May Newsletter

May seems to have snuck up on us! Where has the time gone? This month brings a season of transitions as we begin to wrap up the current school year while already looking ahead to the next. With summer just around the corner, there are still so many exciting events and opportunities ahead. From field trips to celebrations, May is all about finishing strong and making lasting memories together.

Fine Arts truly took centre stage with the production of Spaghetti Western. The hours of dedication from our directors, actors, stage crew, and tech team were evident in every moment of the performance. We were so proud to see our students shine with confidence and enthusiasm—bravo! A huge thank you to Mr. Berrigan and Mrs. Lehmann for inspiring our students to reach new heights. We are already looking forward to the next production this month—Westward, Whoa—so dust off those cowboy hats!

Our gymnasium has also been buzzing with energy! Our K–3 students have been enjoying yoga, building balance, mindfulness, and flexibility, while our older students had an incredible opportunity to learn from a guest athlete who introduced them to the fast-paced game of lacrosse. Up next… cricket! We love seeing our students try new activities and develop a lifelong love of movement. Track and field season is also underway, with tryouts and practices happening right now. The meet will be held on May 11th at HTA.

As we enter the final stretch of the year, maintaining routines and staying on top of assignments is key to finishing strong. We know the longer, warmer evenings can make it tempting to shift focus, and we truly appreciate the continued support from our families in helping students stay engaged and successful.

With appreciation,

Ms. Rita Marie Rahn (Principal)
Mrs. Shanda Dupras (Vice Principal)

May 1:

• Spring Photo Day!
• Career Focused Guest Speaker - Grade 8 Health Classes

May 4:

• Bus Driver Appreciation Day

May 5:

• Volunteer Appreciation Cinco de Mayo Themed (2:00--3:00pm)

May 6:

• Hats ON! For Mental Health Day
• Student Matters Meeting: 9:00-11:00 am @ Foothills Composite High School

May 9:

• Young Authors Conference

May 11:

• Cricket Begins (Grade 4-9)
• Dress Rehearsal for Westward, Whoa! Drama Production
• Track Meet @ HTA (Grades 7-9)

May 12:

• Matinée Performance: Westward, Whoa! Drama Production (1:30 pm)

May 13

• WESTARD, WHOA Drama Production! (doors open @ 6:30 pm)

May 14

• WESTARD, WHOA Drama Production! (doors open @ 6:30 pm)

May 15

• Non-Instructional PD Day - NO STUDENTS

May 16

• NO SCHOOL - Professional Learning Day

May 18

• NO SCHOOL -Victoria Day

May 19

• Chris Koch - Presenter for the War Amps

• Track Divisionals @ HTA

May 21

• Grade 9 Part ELA PAT (9:00-11:00 am)
• Grade 7 Calgary Zoo Trip

May 22

• Grade 6 PAT ELA Part A

May 25

• Vaccinations Round 2

May 26

• Track Zones @ Foothills Athletic Park

We kindly ask all parents/guardians (JK - Grade 8), to take a few moments to complete this important Parent Planning Survey for the upcoming school year. This valuable information helps us better understand your child’s learning needs, interests, and any specific supports that may be required. Your input plays a vital role in our planning process, including class placements and ensuring we create the best possible learning environment for each student. Thank you for your time and partnership!

Due Date: May 8th, 2026

Quick Survey Link: 2026-2027 School Year Survey – Fill out form

It is the professional responsibility of administrators and teachers to create class configurations each year that balance students' needs and available resources. When making decisions for class placement, a great deal of time and thought is spent creating classes where students will successfully learn together. In order to create balanced, equitable and productive classroom environments, we take into consideration the following factors:

• Class size targets
• Academic readiness
• Learning Support needs
• Specific talents & abilities
• Gender balance
• Social connections
• Emotional/behavioural needs

The team at Heritage Heights has a complete picture of these areas; we are confident in the class lists we create. As such, we do not accept requests for specific teachers but do accept letters of parental questions regarding your child's academic and/or social-emotional needs. Please submit requests, with the title Placement 2026-2027, to rahnr@fsd38.ab.ca

We are excited to announce our upcoming Track Day for students in Grades 7–9, scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2026. To help make this day a success, we are looking for parent volunteers to assist with a variety of roles, including helping at event stations, acting as relief volunteers throughout the day, and providing general supervision around the track.

If you are available and willing to help out, please email Mrs. Tamara Watkins at watkinst@fsd38.ab.ca to let us know your availability. Your support is greatly appreciated and plays an important role in ensuring a fun and safe event for all students! Thank you in advance for your time and involvement.

