory until 12+ - 19 vaccination rates are higher in our area (High River is 45%)? This school population has the ability to protect others by becoming vaccinated, by choosing not to, the next best option is masking. The vulnerable will not be properly protected by this decision, forcing them to isolate further. on Twitter Share Why not make masking mandatory until 12+ - 19 vaccination rates are higher in our area (High River is 45%)? This school population has the ability to protect others by becoming vaccinated, by choosing not to, the next best option is masking. The vulnerable will not be properly protected by this decision, forcing them to isolate further. on Linkedin Email Why not make masking mandatory until 12+ - 19 vaccination rates are higher in our area (High River is 45%)? This school population has the ability to protect others by becoming vaccinated, by choosing not to, the next best option is masking. The vulnerable will not be properly protected by this decision, forcing them to isolate further. link
Why not make masking mandatory until 12+ - 19 vaccination rates are higher in our area (High River is 45%)? This school population has the ability to protect others by becoming vaccinated, by choosing not to, the next best option is masking. The vulnerable will not be properly protected by this decision, forcing them to isolate further.
Anonymous asked over 3 years agoUpon reviewing the provincial back to school plans and subsequent documentation, we learned that even though Foothills School Division can implement local measures, we must continue to allow for individual choice.
We have been asked by many families why Calgary and Edmonton have mandated masks and FSD has not. Please know that we are all following the same provincial rules, the difference is in the language they’ve used. While they are saying “mandated” and “required” that’s not accurate. Masking in Alberta schools remains a “recommendation” solely because at the end of the day, the province has indicated that school boards are required to respect individual choice.
Our understanding is that boards who have chosen to implement a mask mandate will be managing a process that allows for individual choice as a possible end result. If a family ultimately chooses to not wear a mask they simply have to make that intention clear and any child will be able to attend school in Alberta mask-free.
The authority to implement an enforceable public health order still resides with Alberta Public Health, Alberta Education, and the Office of the Premier. If you would like to express your concerns or request a change to the provincial school COVID-19 plans, I certainly encourage you to reach out to your MLA.
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Share Can we please learn from, and prevent, the avoidable rise in pediatric COVID cases we're seeing down south? on Facebook Share Can we please learn from, and prevent, the avoidable rise in pediatric COVID cases we're seeing down south? on Twitter Share Can we please learn from, and prevent, the avoidable rise in pediatric COVID cases we're seeing down south? on Linkedin Email Can we please learn from, and prevent, the avoidable rise in pediatric COVID cases we're seeing down south? link
Can we please learn from, and prevent, the avoidable rise in pediatric COVID cases we're seeing down south?
Bonnie asked over 3 years agoThe authority to implement public health order still resides with Alberta Public Health, Alberta Education, and the Office of the Premier. If you would like to express your concerns or request a change to the provincial school COVID-19 plans, I certainly encourage you to reach out to your MLA.
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Share Will Foothills School Division be offering an online learning option for French Immersion students in the 2021-22 school year? on Facebook Share Will Foothills School Division be offering an online learning option for French Immersion students in the 2021-22 school year? on Twitter Share Will Foothills School Division be offering an online learning option for French Immersion students in the 2021-22 school year? on Linkedin Email Will Foothills School Division be offering an online learning option for French Immersion students in the 2021-22 school year? link
Will Foothills School Division be offering an online learning option for French Immersion students in the 2021-22 school year?
Anonymous asked over 3 years agoDue to low student enrollment numbers, a French Immersion online option is not available for the 2021-22 school year.
