NOVEMBER 2011 · ISSUE 3 · VOL. 9
THE CALGARY SCIENCE SCHOOL
Principal’s Message On October 5 and 6 our students enjoyed a unique experience that was the epitomy of innovation. The Forging Connections Conference, which you have likely heard much about through the Spectrum and other means, was a tremendous opportunity for our students because it brought together teachers, artists, mathematicians and scientists to plan unique and engaging learning opportunities for CSS students. The event was a resounding success. The driving force behind the conference, and the people to whom I owe profound thanks and appreciation, were two parents who worked tirelessly over the course of approximately 15 months to bring the conference to a reality. Thank you very much, Jackie Stewart and Wendy Baillie, for your incredible commitment and creativity on behalf of our whole school community. In addition to the Forging Connections Conference, October also brought a landslide of data on our school’s performance. We received our provincial achievement test results, our accountability pillar results, the parent survey results are in and can be added to the mix, and we also look forward to trimester 1 report card marks. If I can summarize the school’s results on virtually every measure or indication of success, I would say our students and teachers are exceptional. Of course, we need to be cognizant when interpreting results such as the provincial achievement test results that we are limiting our interpretation to the scope and intent of the tests themselves (rather than, for example, using the results to compare one school to another). When I consider all of the data in it’s entirety and I look for trends and patterns, I am reassured that we are doing most things very well and have a little work to do on a small number of other issues. Our student achievement numbers, including both the PAT results as well as the trimester 3 report card marks from last year are very strong. Overall, almost 6 in 10 CSS students achieved the standard of excellence on grade 6 and 9 PATs. On the trimester 3 report cards last year, approximately one-third of our students achieved fours in the inquiry and knowledge building categories, with a further sixty percent achieving threes. As important as the measures of student achievement are the results of the accountability pillar surveys and the annual parent surveys, which give us more detailed
information on school culture, relationships and students’ sense of safety and security. While there is always room for improvement, our teachers, students and parents overwhelmingly report that students feel safe at school, they are learning the importance of caring for others, are learning respect for others, and are treated fairly in school (92.4% agreement). I could write pages and pages detailing the results, but instead I encourage you to attend the upcoming school council meeting, where more of the data will be shared and discussed. The results from surveys, report cards, provincial achievement tests, and other sources are used by the staff of the school to improve the culture and learning environment within the school. Given the most recent results we have received, we should all be proud of the incredible work our students are doing and the success they achieve as a result. Darrell Lonsberry
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s 1 I 1 s r 20 i h T e b In ve m No
1 Principal’s Message 3 School Council News 4 Annual General Meeting
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nt Survey e r a P l a u Ann
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Library e l g n i T e Ann
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ased Inquiry–B
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5 School Nurse's Info
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te ing Upda s i a r d n u F
Physical
Educatio
7 Transportation News
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8 Community Garden
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Connecti g n i g r o F
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Events g n i m o c Up
Achie
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School Council News We enjoyed another strong turnout for our October School Council meeting. The agenda covered a wide range of topics, with the 2011 Annual Parent Survey results generating quite a bit of discussion. For details of the survey results, please read the separate article in this edition of the Spectrum or visit the school website to view the 2011 survey report.
More Highlights From The October Meeting: • School Council-initiated fundraising brought in about $35,000 last school year, with proceeds going to support the band program, dance and drama, the new community garden, Camp Sweet, the recent Forging Connections Conference and for new PE / DPA equipment. About $6,500 was uncommitted at the end of June. This balance will be allocated by the fundraising committee, along with the funds raised this school year. Thanks to everyone who helped organize these activities and to all families who supported our fundraising programs with their purchases. • Fundraising is off to a strong start again this year, with the first Balzac Meats sale bringing in about $11,000. Thanks very much to Carolyn Vodden,
This year’s fun lunch program runs from November through April, wrapping up just as the spring outdoor education program gets underway. By now, you should have seen the order forms for the first half of the program. We’ve added a new food vendor to this year’s program – Extreme Pita provides menu options that align very nicely with the CSS Health and Wellness Initiative and they’re even able to handle most 3
Karen Morrison and the crew of volunteers who handled all the orders. Watch for another Balzac Meats sale in the spring, just in time to stock your freezer for the summer barbeque season! • Due to the dedicated efforts of another small group of volunteers, our annual SUTP coupon book sales program netted about $6,500 this fall. If you see Drue Robinson, be sure to thank her for once again leading this initiative. These efforts are very much appreciated! • The third major fundraising program run by School Council volunteers is the always-popular fun lunch / snack attack program. Funds raised through snack attack support our programs. (NOTE – the optional, twice-a-week hot lunch program is offered for the convenience of CSS families, with all proceeds going back to the local service provider, “The Lunch Bell”).
