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