In this course we will discuss and define addiction and what puts people at risk. We will explore the impacts of stigma and the importance of person-centred care. Finally, we will discuss the harm reduction philosophy and how to incorporate the principals into daily practice with your students.

Rocky View Schools is collaborating with government, communities, and schools, to highlight the importance of a united front in addiction awareness. We will examine the role of education, community policing, and early intervention programs for at-risk youths and the influence of families in addiction prevention and support. In addition, current drug trends among youths and providing strategies for support will be explored.

Audience is geared to education and health professionals along with community supports.

Please note that sub-coverage is not available for this session.  

How to implement AAC strategies successfully at school.

Join educators from Apple Canada in one of the two interactive sessions offered on January 29th and increase awareness of how you can support and engage your students in both the classroom and online. 

SSession 1:Reaching all Learners: How do we ensure that all learners have the opportunity to participate in learning experiences? Join us for this hands on session as we explore the powerful assistive features that are built into iPad to support vision, hearing, motor skills, learning, and literacy. In this session we will:

1. Explore features such as Speak Screen, Safari Reader, and Speech Controller enable reading fluency, comprehension, and composition for every learning style.

2. Demonstrate iPad/MacBook tools that allow for multi-modal communication

3. Discuss ways that technology can be used to overcome barriers in digital communication

Session 2. Effective and Engaging Presentations with Keynote: Rich media is all around us and informs how we understand the world. Join us for a hands on session as explore specific tools and techniques for using text, imagery, video and sound to create engaging presentations that optimize learning. Through this session we will: 

1.explore proven techniques and tools for presenting information in a way that is engaging, visually appealing, and supports learning in a multi-media context. 

2.begin to build artefacts that facilitate interactivity and engagement in a synchronous environment

3. demonstrate ways to share rich media across platforms to ensure inclusive access to content

The iCan Capacity Building Series is focused on providing educators with an opportunity to explore the ways in which iPad can be used in meaningful ways to support teaching and learning. Join us as we develop fluency with iPad in a distance learning context, build solutions that directly connect to curriculum and explore ways to transform practice with the support of mobile technology. 

The Goal of these 4 sessions are to:

Apple Education is offering three Mac and iPad sessions: Reaching All Learners: Understanding accessibility on iPad and Mac, Student Authored Texts: Exploring student identity and Stories of Learning: (this session has been postponed) Documenting student growth through learning stories. 

You are invited to attend all three or select individual sessions. 

Reaching All Learners

Nov 12 2021

10:00 am to 11:00 am

Description:

Technology can be a powerful tool for removing barriers that students have in participating in learning. Join us for this hands on exploration of the powerful assistive features that are built into the Mac and iPad that allow students to access abilities, thinking and communication. This session will explore: 

• Tools that allow learners to decode and access text. 
• Workflows that help learners to chunk information and focus in digital spaces 
• Powerful assistive features of Mac and iPad that empower communication

In preparation:

Participants are encouraged to ensure they have access to the following settings and or applications to participate in the session.

Mac: Safari, Accessibility settings

iPad: Safari Accessibility settings

Student Authored Texts

Nov 12 2021

11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Description:

Storytelling provides a meaningful way to encourage self-reflection, explore student identity and build community. Join us for this hand on session where we will explore using iPad to empower students to create digital books that represent personal, cultural and social identity. Participants will explore ways to create multi-modal artifacts that uses photos, videos, drawings, and audio clips that capture student stories in their own images and words. The session will also provide relevant examples and discuss strategies for approaching student voice through digital text creation and publishing.

In preparation:

Participants are encouraged to ensure they have access to the following settings and or applications to participate in the session.

Mac: Pages

iPad: Pages

Stories of Learning (Postponed)

Nov 12 2021

12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

Description:

This module explores the ways in which technology can be used to assess and document student growth over time. Rooted in the believe that there is a story within the learning journey of each child, this session explores practical strategies for documenting key milestones in the learning process and benchmarking artefacts against curriculum expectations. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Capturing moments of learning using audio, video and screen recordings that “make thinking visible” and can inform
• Creating multi-modal learner stories that show progression in skill or concept development over time
• Using digital portfolio tools to aggregate and disaggregate artefacts based on curricular outcomes or learning skills. 

Specific consideration will be given to workflows that empower students to develop a deeper understanding of the ways they learn and communicate their growth against co-constructed success criteria. 

In preparation:

Participants are encouraged to ensure they have access to the following applications to participate in the session.

