Nearly 11,000 students will be back in Red Deer Public School classrooms Wednesday.
Last week, in preparation for the first day of school, close to 1,500 Red Deer public staff members to part in the division kick-off event. Superintendent Chad Erikson said after a difficult few years, he’s eager to see what students and staff can accomplish together this year. The school board has 30 new staff members for the 2022-23 school year.
“We want to ensure all students in Red Deer Public have a great school year, and are able to achieve their very best,” Erikson said.
“The last two years have been a challenging way to start as Superintendent for Red Deer Public. Looking ahead to this year I want to move forward. I want to engage with and connect with our staff, students, parents and community, and sharing a vision and aspirations for students and staff will play a big role in that. Red Deer Public Schools is the best choice for all students and we will continue focusing on that and improving where we can by working together.”
New to Red Deer public this year is the sports academy, with close to 300 students registered for baseball/softball, soccer, hockey and sportfit (multi-sport opportunity).
“Our Sports Academy is one of many choices we look forward to offering our students and families. We want to ensure Red Deer Public Schools is the best choice for your children. They are going to get excellence in teaching and learning, with opportunities that will ensure they are well prepared for their future,” said Nicole Buchanan, Board Chair.
“We offer a number of choices already that help students reach their full potential, and our Board is excited to offer this new program of choice.”
Teachers in kindergarten to grade 3 will also have to tackle a new curriculum and the school division has been working for the past six months to review and help implement it.
“When Kindergarten to Grade 3 students arrive in our classrooms for their first day of school (Wednesday), they will be learning a new curriculum with excellent, engaging lessons as they always have in Red Deer Public,” said Erickson.