food allergies (make note of any allergies on the top of your child’s Extreme Pita order form). Please help make the ordering process as easy as possible for our fun lunch crew – send one cheque per child and get your order forms in on time. Thanks to Nadine Jones, Shelly Young and Drue Robinson for leading a roster of about 20 volunteers to deliver this program to our student community.
Just before fall break, school staff, students, artists, scientists and many volunteers came together for an amazing two-day experience: the Forging Connections Conference. I had the opportunity to sit in on two sessions and really enjoyed watching the students’ reactions to the artists and scientists as they brought their different perspectives together to create truly engaging activities. Your School Council provided financial
www.calgaryscienceschool.com
support for the conference and the Parent Volunteer Committee coordinated a huge volunteer effort. On behalf of School Council, I’d like to thank Jackie Stewart and Wendy Baillie for their eighteen months of tremendous leadership. And thanks to our all of our last-minute parent volunteers for the set-up and take-down, for supporting our students throughout the Conference and to those who worked closely with the artists and scientists to ensure each session was a success.
be talking about last year’s PAT results. And we’ll be discussing the updated plan that lays out School Council’s priorities for the balance of the year and into the next school year. All parents and guardians with students attending CSS are welcome to attend these meetings and/or to propose agenda items The next School Council meeting for these meetings. If there’s a will be Wednesday, November topic you’d like to see addressed 2 beginning at 7 pm in the Anne at an upcoming meeting, please Tingle Library. The November email schoolcouncil@calgarymeeting will begin with an introscienceschool.com duction to the “kids and drugs” program that will be offered in the Denise Kitagawa new year. Darrell Lonsberry will School Council President Speaking of volunteers, Dean Schmeichel is looking for a couple of parents to join the staff and student members on the committee for the CSS Health and Wellness Initiative. If you’re interested, please email Dean directly.
Annual General Meeting 5:30 pm, Tuesday November 22, 2011 All parents are cordially invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Calgary Science School Society which is being held in accordance with Society By-laws.
Agenda
1. Approval of Agenda 2. Approval of AGM minutes November 23, 2010 3. Receive and approve the 2010/11 Audited Financial Statements (The auditors will be in attendance) 4. Election of 2011/12 Directors 5. Other business
Please note that the newly elected Board of Directors will meet immediately following the AGM. Myra C. Penberthy Secretary-Treasurer
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www.calgaryscienceschool.com
Information From Your School Health Nurse Influenza (often called the flu) is a respiratory disease. It affects the nose, throat and lungs. It is caused by a virus that is easily passed from person to person. As with other viral illnesses, antibiotics do not work against an Influenza virus. Various strains of Influenza virus circulate throughout the world each year. In Canada, seasonal influenza usually affects people during the winter, between November and April. Influenza viruses change slightly from year to year. Every year, seasonal influenza infects millions of Canadians. This has a significant impact on the health care system and school and work absenteeism. An Influenza infection lowers the body’s ability to fight other infections.This can lead to Pneumonia and Bronchitis.
How is Influenza spread? The Influenza virus passes from person to person by droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Droplets travel through the air up to two meters (6 feet) allowing the virus to enter the eyes, nose or mouth of people nearby. The virus can live on hard surfaces such as door handles, telephones, computer keyboards, light switches, countertops and soft surfaces such as clothing. Viruses can live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours. Infection can occur when people touch any surface contaminated with the virus and then touch their own mouth or nose, or someone else’s mouth or nose , before washing their hands. People usually develop symptoms of Influenza within four days after becoming infected. They are usually contagious for seven days after the symptoms start. Younger children, individuals with weakened immune systems and those with severe illness may be contagious for a longer period, up to 10 days.