Mac: Keynote, iMovie

iPad: Keynote, Clips

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day interactive workshop in suicide first aid. ASIST teaches participants to recognize when someone may have thoughts of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. Although ASIST is widely used by healthcare providers, participants don't need any formal training to attend the workshop. This workshop contains content that may be upsetting for some people, especially those who have lost a loved one to suicide. 

Participants MUST be in attendance both days to receive credit for this training.

Sub coverage is not provided for this PL session.

The RRST is a screening tool developed by the Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta (LDAA). During this session, teachers will learn about how to assess phonological awareness and how to use the data gathered by the RRST to identify students' needs, and will explore strategies to better support their individual needs.

** Please note that this tool exists for French Immersion teachers. If you are interested, please contact Julie Vaillancourt.

Specific Materials are required for this session, please see Attendee Materials note below.

This PL is offered in 2 sessions.

Part 1 (February 9, 2021) 

Participants will learn about the RRST assessment tool, and will leave with access to RRST documents for them to use to assess 1-2 students before the Part 2 session. 

Location: Zoom Link

Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm (1.5 hours)

Part 2 (March 4, 2021)

Participants will bring data from 1-2 assessments to these sessions. We will talk about how the assessment went in the online context with students, and will brainstorm/troubleshoot strategies. We will begin to touch on strategies to support targeted areas that were identified through the RRST process. Participants will also learn about strategies they can use to support targeted student needs based on assessment data gathered using the RRST assessment tool. 

Location: Zoom Link

Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm (1.5 hours)

Participants must plan to attend both sessions.

Here is an example of the resource that will be used

https://righttoread.ca/application/files/8215/4092/5108/Reading_Readiness_Screening_Tool_-_example.pdf

After more than a decade of stability or improvements, the mental health of our adolescents plunged in the early 2010's, with that plunge continuing post-pandemic exponentially.  The Anxious Generation, written by social psychologist Johnathan Haidt lays out the facts about the epidemic of teen mental illness that hit many countries at the same time.  In this book study we will follow Haidt's investigation and research of the nature of childhood, the importance of play and independent exploration in the journey through adolescence into mature competent, thriving adults.  In his book, Haidt shows how the play-based childhood was largely wiped out by the arrival of the phone-based childhood beginning the early 2010's.  He presents more than a dozen mechanisms by which this great rewiring of childhood has interfered with children's social and neurological development, covering everything from sleep hygiene to attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, social comparison and perfectionism. The book explores gender differences in negative impact, with serious and at times, disastrous consequences for youth, their families and societies. 

Participants will explore and discuss the research within this book, if and how we see this playing out across our students and schools, and what might be our calls to action in education.  What are we doing well, where is there room to grow, and how might we action Haidt's 'four simple rules' that might set all of us up for success.  Participants must commit to attending ALL 3 book study sessions, Oct 1, Nov 5 and Nov 26, at the Education Center, Wild Rose C.  

The first 25 participants registered in the RVSPL site will receive a hard copy of the book for your summer reading; all others will need to purchase their copy or download from their favourite audio book seller.  Spotify was offering a free download of the book, so check that out!  

This Zoom meeting is for any teacher interested in the Michael Barbour PL opportunity. There is no commitment to the workshops by attending this meeting. After the topics are generated and groups made, I will be in contact with Michael regarding dates for workshops.

Participants will explore how to design a classroom matrix, routines and structures to nurture positive classroom culture, social emotional wellness, learning and engagement.  These strategies will be anchored in five key categories linked to positive student outcomes:

1. maximize structure
2. classroom matrix: teach, monitor, and reinforce expectations
3. actively engage students
4. acknowledge expected behaviour
5. responding to behaviour

Interested in how to use a micro:bit in partnership with creative ways to approach coding and climate change? Coding for Climate is a webinar exploring how to bring coding, climate change issues, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into the classroom in a purposeful, curriculum-connected way. Receive a free Climate Action Kit & micro:bit prior to the session, and then join the session to explore the Climate Action Kit. Participants will participate in a coding activity to code a program using the virtual micro:bit simulator. Teachers can then the kit to build a working project to implement in the classroom.

Participants will receive a free Climate Action Kit and micro:bit to explore climate change issues through inquiry, coding, and project-based learning prior to the webinar. This session is facilitated by InkSmith and funded by Taking it Global and CanCode.

  An Attachment-Based Program to Support Parents & Caregivers

Do you ever feel that your teen doesn't listen to you? Do you feel pushed away?

Do parents matter?

Actually, there is very good evidence that strong relationships with parents protect youth from risk

during adolescence and help them thrive! We call that ATTACHMENT!!

