PLEASE CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE DISTRICT’S WEBSITE AT: www.fmpsdschools.ab.ca and our Twitter accounts @fmpsd @DougNicholls2

1. Is the District encouraging students to register in schools?
   If students are ready to return to school, it is advisable. Routines and structure are beneficial for students after emergencies and change. But each child is different and each family situation is unique. Many FMPSD students have already enrolled in Alberta school districts and beyond. We have been informed that many FMPSD students are being supported by the Alberta Distance Learning Centre (ADLC). Re-registering remains optional for all grade levels.
2. Is it too late to register in another school?
   No. With the plan for high school students’ marks now finalized, enrollment is about learning and possibly raising a final grade. When high school students return to school next year, having a solid understanding of the previous course will set students up for success for 2016-17. Teachers will certainly work with our students to support them if they did not re-register. Students in elementary and junior high will move up a grade.
3. If students are registered at new schools, will the grades at their new school impact their overall average?
   For elementary and junior high students, our students will move to the next grade. The assessment from other schools will not impact their promotion for September. We are not anticipating a need to complete elementary reports cards upon our return.  Running junior high reports in August or September is being considered. Marks from other districts for students in junior high will not impact academic standing in FMPSD. High school students can access their marks through myPASS. Grade Twelve students will receive transcripts from Alberta Education as well. High school students will receive their FMPSD school awarded mark or another school’s mark if it is higher. High school students will not receive a mark lower than they earned before the evacuation.
4. When will the schools be inspected? Has anyone from the District been in the schools?
   Our inspection process commenced Sunday, May 15th. Fred Young, Director of Operations and Maintenance, led our team. Each public school was inspected for air quality, HVAC systems, security, technology and other possible areas that were impacted by the fire. Ali Syed, Director of Technology, inspected computer networks and all hardware on Monday, May 16th. Overall, the reports so far by both departments have been positive. But there will be a considerable amount of work needed to be done to have the schools reopen.
5. What was discussed when the four superintendents from the districts impacted by the fire had their meeting on Friday, May 13th?
   Current updates were given by each superintendent. Concerns were raised about the importance of communication between all parties. A review of overall conditions of schools in each district was given. The types of support available from Alberta Education were identified. Questions were raised about  high school non-diploma marks. Alberta Education will be hosting a weekly meeting every Thursday morning until further notice.
6. Is the school District working with other government agencies on the re-establishment of our community?
   Superintendent Doug Nicholls is scheduled for a weekly meeting with Alberta Education officials and the other three superintendents leading systems affected by the fire. Associate Superintendent Dr. Brenda Sautner continues to meet with community agencies and Alberta Health Services to ensure adequate supports and services are available to staff, students and parents upon our return. Associate Superintendent Phil Meagher serves as a council member for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Associate Superintendent Allan Kallal is a member of the board for the Fort McMurray Airport Authority. We feel that we are well-connected with local authorities.
7. Is it still possible that the schools could open before the end of the school year?While we have not heard officially from Alberta Education, the Premier has made statements about the difficulty of opening our schools before the end of June. All staff are reminded that there is a five day notice for returning to work. Recalls for both support staff and teachers may be at different times for obvious reasons. Schools will have an important role in the re-entry of our community.
8. Will report cards be completed this year?
   Final elementary and junior high report cards will not be completed this June. All elementary and junior high students will progress to their next grade in September. Grade Twelve students’ marks will be submitted to Alberta Education for official transcripts. Results are available for high school students at myPASS on the Alberta Education website.
9. Will the new school Christina Gordon Public School be opening in the Fall?
   The site will not be ready to open because of the fire. Classes will be set up at another location and students and staff will move once Christina Gordon is completed later in the year.
10. Will Summer School for high school students run this year?
    No. Because of the fire situation, a decision has been made not to operate it this year. Students requiring course work could contact the Alberta Distance Learning Centre (ADCL) who are prepared for our students. Students could also contact the larger school districts in Edmonton and Calgary for other options.
11. Should students attend graduation ceremonies at the school where they registered after the fire?
    If the host school invites any FMPSD Grade 12 student to a graduation ceremony, we would encourage those students to participate. Some schools and some school districts have already offered  invitations.
12. What about graduation for our  students from Grade 12?
    Discussions have occurred between Doug Nicholls and George McGuigan, Superintendent of the Fort McMurray Roman Catholic Separate Schools, regarding graduation. Considering the realities of our community, a June graduation will not be possible this year. We plan to hold ceremonies sometime in the Fall when it is logical and appropriate to do so. The graduations will be in Fort McMurray.
13. What will happen to student and staff personal items?
    Our Operations and Maintenance Department will develop a plan which will be shared in the days ahead. We know many students and staff will want access as soon as possible to pick up their belongings. Security in the community is significant which will help to secure our buildings and personal items.
14. I am a high school student and left modules with my teacher that I need for credits. What will happen to those modules?
    The school District will continue to have access to student marks even into the next school year. Teachers and school administrators will need to work with students on a case-by-case basis. Students who may be impacted by this possibility should contact their school principal directly.
15. Is the Board of Trustees operating and are the members aware of our District’s situation and updates?
    Yes. The senior leadership team is in regular contact with the board. The board is holding a Committee of the Whole meeting (informational, not public) next week in Edmonton.

