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Autism Services to host conference
The Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton is holding its 5th annual conference, January 19–21, 2012, at the Edmonton Marriott, River Cree Resort. Keynote speaker is Eustacia Cutler, author, advocate and Temple Grandin’s mother (Grandin is an American doctor of animal science, a professor at Colorado State University, a bestselling author and a consultant to the livestock industry on animal behaviour. Grandin is a person with high-functioning autism.) Special guest speakers are Dr. Winnie Dunn, Sensory Processing in School Home and Community; Dr. Pat Mirenda: Video Modeling and Using AAC for Social Interaction; Sue Mitchell, Promoting Independence—Strategies for Developing Self-Help Skills; Emily Rubin, Social Communication in Adolescents with High Functioning Autism; and Dr. David Nicholas, Pervasive Parenting Dilemmas in ASD. To register or for information, call 780-495-9235, or visit www.childrensautism.ca.
Skipping school takes on new meaning
Did you know that only nine per cent of boys and four per cent of girls meet the 2011 Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines? You can change that statistic by registering for Jump Rope for Heart, which gives every student a free skipping rope and the chance to stay active and form positive habits for a lifetime. Upon registration, you will receive resources for your school and students, including skipping skills posters and educational activity booklets to help you organize a memorable event. To register, call 780-733-3681 or visit www.jumpropeforheart.ca/Teachers-JumpAndYourSchool.asp.
Kudos to St. Patrick’s School
St. Patrick’s School, in Medicine Hat, was a finalist in the Trees of Knowledge nationwide contest to win $20,000 toward construction of an outdoor classroom. Ten schools across Canada were finalists in the contest sponsored by Majesta, a Canadian paper products manufacturer that promises to plant three trees for every tree it uses to produce its products.
St. Patrick’s, a K–5 elementary school, was the only school in Alberta selected as a finalist. When the votes were tallied, St. Patrick came second to a school in Quebec. For its efforts, St. Patrick’s will receive a tree from Majesta for the school’s yard.
It’s not just a box
Literacy-in-a-Box is an innovative resource developed by Calgary Reads to help educators promote family literacy in fun, engaging and effective ways. Research shows that the family is one of the best ways to support the development of children’s literacy skills. Literacy-in-a-Box contains three family literacy events, including invitations, agendas, handouts, electronic presentations, speaker notes, supply lists and to-do lists. As well, there are guides for forming a literacy action team, family engagement resources and family literacy resources. Calgary Reads offers seminars highlighting the resource. Visit www.calgaryreads.com for more information.
Read about adventure, sorrow and triumph
In Their Own Words: The Girls of Atsikana Pa Ulendo Tell Their Stories features stories by female high school students in Malawi, Africa. The students write about independence, self-worth and the value of education, and they share their stories of adventure, sorrow and triumph. The book’s editor, Roberta Laurie, and her partner, Kat Flannery, are available for classroom presentations on life in Malawi, the importance of education for African girls and the process of collecting the manuscripts (or a related topic requested by the teacher). A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book goes to Atsikana Pa Ulendo. For more information, visit www.prairiedogpublishing.ca.
Healthy Interactions Workshops: Relationships are important
Healthy Interactions is a communications and conflict-resolution program offered by the ATA. A four-day workshop is available to teachers wishing to receive a certificate as a trained facilitator in the Healthy Interactions program. A two-day workshop is offered to individual teachers and principals to enhance their conflict-resolution skills. Visit the ATA website (www.teachers.ab.ca) for dates and locations. Registration is free to active ATA members and includes training materials, breakfast and lunch. Participants are responsible for substitute teacher costs, travel and accommodation costs. Registration forms are available from the ATA website.
Stories and photos wanted
The ATA News is always on the lookout for interesting articles, photos and cartoons. Articles should not exceed 500 words and should be accompanied by a short byline, stating where you work and what you teach. Photos of teachers or students participating in interesting activities are welcome, as are cartoons. Don’t forget to include photo captions. Please note: Receipt of material does not guarantee its publication. Send your submissions to Managing Editor, the ATA News, 11010–142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta
T5N 2R1 or submit electronically to raymond.gariepy@ata.ab.ca.