• • • •
A dr y cough that can last for weeks Headache, pain in legs and lower back Feeling weak and tired Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Other symptoms can include: • • • •
Chills Loss of appetite Sore throat and Runny or stuff y nose.
How To Protect Yourself Against Influenza The Influenza virus is always changing. The seasonal influenza vaccine is updated each year based on the recommendation of the World Health Organization. The seasonal influenza vaccine contains the three virus strains most likely to circulate in the coming year. This means you need to be immunized every year. The best time to be immunized is during October and November, just before the influenza season starts. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to work. However it is never too late to be immunized; even after influenza arrives in the community. The vaccine does not protect against other respiratory illnesses such as the common cold.
Where to get immunized?
The Influenza clinic in our district is: R ichmond Road Diagnostic And Treatment Centre (The old Children’s Hospital)
Symptoms Of Influenza • Fever of 38Cor higher that starts suddenly www.calgaryscienceschool.com
Monday – Thursday 1130am – 700pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday 0930am – 500pm Nasreen Sunderani R .N. B.N. CCHN(c) 5
www.calgaryscienceschool.com
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Transportation News November 22, 2011
After the busy route-planning efforts of Spring, Fall is the second busiest time for the Transportation Committee, and the CSS Transportation Analyst. Here’s what we have been working on:
Item #1: Changes To Routes
The Transportation Committee met on October 3, 2011 to review all bus route change requests that the committee had received from parents. The established busing guidelines directed the discussions at the meeting, and a vote was taken for each issue presented. All accepted changes were then relayed to Southland Transportation for final approval, and changes were instituted following the Fall Break in October. A great deal of attention and detail goes into route planning in the Spring (based on the students who have registered for busing for the upcoming Fall). Therefore, policy
dictates that the committee will generally be unable to accommodate requests for major changes along the established routes, other than very minor ones. Although it is not always known, bus drivers choose their own routes, based on what is established in these Spring route planning sessions. It can be very disruptive to bus drivers when the committee changes a route and its timing after school begins, since the drivers have made personal arrangements to accommodate their route schedule.
Item #2: Changes To Personal Information
Please be sure to email the committee if your information changes throughout the year. We need to have your current info in case of any emergency. Once again our email address is: transportationatcss@gmail.com
Item #3: Reducing Delays!
Be In The Loading Zone Before The Scheduled Stop Time
Our buses need to load and pull away from each stop as quickly as possible. Please ensure your children are at the sidewalk area where they board bus, before the scheduled time. W hen cold weather forces your child to wait in a vehicle, please continue to be considerate of the driver's need to get the bus to school on time by adhering to the following: • Have your children ready to leave the vehicle quickly. Stay bundled up with mitts on and jackets done up. This practice will also enable you to turn off your engine and not create pollution through idling. Remove seatbelts and have the backpacks handy! • Keep a watch for the bus and move to the loading zone as soon as you see the bus or other students moving to the stop. Remember though to stay safe and watch for traffic. • If you have received a delay notice from the CSS Bus Notification System that you signed up for, go to the loading zone when the bus is expected at the new revised time. If you need help signing up for this system, please contact us via email and we would be happy to assist you. (Please note at this time some cell phones are not able to receive the text messages such as: Mobilicity, PC Mobile, 711 Speak Out and Wind Mobile). Remember the whole system works better with everyone’s cooperation. Please don't delay the bus by having it wait while your children exit the vehicle. Children at later stops will be kept waiting longer, perhaps outside. As well, the bus may be blocking traffic as it waits for you. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and consideration! The Transportation Committee/ Transportation Analyst www.calgaryscienceschool.com
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L AKEVIEW COMMUNITY On Saturday, October 22 Lakeview Residents and Calgary Science School volunteers met to clean up the community garden in preparation for winter. Most beds were cleared of vegetation and prepared for winter, while work on the periphery of the garden continued.
