CELEBRATIONS, FAREWELL TO MRS. LAL, & SCHOOL COUNCIL TONIGHT

Thank you to parents and caregivers for joining us for progress conferences last week. Highlighting student successes and next steps for growth is an important way we help students on their learning path. Watch for term two report cards online on the Parent Portal on March 17. 

We say farewell and good luck to Assistant Principal Mrs. Lal whose last day at A.L. Horton is February 27. Mrs. Lal will be joining the administration team at Vegreville Junior Senior High as Assistant Principal to help out with projects this spring. Good luck also to Ms. Giebelhaus, A.L. Horton School's Acting Assistant Principal. 

We finalize fees for 2023-2024 during the school report at the online School Council meeting tonight. To register final thoughts and hear the trends from the February fees survey, join us online at https://meet.google.com/aut-xrmn-bzd  at 6:30 PM. 

The Friends of A.L. Horton School fundraising meeting will follow. 

SCHOOL EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS

Gratitude to Mrs. Shell and her host of volunteers for another successful Book Fair this month! Many books went home in the hands of children and some monies were raised to fund new books for the school library. 

The school nutrition program is up and running with morning snacks for all students, two no cost hot lunches provided to students who order, and one Wednesday hot dog free of charge for those children who order. We are grateful to CALS for their support of schools in our community and for obtaining the nutrition grant for February to June 2023. Many thanks to Mrs. Sen, the school nutrition coordinator, and to our many student volunteers who deliver snacks to classrooms every day. 

Pink Shirt Day was a success, with many reminders about spreading kindness and appreciation for our similarities and differences around the school. 

A handful of grade six scientists enjoyed a virtual day of STEM challenges this month as part of the WISEST Conference. Prosthetic hand design and testing was just one part of this fascinating day. Thank you to Mrs. Lal for coordinating that event.

Ukrainian language and culture program students sang at the February 24 community event, acknowledging the one year anniversary of the invasion and war in Ukraine. Thank you to Panni Fedorouk and Panni Bombak for leading students. 

WATCH FOR THIN ICE

Remember, be aware of thin ice this time of year. Depending on changing temperatures, ice can form and melt to varying degrees on outdoor bodies of water. Try to remind your child about the dangers of thin ice, obey all posted signs, take proper care and remain a safe distance from the ice.

For more information about ice safety, visit the Canadian Red Cross.

Did you know?

The colour of ice may be an indication of its strength. Clear blue ice is the strongest. White opaque is half as strong as blue ice. And, grey ice is unsafe—greyness indicates the presence of water.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMMING IN EIPS

Is there a preschooler in your life experiencing developmental delays or challenges with speech-language or motor-skill development—big or small? If so, Elk Island Public School’s Play And Learn at School (PALS) program could help.

Early learning lays the foundation for success in primary grades and beyond. As such, EIPS offers the pre-kindergarten PALS program in five of its elementary school locations—including A.L. Horton Elementary. In fact, EIPS is now accepting applications for free speech-language assessments for those interested in registering in the PALS program this fall. The assessment helps determine if PALS is appropriate for your child.

If you know a preschooler, born in 2019 or 2020, who could benefit from pre-kindergarten programming or want to book an assessment, fill out the PALS Program Request Form or call 780-417-8219. For more information, visit www.eips.ca .

IMPORTANT DATES

February 28  Returning student registration closes

March 1 Early dismissal at 2 PM for staff meeting

March 3 No school for students; professional learning day for teachers

March 7, 9, 10 Hot lunches provided by CALS for those who ordered

March 8  Hot dog fundraiser lunch

March 9 Classes performing speech arts for Wendy Brook Festival

March 13 Wendy Brook Festival - Ukrainian presentations in the gym

March 14, 16, 17 Hot lunches provided by CALS for those who ordered

March 15 Hot dog fundraiser lunch 

March 17  Report cards for term two posted online on Parent Portal

March 17   Wear Green spirit day

March 20 School Council meeting 6:30 PM

March 21, 23 Hot lunches provided by CALS for those who ordered

March 22  Hot dog fundraiser lunch

March 21 Crazy Socks spirit day

March 23 Dress as your Favourite Character spirit day

March 24 to April 2  Spring Break; no school for students

April 3 Back to school after the break!

April 2  CALS hot lunches continue this month and into mid-June

April 5  Hot dog fundraiser lunch

April 5  Vegreville Composite Info Night 6 - 7:30 PM (for Grade 6 

students transitioning to Grade 7)

April 7 & 10 No school; Good Friday & Easter Monday

April 11 to 14 Ukrainian cultural program Easter baking

April 12  Hot dog fundraiser lunch

April 15  Young Authors Conference in Sherwood Park

April 19  Hot dog fundraiser lunch

April 21  Jump Rope for Heart assembly

Keri Busenius                Rita Lal & Chloe Giebelhaus

Principal                        Assistant Principals

Connecting to foster the minds and hearts of leaders