Students who qualify to compete at:

• Divisionals on May 20th (HTA Location)
• Zones on May 26th (Foothills Athletic Park Location)

• Students who turn 5 on or before December 31, 2025 are eligible for Kindergarten, while students who turn 4 on or before December 31, 2025 are eligible for Junior Kindergarten.
• All registrations are completed online through Edsembli.
• Families new to FSD will need to create an Edsembli Account and current families can add your child to your Family Portal! Please use the QR code or access the registration at Bit.ly/FSDNewStudent

Transportation Busing online application for the 2026/2027 school year is OPENING soon!

• Parents who have registered and/or have returning children for the upcoming school year should monitor our FSD website for updates.
• Quick Link: Transportation

We have several staffing changes to share with you:

• Mrs. Millard is retiring! She is starting the next chapter with her husband and family. Thank you for your years of dedicated service. You will be missed.

• Mrs. McKellar has taken a position at the Nature-based Program in Okotoks. We will miss her expertise! Best wishes for your new position.

• Mrs. Provost has taken a position in Calgary. Best of luck with your new role!

• Mrs. Law has completed her time with us as the YDC. We wish her well in her next adventures.

• Mrs. Lacuelli is onto different pastures. She supported students for several years as an Educational Assistant. We wish her luck in her new chapter.

• Miss Sidoff is joining us in grade 8 Humanities for the remainder of the school! Welcome!

• Thursday, May 21, 9 AM–11 AM Grade 9 English Language Arts Part A
• Friday, May 22, 9 AM–11 AM Grade 6 English Language Arts and Literature Part A

• Thursday, June 4, 9 AM–10 AM Grade 6 English Language Arts and Literature Part B
• Tuesday, June 9, 9 AM–10:15 AM Grade 9 English Language Arts Part B
• Thursday, June 11, 9 AM–10 AM Grade 6 Social Studies
• Friday, June 12, 9 AM–10 AM Grade 6 Science
• Monday, June 15, 9 AM–9:30 AM Grade 6 Mathematics Part A
• Tuesday, June 16, 9 AM–9:30 AM Grade 9 Mathematics Part
• Thursday, June 18, 9 AM–10:15 AM Grade 6 Mathematics Part B
• Friday, June 19, 9 AM–10:20 AM Grade 9 Mathematics Part B
• Monday, June 22, 9 AM–10:20 AM Grade 9 Social Studies
• Tuesday, June 23, 9 AM–10:15 AM Grade 9 Science

To prepare your child, teachers will provide review in classes. It is very important that your child's attendance remains consistent in order for them to feel ready. They could start reviewing the subjects for a few minutes each night

For the PATS, be sure your child:

• Has slept the night before. 😴
• Has a healthy breakfast. 🥞
• Has a calm morning. ✌🏻

Saddle up, Huskies—our elementary drama troupe is heading out west, and you’re invited for the adventure! Join us for Westward, Whoa!, a rootin’-tootin’ musical full of big laughs, bold characters, and a whole lot of wild west charm.

Get ready for cowboy hats, toe-tappin’ tunes, and a storyline packed with fun as our talented young performers bring the frontier to life on stage. From dusty trails to daring showdowns, this is one performance you won’t want to miss! Round up the whole family and come cheer on our incredible cast—this is one hoedown you’ll be glad you didn’t skip!

WHEN: TWO NIGHTS!
Wednesday May 13th & Thursday, May 14th
Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Show Starts: 7:00 PM

TICKETS:
Cost: $10 per person
Tickets: Sold at the door (cash only)

Mental health is a state of well-being. We can all have good mental health. It is about having a sense of purpose, strong relationships, feeling connected to our communities, knowing who we are, coping with stress and enjoying life. And it is never too early or too late to get there. But it is not just about what you do for yourself, by yourself—everyone needs healthy and supportive places to work, live and learn.

Hats On! - May 6th

Every year, CMHA dedicates a week in May to raise awareness of Mental Health. This year, Mental Health Week will run from May 5-9. Hats On! for Mental Health Day will take place on May 6th. Albertans are invited to wear a hat to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health.

🎭 Well now, gather ‘round, folks! Word’s spread clear across Heritage Heights that the grand performance of Spaghetti Western was a rootin’-tootin’ triumph for the ages! Under the steady hand of Mr. Berrigan, with the ever-reliable Mrs. Lehmann ridin’ shotgun, this here production lit up the stage brighter than a prairie sunset.

The set was sharper than a sheriff’s badge, the lights shone like lanterns in a desert saloon, and the actin’? Well, we will be honest—those young performers delivered a show worthy of a standing ovation in any town from here to the frontier. Tip your hats and give a mighty cheer to all who made this wild west spectacle come to life—Yeehaw and bravo to our incredible cast and crew!

A heartfelt thank you to all the families who attended our Student-Led Conferences the week before spring break and took the time to celebrate the learning journeys of their children! It was a joy to witness the pride and confidence students showed as they shared their progress, goals, and accomplishments. Our teachers, alongside their students, transformed classrooms into warm and welcoming spaces filled with interactive learning stations, student-created displays, and thoughtful touches that made the evening truly special. Thank you for your continued support in making learning a shared celebration at Heritage Heights!