Connect© is a FREE 9-week program to support parents of pre-teens and teens. Parents meet in groups

of 10-16 with two trained group leaders for 1.5 hours per week.

Co-developed over the last 10 years by the Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre and Simon Fraser

University, the program focuses on the core components of secure attachment to promote children's

social, emotional, and behavioural adjustment. Connect© helps caregivers understand basic

attachment concepts which can then be applied across a broad range of situations and relational

concepts.

Each session provides parents with an attachment perspective on parent-child relationships and

adolescent development. Parents watch role-plays, do exercises and discuss ways of responding to

challenging behaviour and problems. After each session, parents receive handouts with key points to

remember when applying the principles to their own parent-child relationships.

During #RVSedLearningFromHome students need to connect with their teachers. One way to share messages, content & connection with your students is through your RVSchools YouTube Channel. This virtual PL opportunity is designed to get you started to launch your channel, create video lessons and curate videos for your students and their families.

When transitioning education online, it can be helpful to remember that the practices that are used in a physical classroom can work just as well in the virtual classroom. The first step in setting up any classroom is to define expected behaviors, which can be done most effectively through a behavior teaching matrix. This short presentation will describe how to create a classroom teaching matrix for remote instruction. 

The purpose of this session is to walk through a collaborative process of creating strength-based SSPs in Dossier. Staff will explore the process involved beginning with Current Level of Performances and Areas of Strengths & Stretches continuing to co-creating Long Term Goals, Short Term Outcomes and strategies to support student learning. To build the capacity of staff, a case study will be used to facilitate discussions and solidify learnings while exploring how to navigate Dossier and the technical aspects involved.

To thrive in today’s world and to shape tomorrow’s, students need to tap into their creative potential and learn to express themselves in new and innovative ways. Creative skills help students become better problem solvers, communicators, and collaborators. They explore more and experiment more. They tell richer stories and find their own unique voices. And they carry all these skills through everything they’ll do in school and beyond.

Rocky View Schools has joined with Apple Canada to offer a series of hands-on workshops throughout the year for staff interested in developing their skills using Apple technologies. Join us to learn about "Everyone Can Create", a program designed by Apple, to help unleash the creative potential in every student (and teacher!). 

While a limited number of iPads will be available, teachers should bring one if possible from their school. Bring your MacBooks.

Alberta Education will introduce a new Kindergarten to Grade 6 curriculum in all elementary schools across the province starting in the 2022/23 school year. RVS teachers hold an important perspective on student learning and the draft curriculum. We would like to hear from teachers in these grades and provide your feedback to Alberta Education. 

RVS’ Learning Department will be facilitating small group discussions on Zoom in November from 6:30 to 8 p.m.  

November 4

Focus: K-6 ELA and Science

November 9

Focus: K-6 Social Studies

November 18

 Focus: K-6 FLA and Math

November 22

Focus: PE/Wellness and Fine Arts

This course introduces educators to a variety of digital tools that enhance student learning and support the creation of impactful learning products. Teachers will explore how to integrate tools that foster creativity, organization, and engagement across subjects and grade levels. This course will cover a range of digital resources, providing hands-on experience with tools that can be used to support student-driven projects, collaborative learning, and more. Future sessions will expand on other digital tools, offering continuous opportunities for professional development and tech integration in the classroom.

  https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/author/terrance-m-scott

Elevate your digital classroom on your own terms. The Ed-Tech Learning Menu is a curated selection of professional learning designed specifically for RVS educators. This asynchronous hub allows you to skip the traditional "sit-and-get" sessions and dive straight into the tools and strategies that matter most to your instruction.

Whether you are looking for "Appetizers" to spark new ideas or are ready to dive into "Main Courses"—including self-paced certifications in AI, Google, and Canva—there is something on the menu for everyone.

Why Register?

• Your Time: Access recorded PL whenever it fits your schedule.

• Your Choice: Curate your own professional growth by picking the specific tutorials that align with your grade level and goals.

• Continuous Growth: The menu is regularly updated with the latest tools and pedagogical "specials" to keep your digital toolkit current.

Register today for self-paced learning you do throughout the year!

Airdrie Pride Society is excited to be sharing our LGBTQ2S+ Basics.  This session aims to empower participants with the information and understanding needed to create safer and more inclusive environments. Additionally, they will bring awareness to the supports and services that Airdrie Pride offers our community so that we have a consistent and reliable source of information and support when working with individuals. Lastly, they will provide a safe space for questions and conversation.