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Share I am wondering why instead of letting the immune systems of our kids do what they are designed to do, we are masking them and restricting the people they have contact with. These are the years that our kids immune systems as supposed to be creating antibodies so they can become healthy adults. My next question/ comment isn’t meant to sound cold or uncaring. Now it is unfortunate that there are immune compromised children that are just trying to live a normal life, but when did it become everyone else’s responsibility to keep those kids safe! When are the parents of these children going to be parents and take responsibility for their child’s safety instead of relying on and expecting everyone else to keep their kids safe? on Facebook Share I am wondering why instead of letting the immune systems of our kids do what they are designed to do, we are masking them and restricting the people they have contact with. These are the years that our kids immune systems as supposed to be creating antibodies so they can become healthy adults. My next question/ comment isn’t meant to sound cold or uncaring. Now it is unfortunate that there are immune compromised children that are just trying to live a normal life, but when did it become everyone else’s responsibility to keep those kids safe! When are the parents of these children going to be parents and take responsibility for their child’s safety instead of relying on and expecting everyone else to keep their kids safe? on Twitter Share I am wondering why instead of letting the immune systems of our kids do what they are designed to do, we are masking them and restricting the people they have contact with. These are the years that our kids immune systems as supposed to be creating antibodies so they can become healthy adults. My next question/ comment isn’t meant to sound cold or uncaring. Now it is unfortunate that there are immune compromised children that are just trying to live a normal life, but when did it become everyone else’s responsibility to keep those kids safe! When are the parents of these children going to be parents and take responsibility for their child’s safety instead of relying on and expecting everyone else to keep their kids safe? on Linkedin Email I am wondering why instead of letting the immune systems of our kids do what they are designed to do, we are masking them and restricting the people they have contact with. These are the years that our kids immune systems as supposed to be creating antibodies so they can become healthy adults. My next question/ comment isn’t meant to sound cold or uncaring. Now it is unfortunate that there are immune compromised children that are just trying to live a normal life, but when did it become everyone else’s responsibility to keep those kids safe! When are the parents of these children going to be parents and take responsibility for their child’s safety instead of relying on and expecting everyone else to keep their kids safe? link
I am wondering why instead of letting the immune systems of our kids do what they are designed to do, we are masking them and restricting the people they have contact with. These are the years that our kids immune systems as supposed to be creating antibodies so they can become healthy adults. My next question/ comment isn’t meant to sound cold or uncaring. Now it is unfortunate that there are immune compromised children that are just trying to live a normal life, but when did it become everyone else’s responsibility to keep those kids safe! When are the parents of these children going to be parents and take responsibility for their child’s safety instead of relying on and expecting everyone else to keep their kids safe?
Anonymous asked over 3 years agoFoothills School Division is no longer requiring masks in schools. We will continue to recommend them although we fully respect the personal choices of our students, families, staff, and greater school community.
Masks are still provincial required on school bus transportation. This is in accordance with the Alberta CMOH Order 34-2021. If you have any concerns with this public health order I would encourage you to contact your MLA.
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Share Just commenting how amazing it is that masks are not mandatory for the children. My son has commented how much he misses his friends and how excited me is to go back. He has commented how he forgets what his friends faces look like when they wear masks all the time and how hard it is to hear the teachers and other children with masks on. Wonderful decision :) honestly. I hope regular cold and flu season doesn't change that. But still great news for the upcoming school year :) on Facebook Share Just commenting how amazing it is that masks are not mandatory for the children. My son has commented how much he misses his friends and how excited me is to go back. He has commented how he forgets what his friends faces look like when they wear masks all the time and how hard it is to hear the teachers and other children with masks on. Wonderful decision :) honestly. I hope regular cold and flu season doesn't change that. But still great news for the upcoming school year :) on Twitter Share Just commenting how amazing it is that masks are not mandatory for the children. My son has commented how much he misses his friends and how excited me is to go back. He has commented how he forgets what his friends faces look like when they wear masks all the time and how hard it is to hear the teachers and other children with masks on. Wonderful decision :) honestly. I hope regular cold and flu season doesn't change that. But still great news for the upcoming school year :) on Linkedin Email Just commenting how amazing it is that masks are not mandatory for the children. My son has commented how much he misses his friends and how excited me is to go back. He has commented how he forgets what his friends faces look like when they wear masks all the time and how hard it is to hear the teachers and other children with masks on. Wonderful decision :) honestly. I hope regular cold and flu season doesn't change that. But still great news for the upcoming school year :) link
Just commenting how amazing it is that masks are not mandatory for the children. My son has commented how much he misses his friends and how excited me is to go back. He has commented how he forgets what his friends faces look like when they wear masks all the time and how hard it is to hear the teachers and other children with masks on. Wonderful decision :) honestly. I hope regular cold and flu season doesn't change that. But still great news for the upcoming school year :)
Kayla asked over 3 years agoThank you for your feedback Kayla and we appreciate the support. Last year we navigated the pandemic by working together to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff team. We know that this partnership remains essential as we begin the 2021-22 year. While we don't know how the school year will unfold, we're committed to adapting and implementing the latest provincial advice.
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Important Links
Who's Listening
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Foothills School Division
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Foothills School Division
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Phone 403-652-6501 Email superintendent@fsd38.ab.ca -
Phone 403-652-6502 Email communications@fsd38.ab.ca
Quick Polls
Lifecycle
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Open
School Renewal Engagement is currently at this stageThis consultation is open for contributions.
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Under Review
this is an upcoming stage for School Renewal EngagementContributions to this consultation are closed for evaluation and review.
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Final report
this is an upcoming stage for School Renewal EngagementThe final outcomes of the consultation are documented here.