The Foothills School Division awarded almost $150,000 in funding recently to projects in schools across the foothills through their Classroom Program Innovative Projects.

This funding, part of the Board’s commitment of $1 million dollars over 5 years, is used to support projects that provide innovative and creative learning opportunities to enhance student learning across the division.

"We are excited to support projects that will enhance and improve excellence in student learning through creative practice and collaboration," said FSD Board Chair Christine Pretty. "We are looking forward to sharing these innovative projects and their results across the Division and with the community."

Foothills Composite High School got $20,000 to design personalized and supportive blended learning experiences which balance the flexibility of an online setting with face-to-face teacher instruction.

Westmount School received $2,300 to provide students and teachers the opportunity to raise fish in the classroom over a 4-5 month period before releasing the trout during a school field trip.

Dr. Morris Gibson School got $24,500 for the creation of a Doc’s Design Lab space above the Learning Commons. This space will become the hub for innovation, critical thinking, problem solving, global citizenship and collaboration at the school.

Blackie School received $11,800 to conduct an Action Research project to measure the effects of structured and unstructured movement and physical activity while in the classroom on learning outcomes for students.

At Cayley School $19,000 was provided to take part in five project-based modules over the year focusing on art, craft, and the importance of storytelling to provide experiential learning opportunities for students from Grades K-8.
 
This project emphasizes First Nations, Metis and Inuit perspectives as well as focuses on recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
C. Ian McLaren School received $7,500 for Thoughtbooks for Grades 3-5 students, to develop and sustain student’s critical and creative thinking.

Oilfields High School got $30,000 to purchase technology for Oilfields to develop a photography course.

Teachers in Oilfields, Millarville, Highwood, Senator Riley, Okotoks Junior High, Westmount and Spitzee Schools spilt  $24,400 for 29 teachers and administrators to become actively involved in Harvard Project Zero by providing tuition.  Staff will learn strategies for developing critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration with students.

 

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