Do you have individuals in your school with epilepsy or diabetes and want to learn how to respond within the school setting?  If you answered yes, please join Meredith Luipasco from Alberta Health Services via Zoom as she walks through a training presentation to include Seizures and Diabetes.

In this presentation Meredith will share information on Alberta Children Hospital's supports, review Diabetic and Neurology (Epilepsy) diagnosis, treatment, and response, along with the opportunity to ask general questions.  The information provided will be based on the current requirements within the school setting. 

Please note, child specific question cannot be answered.

Math and STEM teachers! Join Will Lewis from TextHelp (Read and Write for Google) in a session on EquatIO on Wednesday, January 23 from 1 -3 in the Large Learning Commons at the Education Centre. EquatIO is a math and science tool that helps students and teachers make their math and science formulas, equations, Desmos graphs and more digital on any device. 

RVS school employees can now use the new Expense Entry Web (EEW) module to prepare online expense claims which will electronically route (through Task Manager) to the employee’s supervisor for approval and then to Accounts Payable for EFT payment.  The online expense claim form is accessed through the atrieve portal (My Forms) and can even be completed on your mobile phone or tablet.

Prior to attending EEW training and / or submitting your first online expense claim form, please refer to the following online resources: 

·         Expense Entry Web (EEW) Instructions& Training Video:  https://www.rockyview.ab.ca/publications/handbooks (under Finance section)

·         Atrieve Mobile: https://www.rockyview.ab.ca/hr_benefits/atrieve-mobile/view

RVS school employees can now use the new Expense Entry Web (EEW) module to prepare online expense claims which will electronically route (through Task Manager) to the employee’s supervisor for approval and then to Accounts Payable for EFT payment.  The online expense claim form is accessed through the atrieve portal (My Forms) and can even be completed on your mobile phone or tablet.

Prior to attending EEW training and / or submitting your first online expense claim form, please refer to the following online resources: 

·         Expense Entry Web (EEW) Instructions & Training Video:  https://www.rockyview.ab.ca/publications/handbooks (under Finance section)

·         Atrieve Mobile: https://www.rockyview.ab.ca/hr_benefits/atrieve-mobile/view

Throughout history among Indigenous peoples, storytelling has been the primary vehicle for exploring identity, connecting communities and sharing culture. Join us for this hands-on series where we will bring together classes from around the district to explore the power of using technology to engage in the creation of digital artefacts that tell a story of identity.

What are we going to do?

The series will include facilitated video conferences sessions with teachers and students. With support from the Learning Department, Apple Education and experts in multimedia creation, these sessions will:

• Critically examine the role that media and culture plays in developing identity and the formation of personal norms and values
• Leverage techniques of digital storytelling (through video, photography, audio, illustration and animation) to create artefacts that explore the complexity of identity, personal experience and Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
• Engage in the process of creating artefacts that empower learners to examine diverse perspectives, share personal narratives and develop historical and cultural knowledge to represent identity, tradition and culture. 

What are the requirements to participate?

In order to provide the optimal experience for teachers and students, it is advised that participating classes:

• Be able to allocate time for 5 to 6 one hour sessions in the upcoming year
• Be able to connect the exploration of identity texts to a specific curricular area, topic of student or school goal
• Have access to technology that can be used for multi-media creation (iPads, cell phones or MacBooks)

“We must actively confront inequities and barriers that uphold racism and other forms of oppression so learners of all identities are empowered through education that embraces their identities and lived experiences.”

 Empowering Modern Learners Addendum 2020

Meet up virtually with Julie Vaillancourt for a coffee and FI literacy conversation! We are hoping that this can become a digital space where we will share the innovative thinking that is already happening around literacy as well as collaboratively problem solve those 'trickies' we are experiencing in our work. Bring your cup of java for drop in and sharing time or come with questions so we can support you.

·      Staff are encouraged to drop in and out as conversations will not be following a fixed agenda.  

·      Registration for the drop in sessions will only be required once and then teachers will be able to attend as many of the sessions, within that division, as they wish. 

·      Please note that no sessions will be facilitated on non-teaching days.

Invoice Entry Web (IEW) Rollout Meeting

• Audience: Finance Secretaries (Required) & Administrators (Optional)
• Location: Online (Skype for Business)
• Capacity: unlimited
• Notes:  The Invoice Entry Web (IEW) Module transforms paper invoices into an online invoice that, upon completion by the Finance Secretary, is automatically routed through Task Manager to the Administrator for approval and then to Accounts Payable for centralized payment processing.  Following review of the IEW Demo Video and the RVS instructions, users are invited to attend this Skype Meeting to discuss the IEW process and answer any initial IEW questions.   The Finance Department has sent a Skype Meeting Request to session registrants that includes links to this meeting, the IEW Demo Video, and the RVS instructions. 

