Community Report 2021/2022

Leading the Way Report to the Community 2021/22

Philosophy & Mission Statement Our Mission The mission of Foothills Academy is to facilitate learning in persons, primarily youth and children, identified as having a Learning Disability by providing quality VISION educational programs and a supportive environment for families and staff. We We willthat be recognized for our expertise in global working with individuals recognize we are interdependent with our community – by participating public education, in-service advocacy, through identified in asresearch, having Learning Disabilities locally,and provincially, community service. nationally and internationally. Striving to enhance the lives of

individuals with Learning Disabilities, by Finding Understanding, Building Confidence and Maximizing OurPotential.

Philosophy Foothills Academy was built around the belief that all students with Learning Disabilities have exceptional potential and that with the right support and guidance, they can achieve great success in school, post-secondary, and the MISSION workplace. We understand the difficulties and challenges facing students and The mission Society is to facilitateFoothills learningAcademy's in their families, beof it Foothills academic,Academy social, or emotional/behavioral. those identified as having a Learning Disability by providing community builds upon these foundations with the individuals and quality families we educational and is a found supportive for families belief in work with. Muchprograms of our success in ourenvironment agency-wide philosophical and staff. We also recognize that we Theory, are partners a universal and understanding of Self-Determination whichwithin has three core values: Relationships, Competence, and Autonomy,in-service which aligns out motto; system of research, public education, andwith advocacy

through our Community Services.

Executive Directors' Message Foothills Academy is truly unique in the Canadian landscape, and we are continuously reflecting on how we can evolve to best support the community we serve.

Foothills Academy is the only school in the Calgary area whose sole purpose is to be a Designated Special Education Private School (DSEPS) dedicated to supporting students with Learning Disabilities. Furthermore, the wide range of services and programs related to Learning Disabilities and ADHD that we offer through our Community Services departments is truly unique in the country in terms of the breadth of support it provides.

Whether it is supporting youth to gain essential literacy skills; providing answers to families through psychoeducational assessments or psychological counselling; serving youth with social skills and recreational programming; or increasing the capacity of families and professionals through our education programs, Foothills Academy has a vast impact.

It takes all stakeholders to create a culture where collaboration and support allow us to provide ongoing opportunities for young people with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD, and their families to grow, thrive and flourish.

We are excited to share the milestones of the 2021 - 2022 year, in which our theme was 'Leading the Way', a call to our community to not only reflect on our successes but build on them to continue to create, collaborate, adapt and strive towards the next level of excellence which Foothills Academy Society is known for.

Karen MacMillan PhD, R. Psych Executive Co-Director Foothills Academy Society

Simon Williams

MSEd, LQS Executive Co-Director Foothills Academy Society

Message from The Board Chair This is truly an exciting time to be a part of the Foothills Academy Society, and it is my privilege to be the Board Chair.

The Foothills community is thriving, both in terms of the impact created for all of our students, families, and community clients, as well as in the continued growth of evolving and developing our best practices. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19 in the past couple of years, we have persevered and adapted to meet our mission and support the community in ways that truly change lives.

For over forty years, Foothills Academy has remained at the forefront of delivering effective programs that positively impact individuals with Learning Disabilities in the Calgary area, and well beyond.

It is a great pleasure to be a part of this truly outstanding organization, the success of which would not be possible without all of you, our stakeholders.

With your support, we can continue to:

Harold Esche Board Chair Foothills Academy Society

School Program 2021/2022 Accomplishments

School Program Overview

Principal: Kim McLean Vice Principal: Ashley Barber Vice Principal: Sean Horton

Foothills Academy is a Designated Special Education Private School (DSEPS) through Alberta Education for students with diagnosed Learning Disabilities in grades 3-12. Our school was developed on the understanding that all students with Learning Disabilities have exceptional potential and that with the right support and guidance, they can achieve great success in school, post-secondary, and the workplace.

We know that there are a wide range of challenges facing students and their families living with Learning Disabilities. We provide appropriate and necessary support, strategies, and programs to meet each student’s needs in the school; academically, socially, and emotionally. We achieve this through our fundamental philosophy of SelfDetermination Theory, and our approach is to:

100% Graduation Rate

294

Students enrolled in the 2021/2022 school year.

92

Bursaries were given out in the 2021/2022 school year.

30

Extra curricular clubs

"Amazing School. Amazing Staff. You gave our son the confidence that he needs, the guidance that he needed to succeed. You all went above and beyond."

Alumni Parent

School Feature Highlights Outdoor Classrooms

"I took two Social 7 classes to use the 'talking circle' area to share their re-telling of an aboriginal creation myth they rehearsed. Being in nature, and utilizing the talking circle helped to establish authentic FNMI foundational knowledge."

School Teacher Foothills Academy Society

Club Feature Sewing Club "Sewing club is a place where students can safely express their creativity through many different textiles while focusing on learning the process of garment construction and slow fashion."

School Teacher Foothills Academy Society

Community Services 2021/2022 Accomplishments

Community Service Highlights 206

925

Weekly Literacy Programs

Educators participated in 37 Live PD workshops reaching approx.