Thank you for your support of our students, staff, and parents of FMPSD.  Further Q and A’s will be provided in the future.  Please continue to check all communication accounts on a regular basis.

If you have additional questions for us, please email them to: teena.francis@fmpsd.ab.ca

Q&A for Students, Parents, and Staff of FMPSD (Ed. 1)

PLEASE CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE DISTRICT’S WEBSITE AT www.fmpsdschools.ab.ca and our twitter accounts – @fmpsd and @DougNicholls2

1. When the schools re-open, will there be staff? Yes. Employees remain on contract and they will have a five day notice to return to work.
2. Will my children in elementary and jr. high have to repeat the year if school does not re-open in Fort McMurray before the end of June? No. We do encourage students to enroll in school if they are ready to return. If that is not possible for any reason, students will move to the next grade in September.
3. Some high school students have chosen to enroll in the nearest school to where they are staying. Other students have chosen not to enroll at this point. Is that a problem? We encourage students to register in school if possible. Further information from Alberta Education regarding high school credits is expected soon. Students in high school have been welcomed in other high schools across Alberta to complete courses.
4. Have Diploma Examinations been cancelled for Fort McMurray students? Minister David Eggen has announced today (May 9th) that Grade Twelve students are not required to write the examinations. Students will have the option of taking the school awarded mark as their final mark. Please continue to visit the district’s website and twitter accounts @fmpsd and @DougNicholls2 for further information.
5. We have been in contact with The College Board (Coordinators of the Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations). If students have enrolled at high schools already holding AP exams, can students can write AP exams there? Yes. Our students enrolled in our AP courses are already registered with The College Board. Students are encouraged to talk to the School Principal or AP Coordinator if additional courses are needed.
6. Are Provincial Achievement Tests in Grades 6 and 9 cancelled? Grade 6 and 9 Provincial Achievement Tests scheduled to start the week of May 9 have been cancelled for students affected.
7. Students in high school may be asked for a copy of their transcript if enrolling in a school outside of Alberta. How are transcripts accessed? To access transcripts, students are encouraged to register with MyPass through Alberta Education. Visit https://mypass.alberta.ca to register.
8. How do students complete courses online? Alberta Distance Learning has set up a special website for you to register. You will need on line access to complete courses from where you are. Visit: https://www.adlc.ca/fort-mcmurray-students/
9. Students have expressed concern about missing graduation ceremonies. Will there be graduation ceremonies in Fort McMurray? Superintendent Doug Nicholls has been discussing graduation ceremonies for Fort McMurray students with the Superintendent of the Fort McMurray Catholic School Board, George McGuigan (Monday, May 9th). It is expected that both districts will be planning graduation ceremonies upon the return of our students.
10. Will there still be Summer School? At this time, we continue to take registrations. We will monitor the situation and we are assuming that FMPSD will still be opening summer school in July.
11. Can I enrol my child(ren) in a school outside of Alberta? Enrolling your child(ren) in any school remains optional including outside of Alberta.
12. Are mental health supports available? Please contact Alberta Health Services or education.alberta.ca/mental-health. Contact your employee assistance program to access mental health support. Children can also call the Children’s Help Line at 1-800-668-6868 or kidshelpline.ca.
13. Where is the best place to obtain information updates? It is MANDATORY that you register with the Canadian Red Cross. This is how the Government of Alberta will be identifying affected individuals who may be eligible for relief. You may register with the Red Cross by clicking on the link below or by phone at 1-888-350-6070. REGISTER FOR RED CROSS HERE. You can follow FMPSD for updates on Twitter – @FMPSD and @DougNicholls2, Facebook – Fort McMurray Public Schools, and or on our Website – www.fmpsdschools.ca. Links to all FMPSD social media accounts are on our web page.
14. What is the best way to contact FMPSD personnel? Email is the best way to contact FMPSD staff at this time. You can find email links on the district website, choose central office and then pick the appropriate department and person. That person will either handle your query or redirect to the appropriate person.
15. How do I submit an FMPSD expense claims or invoice? Accounts Payable is in the process of being set up. It will take us longer to process payments than before. If you have a question about whether or not your invoice or expense claim has been received, email: finance@fmpsd.ab.ca
16. Can we register our children for school next year? You can continue to register on the FMPSD District website at: http://www.fmpsdschools.ca/Registration.php
17. What will be the process for school clean up? Operations & Maintenance staff are on standby to mobilize as soon as allowed to make the schools a home for students and staff again. A team is being put together to assess the condition of schools when the authorities having jurisdiction allow this to happen.
18. Are staff on standby? As active staff are on standby, they will be paid as per their current letters of hire or contracts.