DAY 1 Introduction to Finance

   - RVS Board Policy and Administrative Procedure that relate to school finance duties

  -  School Funding model

  - Operational Budgets and School Generated Funds

  - Introduction to various technologies used to manage funds (My Budget File, Atrieve, SchoolCash.net, Power School basics)

  - Expenditures:  RVS Philosophy, preferred methods of payment , preferred vendors, services of Supply Management, RVS purchasing cards, Expense Entry Web, writing cheques

DAY 2 REVENUES:

  - School Cash Catalogue - RVS Administrative Procedure re; School Fees, Creating and Copying SCC items, Attaching items to students,

  - School Cash Register - Search, Check Out, Item History,  Refunds, Modifications, Group Collections, Close Out

   - School Cash Online

   - Preparing deposits

Office Organization and best practice discussion

DAY 3 ATRIEVE:
     Funding model
     General Ledger Structure
     Budget Manager Inquiry

SchoolCash.net
     Expenses
          Preparing cheque for School Generated Funds and GL Reimbursements
          Applying GST Receivable
     Revenues
          Preparing deposits in School Cash Accounting
          School Cash Register - posting payments, check out types, group collections, SCR close out
     Bank Reconciliation basics
          Principal's Finance Checklist

 DAY 4 - MONTH END PROCEDURES Month End Procedures:  GST Public Service Bodies Rebate reconciliation, RVS GL Reimbursement submission and Bank Reconciliation 

Understanding the function of behaviour is necessary in helping students with challenging behaviours. ABC tracking is one way of collecting data to help determine the function of behaviour. This is a closed session. 

Meet up virtually with Julie Vaillancourt for a coffee and literacy conversation! We are hoping that this can become a digital space where we will share the innovative thinking that is already happening around literacy as well as collaboratively problem solve those trickies we are experiencing in our work. Bring your cup of java for drop in and sharing time or come with questions so we can support you.

·      Staff are encouraged to drop in and out as conversations will not be following a fixed agenda.  

·      Registration for the drop in sessions will only be required once and then teachers will be able to attend as many of the sessions, within that division, as they wish. 

·      Please note that no sessions will be facilitated on non-teaching days.

Meet up virtually with Julie Vaillancourt for a coffee and literacy conversation! This is a digital space where we will share the innovative thinking that is already happening around literacy as well as collaboratively problem solve those trickies we are experiencing in our work. Bring your cup of java for drop in and sharing time or come with questions so we can support you.

·      Staff are encouraged to drop in and out as conversations will not be following a fixed agenda.  

·      Registration for the drop in sessions will only be required once and then teachers will be able to attend as many of the sessions, within that division, as they wish. 

·      Please note that no sessions will be facilitated on non-teaching days.

This professional learning opportunity is designed to help Grade 1-4 teachers learn how to use a workshop approach to writing instruction. The webinars will use Lucy Calkin’s Units of Study as a model for Writer’s Workshop.

Participants can choose sessions to attend from a series of six one-hour webinars that cover various topics needed to teach a coherent and comprehensive writing program. This series in its entirety will provide educators with a clear understanding of how to implement the Units of Study. It is also designed to provide teachers already familiar with the Units, deeper learning regarding select topics. These teachers can register for single/ specific webinars that they would like to learn more about. 

If you have access to one of the Units of Study, please have it with you.

Meet up virtually with Jody Moore for a coffee and literacy conversation! This is a digital space where we will share the innovative thinking that is already happening around literacy as well as collaboratively problem solve those tricky's we are experiencing in our work. Bring your cup of java for drop in and sharing time or come with questions so we can support you.

·      Staff are encouraged to drop in and out as conversations will not be following a fixed agenda.  

·      Registration for the drop in sessions will only be required once and then teachers will be able to attend as many of the sessions, within that division, as they wish. 

·      Please note that no sessions will be facilitated on non-teaching days.

Meet up virtually with Jody Moore for a coffee and literacy conversation! We are hoping that this can become a digital space where we will share the innovative thinking that is already happening around literacy as well as collaboratively problem solve those trickies we are experiencing in our work. Bring your cup of java for drop in and sharing time or come with questions so we can support you.

·      Staff are encouraged to drop in and out as conversations will not be following a fixed agenda.  

