Report to the Community 2022-2023

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Embracing Our Potential Report to the Community 2022-2023



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. This is done by VISION providing quality educational programs and a supportive environment for families and staff. We recognize that we are interdependent with our global community – by participating in research, public education, in-service and advocacy through community service. Our Philosophy Foothills Academy was built around the belief that all youth with Learning Disabilities have exceptional potential, and that with the right support and MISSION guidance, they can achieve great successttin school, post-secondary, and the workplace. We understand the difficulties and challenges facing students and their families, whether it be academic, social, or emotional/behavioural. Foothills Academy's community builds upon these foundations with the individuals and families we work with. Much of our success is found in our agency-wide The mission of Foothills Academy Society is to facilitate learning philosophical belief in, and understanding of Self-Determination Theory,inwhich highlights the importance of Relationships, Competence, & Autonomy. those identified as having a Learning Disability by providing quality

educational programs and a supportive environment for families Theand Self-Determination Theory is that the foundation of our mission: staff. We also recognize we are partners within a universal system of research, public education, in-service and advocacy through our Community Services.


A Message from the Executive Directors' Foothills Academy Society continues to hold a unique position supporting children, youth, families, adults, and professionals in the Learning Disabilities community. Our commitment to serving the wider-community drives us to explore new and innovative ways to serve those in need in a supportive environment for all individuals. Foothills Academy Society’s sole purpose is to serve individuals and families living with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD, which makes us unique in the Calgary area. Alberta Education recognizes the specialized work we do in the field of Learning Disabilities, by virtue of granting us the status of being a Designated Special Education Private School (DSEPS). Additionally, the extensive forms of wrap-around support we offer through our Community Services departments, including: Amicus Camp & Recreation, Read/Write Intervention, Psychological Services & Programs, Professional Development & Community Education, are truly unique for the Learning Disabilities and ADHD population across North America. 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 their families to grow, thrive, and flourish. We particularly want to thank the incredible staff members at Foothills Academy, who are creative, caring, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and incredibly committed to the families we serve. We have been building momentum and continuing to grow and strengthen all areas of Foothills Academy Society. And this year’s theme, in line with our focus on Self-Determination Theory, was “Embracing Our Potential”. With the collective support, engagement, and collaboration from all stakeholders, Foothills Academy will continue to be a Canadian leader in supporting the academic and social-emotional needs of young people with Learning Disabilities. We are excited to share the milestones of the 2022-2023 year.

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

Simon Williams

MSEd Executive Co-Director Foothills Academy Society


A Message from the Board Chair This is an exciting time to be part of Foothills Academy Society, as we continue to grow and provide outstanding services and programs across the Learning Disabilities community. Throughout our school and Community Services programs, we serve children, youth, families and young adults who are living with Learning Disabilities, as well as supporting professionals working in the community. For over four decades, Foothills Academy Society has consistently led the way in providing effective programs that make a significant difference in the lives of individuals with Learning Disabilities and ADHD, not just in Calgary but across Canada. As Foothills continues to grow, we stay committed to fulfilling our mission and providing support to those in need, to help individuals maximize their potential. The Foothills community is currently experiencing a remarkable period of growth. It is evident not only in the significant impact we have upon students and families, but to all of those with whom we work in the wider community. The ongoing commitment to refining and advancing our educational approach and various program offerings showcases Foothills Academy’s dedication to better serving the Learning Disability and ADHD population. 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 our stakeholders. With your support, we can continue to:

Harold Esche Board Chair Foothills Academy Society


School Program 2022-2023 Accomplishments


School Program Highlights Foothills Academy is a Designated Special Education Private School (DSEPS) for students with diagnosed Learning Disabilities in grades 3 - 12. Our full-time program for nearly 300 students follows the Alberta Education Curriculum and ensures each student is provided with the right intervention and support to maximize their potential in school, post-secondary and the workplace. There are a wide range of challenges facing students and their families living with Learning Disabilities. Therefore, 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

