BTPS Newsletter

November is a great time to recognize the power of collaboration.

“None of us is as smart as all of us.” – Ken Blanchard

Our mission depends on the collective strengths of our team. We know that supporting student learning, keeping spaces safe and clean, transporting students safely, managing technology, and running our offices all take strong communication and shared purpose.

Our vision is to empower students to be responsible, caring citizens. When we work together across roles, we model collaboration for students. We show them that problems are solved better when many voices are heard.

Our values of collaboration and transparency guide us to speak honestly, listen openly, and support each other. Thank you for being team players and for always looking for ways to improve how we work together.

Together, we create better outcomes for students and a stronger BTPS.

Be well,

Michelle

This year, we are gathering stories that celebrate what makes Buffalo Trail Public Schools such a meaningful place to learn and work. Through your “Why We Love BTPS” cards, newsletter submissions, and school features, you have shared moments of connection, gratitude, and rural pride that remind us why our work matters. These reflections capture the heart of who we are.

“When my son was eight, we moved to Alberta looking for a quiet, caring community and a small school that would be a good fit for him as a child with autism. When we found our home and saw the little school just down the street, we knew it was where our family needed to be. I didn’t realize then that our next-door neighbour would become his teacher, and eventually my colleague, or how wonderful the staff and students would be.

The school quickly became a caring, supportive, and inclusive environment where my son could grow and belong. Later, when my younger son was diagnosed with leukemia, both the school and our community wrapped around us with incredible kindness.

As I tried to balance work and my children’s needs, I decided to pursue my Educational Assistant certificate so I could be close to them while supporting other students. I knew I wanted to work for Buffalo Trail Public Schools, but I had no idea just how supportive and welcoming my colleagues would be. Everyone is so caring and understanding. I truly feel like part of a family.

I am grateful every day to contribute to the lives of the amazing students in our division while caring for my own children. There is nowhere else I would rather be, for myself or for my kids, than in Buffalo Trail Public Schools.”

Rural public education is at the heart of who we are. From close-knit school communities to the unique opportunities that come with learning and working in a rural setting, there are so many reasons to be proud of BTPS. We’d love to hear your story!

Each newsletter, we’ll randomly select one submission, and that person’s school or department will win a treat for their staff!

Congratulations to Vermilion Elementary School for being selected this month! Your treats will be on next week’s van run.

Over the past week, our Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team attended the 2025 Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Fall General Meeting and the Public School Boards’ Association of Alberta (PSBAA) Fall Conference. Both events provided valuable time to learn, connect, and strengthen relationships with partners who support public education across Alberta.

At the ASBA Fall General Meeting, our BTPS team appreciated the chance to connect, learn, and engage with colleagues and provincial partners. Pictured below with our Board and Senior Leadership are Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, MLA, Rural Caucus Chair Brad Toone, and ASBA Outgoing President Marilyn Dennis.

At the PSBAA Fall Conference, our BTPS team took part in a variety of learning opportunities, including an engaging session titled “Being a Public School Board Trustee” led by Tom Thompson, pictured below with our team.

These gatherings are an important way for our trustees and senior leaders to continue advocating for public education, rural voice, and strong learning opportunities for the students and communities we proudly serve in BTPS.

Wainwright Elementary School is a vibrant and caring community where relationships, belonging, and growth are at the heart of everything we do. Our staff are dedicated to creating meaningful learning experiences that help students discover their strengths and reach their potential. In our rural setting, we value strong connections with our families, with each other, and with our community partners.

Students and staff alike love the sense of family that defines our school. We celebrate together, support one another, and take pride in the traditions that make WES special. Rural education allows us to truly know our learners, nurture curiosity, and build lasting relationships that extend beyond the classroom.

At Wainwright Elementary we lead by example by showing kindness, integrity, and a shared commitment to helping every child and adult grow into their best selves. Every voice matters, every success is celebrated, and every day is a chance to learn, lead, and grow together.

At Irma School, the heart of our learning community extends far beyond the walls of our building. As a rural K–12 school, we are proud of the strong, supportive relationships that define who we are. Our students grow up learning alongside neighbors, friends, mentors, and family members who care deeply about their success. This sense of belonging shapes every part of school life.

What truly makes Irma special is the way our community works together. Volunteers, parents, and local partners generously give their time and talents to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for every student. Whether helping in classrooms, supporting school events, or sharing expertise, their involvement strengthens learning and builds pride in our Mustang identity.

This year, our “What It Means to Be a Mustang” activity brought all K–12 students together to reflect on the values that guide us—kindness, teamwork, resilience, and respect. Older students supported younger ones, and the activity highlighted how our multi-grade connections help every learner feel known and supported.

At Irma School, rural education isn’t just about small class sizes—it’s about community. It’s about growing together, caring for one another, and creating a school where every student truly belongs.

At Amisk School, learning is all about connection, community, and having fun! This year has been full of exciting activities that bring everyone together. Students and staff showed their support during the Terry Fox Run, helping raise money for cancer research. On Orange Shirt Day, we learned about Indigenous experiences and why it’s important to care for one another. Students also had a spook-tacular time celebrating Halloween, with fun classroom activities and dressing up in costumes.

More recently, students and staff honoured veterans at our Remembrance Day ceremony, learned healthy habits during Wainwright on Wellness, and practised important routines on Bus Safety Day. We also opened a time capsule that was buried 25 years ago and got to see special treasures from the past. Students and staff made a new time capsule of their own, which will be buried for another 25 years! It has been an exciting way to connect past, present, and future Amisk students.

What makes our school community so special is that everyone knows each other. Students are seen, staff work together like family, and every activity brings us closer.

Amisk School is a place to learn, grow, and belong—and we are proud of it!

During our ATA day, Lana led a session on stretching a read aloud - using one story over the course of a week and pairing it with short daily activities during your literacy block. This approach allows you to explore a wide range of language arts outcomes and creates great opportunities for cross-curricular connections.

Below is the PowerPoint from the session. If you’d like support planning or implementing a stretched read aloud in your literacy block, I’d be happy to sit down with you and help develop one!

Stretching The Read Aloud

We’re proud to showcase BTPS student artwork from the STAA Safety Week Poster Contest, now on display at our BTPS Central Office!

This year’s theme, “My Driver is My Superhero!”, recognizes the care and commitment bus drivers show as they help students travel safely each day.

A big thank you to our students for their creativity and to our amazing drivers who go above and beyond to keep every ride safe.

International Education Week, November 17-21, is celebrated in more than 100 countries and highlights the incredible impact of global learning. When students explore perspectives from around the world, they develop valuable skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, resilience, confidence and cross-cultural understanding. These experiences help them grow as global citizens who are ready to thrive in an interconnected world.

This year, Alberta students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 are invited to take part in the Think Globally Contest: Global Snack Challenge. Food has a unique way of connecting us. It tells stories, brings people together and helps us understand different cultures. Through this contest, students can share how global connections shape their lives by showcasing a meaningful snack inspired by the world around them.

Learn more about the contest and access the ready to download guide, entry package and poster by visiting the Global Snack Challenge webpage. Submissions deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026.

International Volunteer Day is celebrated each year on December 5, recognizing the powerful impact volunteers make in communities across Canada and around the world.

For International Volunteer Day 2025, Buffalo Trail Public Schools extends heartfelt appreciation to the many volunteers who give their time, energy, and care to support our students, staff, and schools. From classroom helpers and field trip supervisors to school council members and community partners, your generosity strengthens learning and builds connection in every one of our school communities.

Thank you for sharing your gifts, for stepping up when help is needed, and for making a meaningful difference in the lives of BTPS students each and every day. We are truly grateful for you.