·      Registration for the drop in sessions will only be required once and then teachers will be able to attend as many of the sessions, within that division, as they wish. 

·      Please note that no sessions will be facilitated on non-teaching days.

Meet up virtually with Jody Moore for a coffee and literacy conversation! We are hoping that this can become a Grade 7-9 digital space where we will share the innovative thinking that is already happening around literacy as well as collaboratively problem solve those 'trickies' we are experiencing in our work. Bring your cup of java for drop in and sharing time or come with questions so we can support you.

·      Staff are encouraged to drop in and out as conversations will not be following a fixed agenda.

·      Registration for the drop in sessions will only be required once and then teachers will be able to attend as many of the

    sessions, within that division, as they wish. 

·      Please note that no sessions will be facilitated on non-teaching days.

This session will be an orientation session for teachers who have been selected for the new high school Career Learning Teacher position. High school administrators are also welcome to attend.

The session will review the key responsibilities of the new Career Learning Teacher position, including direction regarding the off-campus aspect of the role.

Apple Classroom is a powerful app for iPad that helps teachers guide learning, share work, and manage student devices both shared and one to one. In this one hour online introductory session with guest speaker Scott Petronech from Apple Education, you will learn about the possibilities for your classroom - how to launch specific apps or websites on any iPad in the class, share documents between you and your students, share students work on a monitor or projector using Apple TV, see what apps each students are working on and lock all students, or a single one, into a single app to help them focus. And when class ends, you can see a summary of your students’ activities.

Note: All students in Rocky View have Apple IDs and Apple Classrooms are created automatically in Powerschool. 

Link will be sent out to participants soon.

Not yet working in Google Classroom? Or maybe just starting and want to know more? This session will help you get started!

1. Setting up Classroom
2. Understanding the workflow
3. Adding Students
4. Parent access
5. Creating assignments
6. And more…

This session will outline and discuss the main concepts in mindfulness and how understanding the brain functions can develop and improve self-regulation.  Using a hands-on approach this session will teach skills related to these concepts.

This session will discuss how the brain influences thinking, emotions, self-regulation and behaviour. Improved self-regulation can lead to better focus in school, better cooperation with others and improved self-awareness and self-control.

Through a hands-on approach the session will share a variety of resources and tools that can be used whole school, classroom, small group and one to one with children and youth.

Participants will be invited to explore their own mindfulness practice and how it can benefit both personally and professionally.  Participants are invited to bring their own examples and resources to share with the larger group.  

myBlueprint is the digital portfolio used by staff and students in Rocky View.

 Description:

Join us for a 1.5-hour hands-on online session designed specifically for educators who are new to using iPads in their teaching practice or would like to refresh their knowledge or learn a bit more. This interactive workshop will explore the many ways iPads can enhance student engagement, enhance lesson planning, and support diverse learning styles.

During this session, participants will:

• Get Started: Learn the basics of iPad navigation and essential settings to optimize performance for educational purposes.
• Assistive Technology: Discover how you can use the built in assistive technologies on your iPad
• Engage in hands on activities: You will be using your iPad throughout this session.

Journey 2050 is an educational experience for grades 7-9; programming is provided virtually to join your class wherever they are. We also run a full-day field school and have been doing so since 2014. We are prepared to welcome classes back when possible. Journey 2050 takes students on a virtual simulation exploring world food sustainability, engaging and empowering students to think deeper and understand their impact on the world around them.

Our virtual programming is designed to engage students through on-screen and off-screen activities. We have multiple predesigned sessions, and our expert facilitators will work with you to customize an experience that brings sustainable agriculture to life for you and your students and meets your curriculum needs. We have designed all of our programming to be interdisciplinary, connecting to the Alberta Program of Studies in social studies, mathematics, science, and language arts. 

Best of all, the program is entirely free.

View the website, here: http://www.journey2050.com/

If you are interested and for more information, please reach out to our team at Journey2050@calgarystampede.com

Meet up virtually with Lauren Condrashoff for a coffee and literacy conversation! We are hoping that this can become a K-6 digital space, hosted in the afternoon, where we will share the innovative thinking that is already happening around literacy as well as collaboratively problem solve those 'trickies' we are experiencing in our work. Bring your cup of java for drop in and sharing time or come with questions so we can support you.

·      Staff are encouraged to drop in and out as conversations will not be following a fixed agenda.

·      Registration for the drop in sessions will only be required once and then teachers will be able to attend as many of the sessions, within that division, as they wish. 