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Compost bins were arranged and prepared and potato bins were placed within the garden pathways. The committee organizers and current gardeners are excited for the next planting season. A few gard eners are planning some winter planting, and CSS students in grades 4 and 7 will be working towards planting their beds in the spring. For further information, please contact the garden committee at lakeviewcommunitygarden@gmail.com
Garden Committee Lake view Community
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www.calgaryscienceschool.com
Highlights from the 2011 Annual Parent Survey For about 10 days last June, the 3rd annual CSS Parent Survey was open for response. Out of 599 students “actively attending CSS” at that time, 368 had surveys filled out by a family member. Participation rates varied between grades and between classes within the same grade. The overall response rate was 61%, a bit of a drop from the previous year, but still very high when compared to other surveys.
A summary of the survey findings was shared at the October School Council meeting. The topic that generated the most discussion was digital portfolios (also referred to as student blogs). The overall theme of that discussion was that parents
would like more guidance on how best to support this relatively new assessment approach used by students taking fine arts classes at the Calgary Science School. School administration and the fine arts team will be addressing this as the school year progresses.
Other survey highlights are as follows: • Parents who attend School Council meetings do so the transportation planning committee, primarily because they are informative – the monthly fundraising , the year-end celebration meetings are a great way to learn about school initiawith BBQ, and the outdoor education tives and to hear from guest speakers. As a result, our committee. monthly meeting agendas will continue to include reports from the CSS Board and Principal. And • W hen it comes to fundraising , sur vey several of our meetings this year will feature a parent responses show the most preferred education session from a guest presenter or other purposes for which School Council and the topics of interest presented by CSS students and/or CSS Parent Fundraising Society should be staff. raising funds are: information technolog y equipment, classroom-based technolog y, • Compared to the previous year ’s sur vey, parents outdoor education equipment and daily reported higher levels of work schedule conflicts and physical activity (DPA) equipment. Going extra-curricular activity conflicts, which interfere for ward, this will inform decisions made with the ability of many parents to attend School by the fundraising committee. Council meetings, to attend other school meetings, and to volunteer in the classroom or for field trips. • Parents strongly prefer to receive inforThis result is consistent with recent mainstream media mation from School Council, school reports that people are busier than ever! In response, administration and the parent volunteer School Council continues to share the highlights of committee via email. In fact, this preference monthly meetings in regular Spectrum articles so that has been growing stronger each year we’ve parents who don’t make it out to the meetings can stay done this sur vey. informed on their own time. • Two-thirds of respondents reported they • In terms of activities and committee work , responor their spouse/partner volunteered at dents indicated that School Council should continue CSS during the 2010/11 school year. This to place a high priority on supporting the Camp Sweet amazing volunteer effort makes a real and other work bees, the parent volunteer committee, difference to our students’ experiences at CSS and we THANK YOU! www.calgaryscienceschool.com
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Survey results are used to update School Council’s rolling 3-year plan, to guide School Council operations and to provide a basis upon which School Council fulfills its advisory role to school administration and the Board. The full set of responses is shared with school administration. Select portions of the survey responses have been shared with the parent volunteer
committee, the band parent Phil Butterfield or emailed to committee, the outdoor education s c h o o l c o u n c i l @ c a l g a r y s c i e n c committee and the Board’s fund eschool.com development committee. 2011 Parent Survey Committee (Phil Butterfield, Ray Caddy, Please visit the CSS website and Laura Foran, Robert Pegg , check under “publications” to and Denise Kitagawa) view the complete 2011 Parent Survey Results Summary. Any questions should be directed to
Anne Tingle Library@CSS Overdue library books: now there’s a topic that raises some people’s emotions and elicits numerous interesting excuses! Students are introduced to our library with a welcome, and then a clarification of their privileges and responsibilities. Obviously, returning or renewing fall within responsibilities. Parents may only be aware of overdue books when their child’s homeroom teacher emails them for assistance in returning a book from home, or worse, when an invoice is received for a book that’s assumed as lost. Not surprisingly, most often the response to the invoice isn’t money, it’s the book! Homeroom teachers receive overdue reports once a week. Students are welcome to renew a book for as long as they need it. An overdue status on a student’s library account results in a partial or full suspension of loaning privileges until the books are returned.
and its collection is the foundation of our policies and procedures. An overdue (or lost) book prevents access to other students, and so it is something to which we pay attention. If a book is significantly overdue (or damaged) an invoice is sent home with the details. If the book(s) can’t be found, a replacement charge is levied. In the event that a book is located after payment, and in a reasonable time, a refund is given. Hopefully that clarifies some questions about this aspect of our library. As always, if you have any questions, or would like to offer me feedback, I’ll be happy to hear from you.