288

Students enrolled in the 2022-2023 school year

30

Extra curricular clubs

“Throughout my child's seven years at Foothills Academy, you not only served as a catalyst for academic achievement but also awakened my son’s hidden gifts and talents. He leaves Foothills Academy with an increased appreciation for himself and the community at large. Thank you Foothills Academy from the bottom of my heart.” Alumni Parent


School Program Events Over the 2022-2023 school year, we held a variety of educational events that brought the Foothills community together, including: Hats on for Mental Health Love of Reading Literacy Week National Indigenous Day Workshops and Education Sessions

Event Spotlight

Love of Reading Literacy Week Our school program came together in May for Literacy Week to engage our students in reading and literacy beyond the classroom. This year’s theme was “Love of Reading.” We held a book drive, hosted interactive bulletin boards to encourage storytelling and created library activities with literacy-based games. Our team ended the week with a school assembly and students were encouraged to dress like characters from their favourite books.


School Feature

The Sword and the Stone - School Play

"The 2022-2023 school production, The Sword and the Stone, featured students from almost every grade at Foothills Academy in acting roles. Behind the scenes, nearly twenty more students joined in to make the show a success! From characters like Arthur and Merlin, to light and sound tech, backstage crew, and set and prop designers, our students and faculty came together to showcase the talents of the Foothills family!” Ms. Megan Russell Foothills Academy Society Teacher

Club Feature

Dungeons and Dragons “Dungeons and Dragons provides students with an opportunity to socialize with like-minded peers who share similar interests in fantasy and adventure. This club allows students to exercise their creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills while playing the game. It provides a sense of escapism from routine school work and will enable them to explore their identity through role-playing.” Chris Kelly This club is run by a Foothills Academy parent voluneer.


Alumni Feature

Dustin Milne - 2004 Graduate As the world becomes a more technical space for artists, events and performances, Foothills Alum Dustin Milne is one of the first calls made to support these projects. His passion and vision for high-end audio-visual systems and installations have brought him to some interesting places and to work with some interesting people, and it all started right here at Foothills. While at Foothills Academy, Dustin began exploring his interests in the audio-visual (AV) world. In 2001, he helped plan and set up “Footstock,” a music festival that included Foothills students who were in bands. Since then, Dustin has expanded beyond just “Footstock,” being involved in the Juno Awards and concert tours with artists such as Paul Brant, the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith and comedian Dane Cook. Here in Calgary, Dustin was the production manager for the Beacons of Hope event, being a part of the Calgary Police Services (CPS), which shows support for the efforts of CPS to help keep our communities safe.

In November of 2022 Dustin received the Award of Exceptional Recognition from the Calgary Police Services for work with the Beacons of Hope campaign. Pictured with Calgary Police Chief Mark Neufeld.


After graduation, Dustin worked at Allstar Show Industries to learn the ropes of the Professional Audio and Video world. In 2010, he started his own audio-visual company, Digital Media Integrations, which has a team of over ten people working on various projects. Some of his work can be seen in places like Major Tom Restaurant, the National restaurant chain, and many other churches, schools, and restaurants. Dustin also played a key role in designing and building the Calgary Police Services' new mobile command truck. He is currently working at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel to update the entire events and meeting room's AV systems. He also holds many volunteer roles, such as the event planner for the Alberta Ghostbusters, a group of fans who dress up as Ghostbusters and raise money for the Alberta Children's Hospital. Over the last five years, the group has raised over $60,000. With Dustin’s life-long Ghostbusters fandom, he jumped at the opportunity, first working on the “Proton Cannon” props and finishing as the production manager for the wrap party hosted by Director Jason Reitman and Producer Eric Reich. Dustin is currently working on the production of a digital show called Props to History, which dives deep into the world of movie props, their history and what we see on our screens.

We are immensely proud of our Alumni Dustin and all he has achieved since his graduation in 2004. We cannot wait to see his next accomplishment.

Dustin and team with Tom Hanks at Chicago Cubs First Pitch Ceremony.

Dustin on set of The Ghostbusters Afterlife movie.