·      There are two K-6 offerings with different facilitators; therefore, two separate sessions have been created as the Zoom links are different:  K-6 morning and K-6 afternoon. If staff wish to access both conversations, they will have to register for both. 

·      Please note that there will not be sessions facilitated on non-teaching days.

Join Lauren, Julie and Jody for a virtual coffee and literacy conversation specifically for literacy leads and coaches.  This will be a digital space where we will share the innovative thinking that is already happening around leading literacy as well as collaboratively problem solve those 'trickies' we are experiencing in our work.  Drop in and share or come with questions so we can support you. 

Please note that no sessions will be facilitated on non teaching days.  

Join the RVS Literacy Team for upcoming Literacy Cafe Sessions for teachers and school leaders next week. The conversations for these cafe sessions will be centred around Literacy Instruction in COVID Times. Bring your “trickies” to one of our sessions and, as a group, we will discuss how the literacy practices and pedagogies you know and love can be adapted to meet the needs of your current context.

This online session is designed specifically for K-12 teachers eager to explore their MacBook. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this hands-on workshop will guide you through the fundamentals with a focus on the assistive technologies built into your device.

In this interactive session, you will:

• Be productive with your MacBook features
• Explore Assistive Technology Tools: Discover various tools and applications that can support diverse learners in your classroom, as well as supporting your own work.
• Engage in Hands-On Activities: Participate in practical exercises to reinforce your learning and apply new skills in real-time.

This half-day follow-up workshop builds on the Relational and Technical Mandt workshop. focusing on Conceptual knowledge on Trauma-Informed Practice and Positive Behavioural Supports.

The Mandt System is a comprehensive, integrated approach to preventing, de-escalating, and if necessary, intervening when the behaviour of an individual poses a threat of harm to themselves and/or others.

The Mandt System is a comprehensive, integrated approach to preventing, de-escalating, and if necessary, intervening when the behaviour of an individual poses a threat of harm to themselves and/or others. 

This one day training session covers Chapters 1-3 in the Relational Skills Section. This section provides the framework needed to build the foundation of all human services, the relationships between the caregivers. Relational skills will open the door to the conceptual and technical skills offered in human service settings. Relational skills will make the conceptual and technical skills of staff even more effective because they are trusted. Dr. Peter Breggin, quoted above, says “It is easier to de-escalate with someone you know and trust than someone you do not know and cannot trust, or someone you know and do not trust.” 

Audience: 

Assistants, Teachers, Guidance Counsellors, CDAs, School Administrators & Mental Health Workers. The MANDT system training is for anyone who works with people who may have strong emotional reactions or behavioural challenges. 

Alberta Health Services in collaboration with Rocky View Schools will be providing education related to medical health plan scenarios in schools. This education morning will include administering medication, Gtube feeding, seizure protocols, Diabetes protocols, emergency planning and documentation. This education would be ideal and necessary for learning assistants and learning support teachers who have students with medical health plans in their classrooms and school.

MHFA Canada: For Adults Who Interact with Youth focuses on mental health problems and first aid for youth ages 12 to 24.  Mental health problems often first develop during adolescence or early adulthood, with half of all mental disorders beginning by age 14, and 75 percent beginning by age 24. 

Most mental disorders develop gradually.  The early signs and symptoms of developing mental health problems will be different from the more established clinical profiles, which are reflected later in life.  The social, educational and family environments in which mental disorders occur in young people are also different from those later in life.  Therefore, the information in this course is designed to be sensitive to the unique aspects of mental health problems in young people.  It is meant to assist education professionals, health providers, parents and other adults in the identification of mental health problems and appropriate first aid intervention strategies.

MHFA Canada teaches mental health first aid skills.  The course does not train people to be therapists, counsellors or mental health professionals.  The philosophy behind MHFA Canada is that mental health crisis, such as suicidal and self-harming actions, may be avoided through early intervention.  If crisis do arise, then members of the public can take action that may reduce the harm that could result.

The following mental health problems are covered:

• Mood Disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Psychosis
• Substance Use Disorder
• Eating disorders
• Deliberate self-injury

The following mental health crisis situations are covered:

• Suicidal behaviour
• Overdoses
• Panic Attacks
• Reactions to traumatic events
• Psychotic episodes                                                                                                                                                        

Mental Health First Aid Supporting Youth focuses on mental health problems and first aid for youth ages 12 to 24.  Mental health problems often first develop during adolescence or early adulthood, with half of all mental disorders beginning by age 14, and 75 percent beginning by age 24. 