A school library supports and enriches the Alberta Program of Studies, and we are focused on teaching and learning. The student is central to the library, and access to the library
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www.calgaryscienceschool.com
Donna Johnson Alden Teacher Librarian
Anne Tingle Library@CSS Traditionally, we have hosted a Scholastic Book Fair during student-led conference days in the fall, and Usborne Books in the spring. This year, we are happy to host Usborne Books November 17 and 18th. Usborne Books will offer a wide range, from early childhood through to middle school reference type books, as well as a small selection of fiction. Unlike Scholastic, there are no novelties such as funny pens, giant erasers, or such. Usborne’s books also have the added value of recommended websites that extend and enrich a book’s content, a great plus for our technologically astute readers.
teachers. Students and parents have access to a large inventory of books sold at reduced prices, and with bonuses teachers use to enrich their classroom collections, or offer as gifts or prizes. Buying books this way offers better value for students and parents.
W hat other options could we consider? Some For a number of reasons, we would like to explore an possible alternatives include a parent resources alternative to the Scholastic Book Fair next spring. The book fair hosted by a local book vendor, or a Anne Tingle Library is an integral part of the school, and as book fair for students from a different vendor. such, we are supported with qualified staff and a budget for W hat else? Parent feedback and suggestions student resources. Profits from the Scholastic Book Fairs are welcome. Please feel free to email me, and are, for the most part, Scholastic books, many of which are we can begin the conversation. already in the collection, or are available through library wholesalers. Furthermore, most homeroom teachers in the Donna Johnson Alden elementary grades participate in the Scholastic Book Club, Teacher Librarian and the option is available for middle school grade level
Parent Information Session on Inquiry-Based Learning One of the foundational principles of the Calgary Science School is an approach to education called inquiry-based learning. Inquiry is one of the three main pillars of our school and is central to all the guiding documents and strategic plans for the school.
With that in mind, we are hosting a parent information night on inquiry-based learning. This event will take place on December 1, 2011 (6:30 – 8:30) and will cover:
But what is inquiry-based learning? Inquiry is a complex idea and one that is prone to many misconceptions, both within education circles and in the popular media. W hile inquiry is not a new ‘educational fad’ (it has been included in Alberta Curriculum documents for decades) it is not consistently implemented in many classrooms across the province. Over the last number of years CSS has been building a reputation, both within Alberta and beyond, as a place where inquiry is utilized in effective and engaging ways to enhance the learning experience of our students.
• Background information and definitions of inquir y • How current education research supports inquir y • W hat strong , inquir y-based learning looks like in practice • How assessment is different with inquir y • The supporting role that technolog y plays in inquir y • How to support your student in an inquir y-based classroom
www.calgaryscienceschool.com
Neil Stephenson P.D. & Outreach 12
Fundraising Update CSS parent volunteers continue to do amazing work in raising funds for our school. This Fall has seen us do our annual Student Union Ticket Pak campaign, our Balzac Meats fundraiser, and the Terry Fox Run. All three were tremendously successful, thanks to the efforts of key members of our school community and the generosity and spirit of our whole school community. I am very pleased to report on the results.
water stations, assisted in getting students safely to and from North Glenmore Park, and those who were able to support the effort with your donation.