Thank you for your support of our students, staff, and parents of FMPSD. Further Q and A’s will be provided in the future. Please continue to check all communication accounts on a regular basis. If you have additional questions for us, please email them to: teena.francis@fmpsd.ab.ca

Dear FMPSD Parents, Staff and Students,

Fort McMurray Public School District is experiencing something serious which has deeply affected everyone.  Let me briefly update you on what our staff have done to ensure safety of students and staff due to the forest fire crisis that enveloped the city.

School staff immediately implemented Hour Zero, our crisis management response plan that either evacuated schools or became a shelter in place.  This plan kept all our 5600 students safe until reunited with parents or family friends.  We have two students who have yet to be reunited with parents and these students remain under the care of their school principal. Once parents are able to return from the evacuation sites north of the city, our staff will make the necessary plans to be with their children.

All our students are accounted for at this time.  We are in the process of coordinating communications with all our staff who have also evacuated to the nearest safe place. Daily or regular emails and updates will be provided on our District’s Facebook, Twitter and staff emails.  Please continue to check these sites as needed.

Students and staff will react in different ways so it will be important to have support available to assist both staff and students in need.  Counselors will be in our schools to assist students when they return.  As parents/caregivers we want to help you recognize possible reactions you may observe in your child.  If you feel your child is in need of immediate assistance or is having a great deal of difficulty coping, please call the Children’s Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. This is call is free, national, bilingual, confidential, anonymous and available 24 hours.  We also encourage you to visit  http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/wildfire.aspx for additional information for those experiencing a traumatic event.

Fort McMurray Public Schools continues to work closely with Emergency Services to cope with the devastating effects of the fire.  Please observe your child closely over the next several days and weeks to watch for signs of distress which may indicate a need for additional support and guidance.

Sincerely,

Doug Nicholls

Thank you to everyone for their messages of support. We appreciate the outpour and are grateful. All students and staff are safely accounted for. A few students remain in the care of our staff. Thanks again for all your efforts during this emergency.

• I have been contacted by numerous organizations and school systems who are offering support.
• I will be discussing future steps with Superintendents George McGuigan and Henri Lemire as soon as possible, likely tomorrow.
• As the fire is still not contained, we know more structure loss is possible. We will update information as it becomes available.
• I have also had communication with Alberta Education and the Minister. Those discussions will continue in the days ahead.
• Please continue to check your email and the District’s social media accounts.
• All schools are closed until further notice. Staff should continue checking their email and FMPSD’s social media portals for updates.
• And finally, we have many staff and community members who have suffered a major personal loss. Our thoughts, prayers and support are there now and will be in the days ahead.

Doug Nicholls
Superintendent of Schools

Did You Know…? Kayak is Inuktitut for ‘man’s boat’. The corresponding ‘woman’s boat’ was an umiaq.

We began our CAT4 exams today. Students and I reviewed some of the strategies that they can use at home and at school to help them to be successful this week:

Today we completed the Reading portion of the test, which is 60 minutes. Tomorrow we will complete Vocabulary, which 25 minutes. Students will complete Math on Thursday, and they are allowed to use a calculator for this portion. Please make sure your student brings a calculator if you did not send one in September with their school supplies. Gentle encouragement at home to help students think “green thoughts” is appreciated. Be careful not to add any undue stress or pressure to students. This exam is just a “snapshot” of one day at school. It does not affect the grades on their report cards. It is merely used as a tool to guide staff and schools in their ongoing instruction.

In Social Studies today, students finished looking at homesteaders and those that helped to settle Western Canada. Students each visited the site below:

http://www.glenbow.org/mavericks/english/menu.html

The Grade 4 students were taking a closer look at Ranching. The Grade 5 students were taking a closer look at Newcomers. Each group was asked to choose an individual from their category to study further. Students were asked to consider: why this individual is important to Alberta, what challenges they faced, and what questions they would like to ask them. Students also used a Venn Diagram to compare these individuals with their own Farmers/Ranchers or Family that they used for their PBL.

Students also began working in groups to continue our discussion of the Fur Trade. We have already been using Path of the Elders to explore Fur Trade and FNMI concepts. Today we looked more closely at the impacts the Fur Trade had on the development of Canada:

Students are working in small groups to design and plan their own Fur Trade Fort. Stay tuned for more information.

Agenda:

Read 20 minutes

Language Arts:

• Mouse and the Motorcycle – Chapter 3

Math:

• CAT4 – Bring calculator (Thursday)

Health:

• FRIENDS – Home Activity 8A (Tuesday)

French:

• Mon Horraire (Wednesday)

Grade 5/6 Floor Hockey – Wednesdays 3:00-4:00 pm

Floor Hockey Tournament – May 6th-7th

STEM Club – Mondays, Thursdays 3:00-4:00 pm

2nd Annual Robotics Dinner & Social – May 5th @ Walter and Gladys Hill School (buy tickets online at:http://tinyurl.com/fmpsdsocial)

Gr. 3 Art Sale – tomorrow ($1-$2)

Hats Off for Mental Health! – bring $2 Wednesday to wear a hat/green