The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Glen Rock School reunion announced

All students and staff of Glen Rock School (located in former school district number 3436, Airdrie–Irricana area) are invited to attend a reunion on July 18, 2010. The school, which opened in 1923, closed in 1950. The reunion will be held on the school’s original site. For more information, contact Margaret Murtha at 780-479-4845.

It’s time to act: Activate your specialist council membership online

Active members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association are entitled to a complimentary membership in the specialist council of their choice. Teachers must activate their membership each year. To activate your membership, log in to TNET by clicking on the login link in the blue bar at the top of the Association’s webpage, then follow the Specialist Council Membership link under Your ATA Tools.

Teaching in the outdoor classroom

Imagine your students investigating rich habitats and communities right outside your classroom.  School grounds provide an engaging context for integrating science, literacy and music. A three-day summer institute for elementary school teachers will extend learning outside of the classroom and school walls. What better place to support inquiry-based learning than the natural outdoor spaces around your school? The program encourages participants to actively investigate, explore and collect data for many curriculum outcomes and inquiry-based projects. Participants receive a wealth of lesson plans, posters and other educational resources, as well as an outdoor classroom backpack filled with supplies and tools to facilitate outdoor investigations and greening projects. The institute will be offered in Edmonton from August 23–25, 2010, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. On August 23, participants will meet at St. Mary Catholic Elementary School, 490 Rhatigan Rd. East (corner of Riverbend Road and Rhatigan Rd. East), and on August 24 and 25, participants will meet at Belgravia Elementary School, 11605-74 Avenue. To register, contact Kathy Goble, School Ground Design Consultant–Evergreen. Telephone: 780-435-1778; e-mail: kathygoble@newlinc.com.

Spread the Word promotes the environment

As part of Hilroy’s commitment to sustainability, Canada’s leading school supply company has announced its second Spread the Word program. The program provides teachers across Canada with lesson plans that address current environmental issues and promote eco-conscious behaviour among students. The program also features a contest component. Students are encouraged to create an informative submission detailing how they have or will Spread the Word on environmental issues in school, at home and within their community. Program and contest materials will be distributed in April. Teachers can access and download materials at www.Hilroy.ca/spreadtheword and register to receive tips on how to build an environmentally friendly school supply list.