All funds raised through the SUTP, balzac meats and other campaigns are spent according to the priority list that is set by a committee of school administration, school council representation, as well as one Board member. The priority list is shared with and approved by the The Terry Fox run at CSS, held school council prior to money being allocated. Specifically, monies on Friday, September 9th raised raised go toward outdoor education equipment and site maintenance $9,023. I want to mention also and repair at Camp Sweet, we purchase band instruments and uniforms, that, once again, our students we support the health and wellness initiatives by purchasing equipment represented the school exceed- for daily physical activity, and there is money allocated to support ingly well during the run itself. community development initiatives such as the Forging Connections Well done. Thank you to all of our Conference and Community Garden. volunteers who helped with the Darrell Lonsberry Principal 13
www.calgaryscienceschool.com
THIS MONTH’S
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Css Athletes Have Been Extremely Busy Throughout The Summer And Fall .
Congratulations to the Cross Country Running Team on a very successful season. The league championships were postponed from October 6 until October 26. Thanks to all of the athletes and coaches who extended their training and commitments to the team this year. Congratulations and thanks to all of the CSS Volleyball players and coaches. Our Senior teams end their seasons on November 4 and 5 with the CAAA League Championship tournaments. Our Junior teams will finish up the following week with some matches with Junior teams from other schools.
The CSS Wrestling Team began its season in late October. Our CAAA League Championship will be hosted by CSS on November 30. It is a short but intense season. The wrestlers will be competing in 3 events in November. Congratulations, thank-you and good luck to all of our athletes and coaches!!! Mr. Schmeichel and Mrs. Berry www.calgaryscienceschool.com
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Canadian Association For Girls In Science To Start New Chapter In Calgary, AB Calgary, Alberta, October 20, 2011
The Canadian Association for Girls in Science (CAGIS) has announced a plan to start a new chapter of their successful science outreach program in Calgary, Alberta. This is part of a broader initiative to expand their outreach activities from coast to coast. This expansion continues CAGIS’ vision of exposing girls to the creative and fun side of science. Since its inception in 1992 by (then 9-year-old) Larissa VingilisJaremko, CAGIS has striven to promote, support, and encourage
confidence and interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among girls. “ We try to expose girls to the fun and exciting side of science by doing fun, hands-on activities in a warm and supportive environment. This helps to build positive associations, confidence, and understanding of the sciences
Research has shown that girls tend to fall behind in their science education because of lack of exposure, not lack of interest. A study by the University of Michigan found that hands-on activities are an important tool because “girls tend to respond more favourably to co-operative, small group environments.” CAGIS seeks to bridge that gap and to give girls exposure to a wide range of STEM fields, and allow them every opportunity to pursue their interests. The CAGIS Calgary chapter will be hosting an Open House event on Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Calgary Girls’ School (School Gym) – located at 6304 Larkspur Way SW, Calgary, AB, T3E 5P7 – for girls aged 7-16 interested in joining CAGIS. There will be lots of fun experiments, hands-on activities and a chance to see what’s involved in being a CAGIS member. For additional information on the new CAGIS chapter in Calgary and how to get involved as a member or a volunteer, please contact Nikkita Sahay, or Nadia Chamberland at <cagiscalgary@gmail.com> or visit www.cagis.ca. CAGIS
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among the girls.” There are now eight CAGIS chapters across Canada including Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa. The new Calgary chapter is an exciting possibility for expansion for CAGIS as it strives to encourage interest and confidence in the sciences among young women.
is extremely grateful for their accomplished team of enthusiastic women volunteers from various walks of life, including students who often juggle their volunteering with their undergraduate or graduate work. They are wonderful role models for our young CAGIS members. About CAGIS: CAGIS is a club for girls 7-16 who meet once a month to do fun, hands-on STEM activities. Events are led by men and women who have chosen to pursue careers in a variety of science-related fields and can be as diverse as the physics of skating, the chemistry of cooking or the engineering of bridges. CAGIS was awarded the Michael Smith Award for excellence in science promotion by the Canadian government.
www.calgaryscienceschool.com
CAGIS National
Provincial Achievement Test Results Our 2010-2011 provincial achievement test results are in and we have spent some time analyzing them in order to inform our planning and instruction. The results are provided in the tables below. We should be very proud of the results, as they reflect a lot of hard work and learning. It is important to remember, though, that the tests are designed to assess the degree to which teachers are teaching the Alberta Programs of Studies; as such, people need to be wary about using the results to compare schools. The results are important for us to consider as a part of the overall picture of student learning and achievement. If you would like to hear more about the results, please attend the upcoming school council meeting, on November 2 at 7pm in the school library.