Community Services 2022-2023 Accomplishments


Community Service Highlights

3000+ Lives Changed

122

Bursaries for Read/Write

75

Bursaries for Amicus Camp & Recreation

28

Bursaries for Psychological Services

456

473

Amicus Participants

261

117

Participants of “Inside LD” and Inside ADHD for Families” e-course

955

Read/Write Programs

Counselling clients were seen privately and through Foothills

Psych Service Clients

Over

2350+

118 Overnight Campers were enrolled

177 Psychoeducational Assessments were completed

16 Youth enrolled in the S.T.A.R. Pilot Program

335 Weekly Literacy Programs were completed

PD/CE Clients


Psychological Services & Programs Overview The Psychological Services & Programs department offers quality, comprehensive psycho-educational assessment, individual and family counselling, and group programming services. Designed for children, youth, and adults affected by Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD. This department runs as a large, sought-after training facility for future psychologists, training 13 individuals in 2022-2023. Our team relies on evidence-based practices in psychology and education to guide our services. We not only seek to understand what a child’s difficulty might be but also the areas where they can find pride and success.

"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

261

Clients were seen through Psychological Services & Programs

177

39

72

45

Psychoeducational Assessments

School counselling clients

Group participants

Private counselling clients


Read/Write Overview Read/Write Programs offer evidence-based instruction individualized 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 diagnosed Learning Disabilities or suspected Learning Disabilities. Published research has confirmed the benefits of Foothills Academy’s Read/Write program. “Significant improvements were found in the areas of nonword decoding, phonological awareness, and spelling following the reading remediation program” (Dick, Kaplan, & Crawford, 2006, p.106). All interventions are delivered one-to-one with an instructor utilizing the Lindamood Bell, Wilson Reading methods, Voyager Sopris and Step Up to Writing.

955

Programs Delivered to 570 Individuals.

220 400 335 Intensive Programs

Literacy Booster Weeks

Weekly Literacy Programs

"Prior to the program our child would get frustrated easily and guess at words instead of even focusing on the words / letters to sound them out. I can now see a path to our child getting to grade level reading and writing abilities."

Read/Write Parent


Amicus Camp & Recreation Overview Our Amicus Programs are designed for youth in grades 3 - 12 with diagnosed or suspected Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD. These programs focus on activities that support their social skill development, independence, and friendship-building skills. 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 multi-week back country leadership programs. No matter which program a participant chooses, an essential component of all Amicus programs is the development of positive social skills.

“I feel confident that my child can be himself at Camp Amicus, that the staff understand how his brain works and he doesn’t get punished for being himself. Camp Amicus gives our son somewhere he feels he belongs and he can connect in ways he can't with his peers at school. Truly amazing.” Amicus Parent

473

Total youth enrolled across all Amicus programs

167

Youth enrolled in our Recreation Programs

27

Youth enrolled Leadership Programs

118

Youth enrolled in our Overnight Camp Program

161

Youth enrolled in our Day Camp Programs


S.T.A.R. - Pilot Program Overview With support from funding through Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Canada Summer Jobs, the S.T.A.R. Program was piloted for 6-weeks in the summer of 2023. This program is designed to support young adults in the Learning Disability and ADHD community to develop the skills and confidence needed to achieve independence. The program supports the development of these skills by providing: Structured skill based sessions; cooking, budgeting, changing oil, changing a tire, renting a place to live. Workplace skills sessions; resume writing, interview skills, workplace skills, and certifications. Peer connection opportunities with similar young adults. Knowledge of Learning Disabilities and ADHD

87.5%

Of participants feel more confident in their capabilities as young adults in the workforce.

16

Youth enrolled in the S.T.A.R. Program

“It is nice to spend time with other people like me, and yes, I learned things and know more about how to change a tire and cook dinner.”

S.T.A.R. Participant


Professional Development & Community Education Overview The Professional Development & 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 ADHD. As well as navigating the impact these can have on a child’s academics, behaviour, school life and well-being.