Most mental disorders develop gradually. The early signs and symptoms of developing mental health problems will be different from the more established clinical profiles, which are reflected later in life. The social, educational, and family environments in which mental disorders occur in young people are also different from those later in life. Therefore, the information in this course is designed to be sensitive to the unique aspects of mental health problems in young people.  It is meant to assist education professionals, health providers, parents, and other adults in the identification of mental health problems and appropriate first aid intervention strategies.

MHFA Canada teaches mental health first aid skills. The course does not train people to be therapists, counsellors, or mental health professionals. The philosophy behind MHFA Canada is that mental health crisis, such as suicidal and self-harming actions, may be avoided through early intervention. If crises do arise, then members of the public can take action that may reduce the harm that could result.

Participants must attend both days in order to receive certification.

Have you heard of Minecraft? Yes, the game all students of many ages seem to be playing. All RVS students and staff have access to the Minecraft Education version at no cost.

Join this session to learn more about this tool for learning. 

Minecraft education works on MAC computers, iPads, most Chromebooks and Windows computers.

Interested in teaching your students how to code and create apps? 

The ? Creative Learning Experience in Mobile App Development engages learners in a creative process where mobile app development is used to solve real world problems at scale. This process develops key skills and competencies relevant to various industries by challenging learners to engage in a design process that fosters creative problem solving.. 

Join us for this practical experience where leaders from Apple will guide learners through the step by step process of Agile Development in order to solve a problem relevant to an area of interest. Through this experience participants will:

• -develop an understanding of the role that mobile apps can play in taking a human centred approach to problem solving
• -examine and apply key tools and techniques used in the app development process
• -create a prototype of a mobile app that addresses a problem relevant to specific sector, industry or field of interest. 

Participants will also be provided with a variety of tools and resources that they can leverage beyond the context of the experience and will receive feedback on their work from industry experts.

To facilitate a positive learning experience, sessions will involve a differentiated learning environment that combines minds on, hands on and reflection activities.

Sessions are hosted via video conference where industry experts will support students through the design process. Sessions are modular, can be aligned with CTS and CTF courses and include topics relevant to the process of building an app that include, but are not limited to:

• Mobile App Analysis
• Human Centred Design
• Rapid Prototyping
• Design Briefing

Requirements:

In order to optimize the learning experience, participants should:

• Have access to an iOS or Mac OS device
• Have Keynote (app) downloaded to their iPad / Mac

1. Introduce the All About Me to k-6 teachers and the Education Planner to the 7-12 teachers
2. Discuss how to make the most of exciting updates **including updated Portfolios with a companion iOS app, and new counsellor account
3. Share resources and implementation ideas to support the program’s use in your schools  **including a brand new package for CTS and curriculum connections for 7-12

Natural supports are relationships and associations that are ‘natural’ in the sense that they are informally and locally developed; and are based on reciprocity or give and take. Natural supports include family, friends, neighbours, coaches, team-mates, and others who comprise our social network.

A growing body of research clearly demonstrates the connection between positive natural supports and healthy youth development. Natural supports play a critical role in promoting youth resiliency, social integration, and positive development. They can also contribute to a youth’s recovery and growth process, reduce psychological distress, and help vulnerable youth successfully transition to adulthood.

Professional supports, while important, aren’t sustainable. Programs end, professionals change jobs, and youth age out of services. An over-reliance on professional supports ultimately increases vulnerability. Through utilizing the Practice Framework in working with youth, we work towards empowering youth to rely on and contribute to a life-long network of supportive family, community, and peer relationships.

Staff must attend both Part one and Part two of this training in order to be certified. 

The purpose of this session is to gain a deeper understanding of the framework from a leadership and school system perspective and to understand the structures, time and planning required to drive sustainable implementation of the framework within schools. The session is best attended by administrator teams or by an administrator and team lead. 

Where should educators begin when teaching children how to read?  It's tempting to jump right in with sound-to-letter matching...but is this really the best place to start?  Welcome to the world of phonological awareness!  Come learn how to build a foundation of literacy based on sounds, not letters.

This presentation will review the different levels of phonological awareness and how you can begin incorporating simple, play-based tasks into your classroom.

This 40-Hour RBT Online Training will raise the level of staff competency and extend existing expertise.

The BACB has created the RBT credential especially for those who provide services in the classroom or home for children with disabilities. Support staff and team members are going to be required to have the credential. 

The training will cover all of the tasks in the RBT Task List and the Ethicalrequirements that have been designated as being relevant for behavior technicians. This program is offered independent of the BACB.