23,000 Students

115

Overnight Camp Participants

475

participants at 18 Community Workshops

135

Literacy Boosters were completed

252 Psychoeducational Assessments

506 Literacy Programs

484 Amicus Programs

339

Psych Service Clients

2078

3000+

PD/CE Clients

Lives Changed

Read/Write Department Overview Manager: Paige McDonald

Read/Write Programs offer evidence-based instruction customized to each student's needs. Ranging from 60 minutes to 3 hours per day our Read/Write Program serves those with the need for remediated literacy instruction - with diagnoses or suspected Learning Disabilities.

All interventions are delivered one-to-one with an Instructor utilizing the Lindamood Bell and Wilson Reading methods and Voyager Sopris: Step up to Writing.

506

Programs Delivered to 354 Individuals

106 135 206

Intensive Programs

Literacy Booster Weeks

Weekly Literacy Programs

"My child loved the program although she was apprehensive. It was her first time doing a program at Foothills and she found it a very positive experience. We are looking forward to having her continue with the program.

She is actually excited!!!"

Read/Write Parent

Amicus Camp & Recreation Department Overview Manager: Kathleen Gurski

Our Amicus programs are designed for youth ages 8 and up with diagnosed or suspected Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD. These programs with activities that support their social skill development, independence, and friendship.

Based on the Social Thinking Methodology, Amicus offers evidence-based integrative social skill programs - through both direct social skill instruction and individualized social coaching. Programs range from weekly recreation-based programs to our Horsemanship programs. No matter which program a participant chooses, an essential component of all Amicus programs is the development of positive social skills.

"Camp Amicus has been such a blessing. We feel part of a family and our kids are seen for who they are and they thrive. We can't imagine life without it, it is such a life line.

Thank you!"

Amicus Parent

484 Total youth enrolled across all Amicus programs

196

Youth enrolled in our recreation program

116

Youth enrolled in our overnight camp program

115

Youth enrolled in our day camp program

Psychological Services & Programs Department Overview Manager: Melanie Reader

The Psychological Services & Programs department offers quality, comprehensive psycho-educational assessment, individual and family counselling, and group programming services for children, youth, and adults affected by Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD. Our team relies on evidence-based practices in Psychology and Education to guide our practices. We not only seek to understand what a child’s difficulty might be but also the areas where they can find pride and success.

Due to the privacy of our clients, we cannot share client testimonials.

339

Clients were seen through Psych Services

259

Psychoeducational Assessments

44

Private counselling clients

39 Group participants

"I just wanted to reach out and THANK YOU and your amazing assessment team for the work you do to complete incredibly detailed, relevant and practical assessments!"

Director of Educational Services Company

Professional Development & Community Education Department Overview Manager: Tanya Keto

The Professional Development and Community Education team brings knowledge, expertise, and practical strategies to our wide range of workshops and courses both in person and online. Continually evolving to reflect current research and to meet the needs of our community, this department offers a wide range of content to engage professionals in appealing, meaningful, and practical learning opportunities.

Our courses are designed to increase knowledge and understanding of Learning Disabilities and how to navigate the impact Learning Disabilities can have on a child’s academics, behavior, and well-being.

"I learned so much. The pace was perfect, the outline and speaker matched so my notes are incredibly meaningful. I feel energized to head back to my class!"

Course Participant

2078 Professionals, Parents and Community members served through PD/CE

925 Educators participated in 37 Live PD workshops

613

Participants of Inside LD and Inside ADHD for Families

196

Recreation Program Enrollment

Financial Information 2021/2022

Financial Information Audited for the year ending August 31, 2022

Director of Business Management: David Bolink REVENUES REVENUES

TOTAL ACTUAL 2021 $

Alberta Education Grants

$ 3,968,809

School Tuition

$ 3,478,326

Community Services Revenue

$ 2,336,358

Donations & Fundraising

$ 819,742

Endowment/Investments/Other

$ 32,466

Total

$ 10,635,701 Donations & Fundraising 7.7%

Alberta Education Grants 37.3%

Community Services Revenue 22%

School Tuition 32.7%

Financial Information Director of Business Management: David Bolink EXPENDITURES REVENUES

TOTAL ACTUAL 2021 $

School Program Staff & Materials

$ 4,492,932

Community Services Staff & Materials

$ 2,906,968

Operations & Maintenance

$ 1,539,291

General Administration

$ 1,108,244

School Transportation

$ 620,806

Total

$ 10,668,241 School Transportation 5.8%

General Administration 10.4%

Operations & Maintenance 14.4%

Community Services Staff & Materials 27.2%

School Program Staff & Materials 42.1%

Fundraising & Donors Information We want to thank all of our donors for the generous contributions to support our bursary fund and ongoing programming development. Your support ensures that children with Learning Disabilities can access the specialized programs to help them reach their true potential.

Fundraising Highlights Giving Tuesday/Matching with Olympia Trust Company 12th Annual Gordon Hoffman Golf Tournament located at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club

Donor Spotlight Linda Southern Linda has committed to three years of funding our unique horsemanship program that brings a therapeutic and social skill development model to working with and riding horses. This unique program integrates social skills, executive function skills and emotional regulation skills for children and teens with Learning Disabilities and ADHD though horsemanship programming.

"We know where to turn if we have any challenges moving forward. Mission accomplished!"

Foothills Academy Parent