*Results in brackets are provincial results
All percentages are based on the number of students who actually wrote the tests, not the number of students who are enrolled in that course.
www.calgaryscienceschool.com
Darrell Lonsberry Principal
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Accountability Pillar Survey Results Last February, CSS took part in the annual accountability pillar surveys. These surveys are administered province-wide and they are intended to measure of the very important characteristics of schools and school improvement. The results inform our planning and school improvement processes, with the results being reported in our annual education results report that we submit to Alberta Education in November. Below is a summary of the results from the 2010-2011 school year. Each category is an amalgamation Measure Category
Measure Category Evaluation
Measure
of a number of survey items, or a synthesis of achievement test results. Students, staff and parents were all surveyed as part of the data gathering process.
Calgary Science School
Alberta
Prev Prev 3 Prev Prev 3 Current Current Year yr Year Yr Overall Result Result Result Average Result Average Safe and Caring Schools
Student Learning Opportunities
Excellent
n/a
Safe and Caring
92.4
92.5
91.7
88.1
87.6
86.6
Excellent
Program of Studies
80.4
80.5
79.8
80.9
80.5
80.1
Good
94.7
96.2
95.7
89.4
89.2
88.9
Excellent
0.0
0.0
1.0
4.2
4.3
4.7
Excellent
n/a
n/a
n/a
72.6
71.5
71.1
n/a
98.8
98.5
97.0
79.3
79.1
78.0
Excellent
59.3
45.5
44.4
19.6
19.4
18.5
Excellent
n/a
n/a
n/a
59.3
59.8
59.3
n/a
89.5
93.0
92.1
80.1
79.9
79.8
Good
89.5
90.1
87.4
81.9
81.4
79.9
Excellent
90.0
87.6
86.6
79.9
80.0
79.4
Excellent
84.9
86.6
85.6
80.1
79.9
78.8
Excellent
Education Quality Drop Out Rate
Preparation for Lifelong Learning, World of Work, Citizenship
High School Completion Rate (3 yr) PAT: Acceptable Excellent PAT: Excellence Transition Rate (6 yr) n/a Work Preparation Citizenship
Parental Involvement
Parental Excellent Involvement
Continuous Improvement
Excellent
Student Learning Achievement (Grades K-9)
School Improvement
The results are very strong, though there is the element titled Program of Studies within the Student Learning Opportunities category, which is below provincial results. One of the survey items within that category asked respondents whether they feel they have 17
adequate access to a second language. Since CSS does not offer a second language program, our results for that item are very low, which drops the result for that whole category. If that one item is omitted, the results would have exceeded provincial results.
If you have any questions about the results, or would like further detail, I encourage you to attend the upcoming school council meeting on November 2 at 7pm in our school library. Darrell Lonsberry Principal
www.calgaryscienceschool.com
Upcoming Parent Information Sessions at CSS School Counsellor’s Office
Friends For Life– Introductory Session for Parents of Students in Grade 4 Thursday, November 3 6:30pm in the I.A.C.
Presenter: Shannon Mitchell-Flek (School Counselor)
All students in Grade 4 will be participating in the FRIENDS for Life program as part of the Health curriculum. Information will be provided about the program and offer tips for parents to help support their child’s progress through the program.
Parent Information Session on Inquiry-Based Learning Thursday, December 1 6:30pm in the Gym
Presenter: Neil Stephenson (Professional Development/Outreach Coordinator)
• Background information and definitions of inquiry • How current education research supports inquiry • Examples of strong, inquiry-based learning from our classroom • How assessment is dif ferent with inquiry • How to support your student in an inquiry-based classroom
Kids and Drugs: A Parent’s Guide To Prevention 4 Part Workshop: dates below 6:30pm-8:30pm in the Library
*all sessions will be from Presenters: Stacey McRae-Arbuthnott (AHS) & Shannon Mitchell-Flek (School Counsellor) The goal of these workshops is to equip parents with the information and resources they need to make good decisions and help
Part 1– The Power of Parents– Thursday, January 26 Part 2– Talking With Your Kids – Thursday, February 23 Part 3– Helping Your Child Make Good Decisions – Thursday, March 22
Part 4– W hat Parents Need to Know About Drug – Thursday,
April 26
their child avoid problems with drugs. We hope to provide you with some tools you can use to effectively talk to and work with your children in the area of drug prevention.