2350+ "The BEST Professional Development experience I have had in years. Engaging presenter with a wealth of knowledge, she shared so much in such a short period of time." Course Participant

Professionals, Parents and Community members served through PD/CE

1900+

456

Educators participated in 34 Live PD workshops

Participants of Inside LD and Inside ADHD for Families


Foothills Academy Society Accomplishments

READ/WRITE CERTIFICATIONS

PILOT PROGRAM AWARD

SKILLS & INTERVENTION ROOM

Our dedicated Read/Write staff Karen Monner and Carissa Backus became Certified Level 1 Wilson Reading System Practitioners.

Kevin Brunnen was awarded the Tim Ross Memorial Award from the Alberta Camping Association for his work in creating, piloting and managing video game based social skill programs.

A Skills & Intervention Room was dedicated to Principal Kim McLean for her retirement and the incredible impact she left on Foothills Academy.

ALUMNI PROGRAM AND MAGAZINE Our Alumni Program and magazine launched in the spring of 2023 with a mission to connect staff and students together while building impactful relationships. The alumni magazine features alumni profiles from past graduates, upcoming events, and Foothills news. To read a copy of our spring 2023 magazine, click here. In the near future, this program will be hosting networking events and mentorship opportunities that alumni can take advantage of.


Community and Fundraising Events Our 2022-2023 year was full of returning and new community and fundraising events including: Marathon After Party Calgary Marathon #StrideForGreatness Campaign 13th Annual Gordon Hoffman Charity Golf Classic

Event Spotlight Marathon Afterparty

Our runners and walkers had a special reception after the Calgary Marathon, with an after-party at Foothills Academy Society. This included a mini-putt course, a BBQ, face painting, a petting zoo, massages and more. We look forward to welcoming our supporters back on Sunday, May 26th, 2024 from 11 AM - 4 PM.


Financial Information 2022-2023


Financial Information Audited for the year ending August 31, 2022 REVENUES REVENUES

TOTAL ACTUAL 2021 $

Alberta Education Grants

$ 4,073,310

School Tuition

$ 3,608,993

Community Services Program Fees

$ 1,677,402

Community Services Grants & Donations

$ 993,946

Donations & Fundraising

$ 525,395

Endowment/Investments/Other

$ 692,659

Total

$ 11,571,705 Community Services Grants and Donations 8.6%

Donations & Fundraising 4.5%

Alberta Education Grants 35.2%

Community Services Program Fees 14.5%

School Tuition 31.2%


Financial Information Audited for the year ending August 31, 2022 EXPENDITURES REVENUES

TOTAL ACTUAL 2021 $

School Program Staff & Materials

$ 4,971,008

Community Services Staff & Materials

$ 3,140,496

Operations & Maintenance

$ 1,419,497

General Administration

$ 1,245,822

School Transportation

$ 745,732

Total

$ 11,522,555

General Administration 10.8%

School Program Staff & Materials 43.1% Operations & Maintenance 12.3%

Community Services Staff & Materials 27.3%


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 Our Giving Tuesday Campaign for 2022 raised $27,257.05, making this our best year yet. Our Calgary Marathon Campaign Raised $56,245.18, marking our official return to the Calgary Marathon. $230,000 was raised through our 13th annual Gordon Hoffman Charity Golf Classic.

Donor Spotlight

Sabre - Electrical and Instrumentation

Sabre has joined Foothills Academy Society as a new donor, with high alignment between our organizations. Sabre’s purpose is “to build an environment where people thrive while enhancing the community.” We are excited about this new partnership and Sabre’s support of Foothills Academy Society.


The Learning Disabilities and ADHD Network is a collaborative of a broad group of organizations and individuals, which is operated through Foothills Academy Society. The Calgary Region Learning Disabilities & ADHD Network fosters collaborative action toward more effective and coordinated responses to meet the needs of people with Learning Disabilities (LD) & Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Visit www.ldadhdnetwork.ca to learn more and access resources.


"Foothills was instrumental in helping my child to achieve their goals and graduate with amazing grades and confidence." Foothills Academy Parent

Foothills Academy Society 745 - 37 Street NW Calgary, Alberta T2N 4T1 (403) 270-9400

www.foothillsacademy.org


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