April 16, 2026, was the Husky Ice Showcase!! We celebrated the students who have given time and dedication to improving hockey skills over the first 3/4 of the year in the option blocks. Students from grades 6-9 enjoyed cheering on their classmates as they battled it out on the ice. Thanks to Coaches Chris and Lanny from Method Hockey for a great season!! Thank you also to Sean at the Seamon Sports Arena for the continued support!

Our Grade 5–9 students have been enjoying an exciting introduction to lacrosse during their PE classes! This fast-paced and skillful sport has allowed students to try something new, build coordination, and develop teamwork in a fun and active way. It has been fantastic to see students fully engaged, learning the fundamentals, and gaining confidence as they experience Canada’s national summer sport. 🍁

Our K–3 students had a calming and engaging experience as they explored yoga and mindfulness sessions with Meghan DiLello, founder of MindfuLittles. Through thoughtfully designed classes, students participated in mindful breathing, yoga movement and stretching, and fun, yoga-based games.

Each session also introduced simple self-regulation strategies and moments of guided rest, helping students build focus, body awareness, and a sense of calm. It was wonderful to see our youngest learners so engaged and benefiting from practices that support both their physical and emotional well-being!

Our recent junior high gathering was an engaging, full-group conversation that truly reflected the strength of our school community. Students came together and then broke into grade-level groups to share their perspectives on what’s going well and where we can continue to grow. It was a valuable opportunity for open dialogue, with thoughtful student voice, questions, ideas, and reflections guiding the conversation.

A few key themes emerged across all groups. We revisited our approach to dress code, focusing on “time, place, and respectful choices.” We also reinforced expectations around technology use—specifically that cell phones are to remain in lockers throughout the school day and not be taken out until dismissal. This includes listening to music through earbuds or similar devices. We also emphasized the importance of students being where they are expected to be throughout the day and not wandering hallways or other areas of the school. We commend our students for the positive way many are already demonstrating this expectation.

We are proud of the respectful, honest, and community-minded way our students contributed. Conversations like these help us continue building a strong, connected, and supportive Husky community. 🐾

Our Grade 3 students had a wonderful opportunity to learn about the importance of eye care during a recent visit from optometrist Dr. Michelle Duke, who is based in Okotoks and is also a proud mom of two of our Heritage Heights students. Through a highly engaging and hands-on presentation, students explored how their eyes work and why taking care of them matters.

Dr. Duke brought along a variety of fascinating tools, including convex and concave lenses, contact lenses for students to handle, colour blindness books, and even a 3D model of the eye. The experience was both interactive and memorable—students were especially intrigued by the “squishy” contact lenses!

It was clear just how absorbed our students were in the learning, and we are so grateful to Dr. Duke for sharing her expertise and sparking curiosity in such a meaningful way.

Our Grade 8 Health classes had an exciting opportunity to explore the many career pathways within the mining industry through an interactive presentation led by representatives from EY (Ernst & Young). Students were fully engaged as they examined different types of rocks and worked together to map out the journey of raw materials—from extraction all the way to finished products.

The session was made even more meaningful as students heard from three inspiring young women working in the field, including a graduate of our own division from Foothills Composite High School, who is now an engineer working as a Digital Supply Chain & Operations Consultant. It was a fantastic way to connect classroom learning to real-world careers and spark curiosity about future opportunities.

Website: www.ey.com

Our junior high students recently had the opportunity to learn from three students from Mount Royal University—Dannika, Maya, and Olivia—who shared their research on the effects of early exposure to screens and social media. The presentation explored how screen use can impact neurological development and dopamine levels, helping students better understand what is happening in their brains.

The session was engaging and thought-provoking, sparking meaningful conversations about habits many students experience daily. Through relatable examples and discussion, students reflected on how easily “doom scrolling” can take hold and the impact it can have on stress levels, mood, and overall well-being.

It was a powerful reminder of the importance of balance and mindfulness when it comes to technology use, and many students left with new insights and strategies to make more intentional choices.

Foothills School Calendar 2024-2025: https://bit.ly/3ZtNCgR

Heritage Heights Website: https://bit.ly/3ZaVWR7

Report Student Absence: heritage@fsd38.ab.ca

Edsembli Parent Login: https://bit.ly/3VggqGX

The attendance line seems to be working well!

Please continue to:

• call if your child will be absent or late.
• use the student agendas and let your child know when they will be picked up early
• use the sign in/out sheet on the table inside the front door

Thanks for your assistance!

🚗 Slow Your Roll: Please remember to continue to slow down for student drop off and pick up.

🥾 Dress for the Weather: Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for outdoor recess. We have now entered into "rubber boot season."