Topics in the New Year with dates to be announced: • Gaming • Study Skills and Organization (Grades 4-6 and Grades 7-9)
Please see this PDF online from Alberta Health Services for more information:
http://fcrc.albertahealthservices.ca/pdfs/ newsletter/November-Newsletter-2011.pdf
• Bullying Shannon Mitchell-Flek (School Counsellor)
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2011 FORGING CONNECTIONS WAS A HUGE SUCCESS.
On October 5 and 6 CSS, together with professional Calgary-based artists and scientists, hosted a one-of-a-kind Conference for students and teachers. “The Forging Connections Conference….. The Art of Science and the Science of Art” was a two-day event providing hands-on learning opportunities for students, professional development for teachers and collaboration with the greater Calgary community. Nothing like this event had ever been done before in Calgary. 19
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Since April 2011 Fine Arts teachers from CSS collaborated with artists and scientists to develop unique workshops in drama, dance, visual arts and music to integrate how art and science are taught to students. Working together, an artist, a scientist and a teacher developed a show/tell/do-style workshop to demonstrate the science behind the art and the art behind the science. Groups were supported by the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University and Let`s Talk Science.
After the sessions, students commented they didn’t realize how much science was involved to create art – music, visual art, dance or drama – nor how much art exists in science. As students moved from session to session you could feel the excitement in the school.
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We would like to acknowledge the generous support of $15,000 from the CSS Society to sponsor this unique event. Thanks to our experts for sharing their time and talents with CSS. Special thanks to Wendy Hutchins from Let’s Talk Science (www.letstalkscience.ca) for sourcing our science experts. Thanks to the teachers Andrew Bolen, Amy Vercleyen, Lorrie Emin, Candice Shaw, Jenny Trin, Carolyn Armstrong and Valerie Barnes and to parents Susanna Law, Canary Lo, Maureen Stewart, the Parent Volunteer Committee and the many parent volunteers who helped with set-up and during the conference. Together your work made Forging Connections a huge success. This conference proved that once again, “it’s never just an ordinary day” at the Calgary Science School. Wendy Baillie and Jackie Stewart
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November 2011 30
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1
Organizational Day– No Classes
2– Day 1
School Council Meeting 7Pm
3– Day 2
5
4– Day 3
Friends for Life Introductory Session for Gr. 4 parents 6:30pm League Volleyball Tournaments
6
7– Day 4
Picture Retakes
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14– Day 2
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21– Day 6
8– Day 5
9– Day 6
15– Day 3
22– Day 1
10– Day 1
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16– Day 4 Vaccinations– all gr. 6’s, gr. 9 girls Wrestling Tournament
17– Day 5
23– Day 2
24– Day 3
18–
28– Day 5
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29– Day 6
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Student Led Conference 4pm–8pm 8am–1pm
25– Day 4
Board Meeting 5:30pm Band Commitee Meeting
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Remembrance Remembrance Day Day Assembly 10:30–11:15am School Closed
6:30–8:30pm High School Info Session Gr.9
30 – Day 1
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December 2011 28
30
29
4
5– Day 3
1– Day 2 Parent Info Night: Gaming
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6– Day 4
7– Day 5
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8– Day 6
School Council Meeting 7Pm
3
PD– No Classes
9– Day 1
10
Winter Concert Showcase
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12– Day 2
13– Day 3
14– Day 4
15– Day 5
16– Day 6
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19– Day 1
20– Day 2
21– Day 3
22– Day 4
23– Day 5 Last Day of Classes
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Peace Festival
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Merry Christmas
SCHOOL CLOSED Jan 1
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SCHO O L C LOS E D www.calgaryscienceschool.com
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