Bulldog Bulletin - 2024/10/04

Phone & Internet Restored Across RVS 

Thank you for your patience over the past two days as work was being done to restore Internet/phone service to RVS schools. We are happy to report Rocky View Schools' internet supplier was able to successfully repair the cut fibre-optic cable overnight and phone and Internet services are now fully operational at all schools.

P.B.I.S. 

Have you heard about “PBIS”? It’s something we use a lot at Meadowbrook. PBIS is an acronym for Positive Behavioural Interventions and Supports. Using a team approach, it’s a method of systematically teaching expectations of positive conduct throughout our school. It focuses on explicitly teaching desired behaviours, supporting students as they learn to develop the behaviours, and reinforcing and recognizing students when they exhibit the behaviours.  

The team approach is what truly makes this system work, and we count you as vitally important members of that team to achieve a learning environment that is characterized by good citizenship and care through respect, responsibility and safety.  
 
The three PBIS practices and how we define them at Meadowbrook are: 
SAFE – Make good choices; Be kind & accepting 
RESPECTFUL – Keep an open mind; Be present 
RESPONSIBLE – Do your part; Be your best self today 

Thank you for showing support for these practices to foster positive behavior in your child by doing things like following school and school-board policies (i.e., drop-off, pick-up, visitor sign-in, etc.); keeping open communication lines with their teacher(s); and by seeking to understand, especially if you have concerns to be solution-oriented in reaching a positive outcome. We appreciate the powerful role you play in guiding your child's understanding and practice of these characteristics and encouraging them to be safe, respectful, and responsible.   

HERE’S WHAT’S COMING UP 

Professional Learning Day October 11 – No School  

While students may not have school on October 11, teachers will be using the day to engage in their own professional learning. Professional learning gives us opportunities to be equipped with the skills, tools, and knowledge we need to help students reach their full potential. 

BULLDOG STRONG 

Student Leadership Update  

On October 4, Grade 8 Leadership is promoting Spirit Day with Comfy Cozy Day (Hoodies and Sweats Day). Show your school spirit and enjoy a relaxing day in your favorite gear! On this day, wear your favorite hoodie and sweatpants to school. Whether it’s a cozy old sweatshirt or your comfiest joggers, let’s show off our comfy style! 

Bulldog Athletics 

Jr. A Girls Volleyball Tournament Dates 
October 4 at Chestermere, October 18 at Bearspaw, and October 25 at Springbank 
Coaches’ letters with details will be handed out to all players once fees are finalized.   

Jr. A Boys Volleyball Tournament Dates 
October 4 at Meadowbrook, October 18 at Chestermere, and October 25 at Meadowbrook. 
Coaches’ letters with details will be handed out to all players once fees are finalized.   

A friendly reminder that all coaches, athletes and spectators are expected to adhere to the Rocky View Code of Conduct when attending any sporting events. 

More details on game times are shared on the RVS Sports Association website: https://rvssa.rockyview.ab.ca/middle-school/volleyball  

IMPORTANT REMINDERS 

Halloween Reading Contest! 

Boost your reading skills in this Halloween Reading Contest for a chance to win a box of candy.   

From September 1 to October 31, 2024, read as many... 
...books at home 
...books at school 
...books from the local library 

that include scary/horror/mystery/thriller/survivor/fantasy genres, 
and those in keeping with the Halloween season. e.g., Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Haunted Canada, etc. [Students can ask about exceptions, if these themes do not appeal to them.]

Any book over 300 pages counts as ‘2’ books, for total calculation purposes.

NOTE: Middle School Novels and Chapter books are recommended. 
Manga and graphic novels DO NOT COUNT!   

Students can combine entry sheets with other friends 
(to split a winning prize amongst that contestant group), 
but books listed on an individual’s sheet must have been read by that person. 

Bus Drop-Off Zones and Safety 

Please ensure drop-off of students in the morning does NOT occur in bus loading zones or the staff parking lot. We have a total of 9 buses lining up along the front and fenceline of the school and two handi-busses coming into the parking lot. Watch for posted signage that marks loading zones and times.  

Bus drop-off occurs anytime between 7:55 a.m. and 8:08 a.m. As the weather changes, we anticipate adjustments to bus drop-off times. We also ask that morning drop-offs remain in the designated areas across the street from the school or further down the block. We prioritize safety for our students, and we thank you for your support during the rush hour within the school zone. 

BUILDING FUTURE-READY STUDENTS  

Career Connection – Introducing ALIS 

Middle school is a perfect time to start dipping toes into career development and that begins with exploration. Middle school years are about exploring interests, developing strengths, building social skills, learning about teamwork, and setting personal goals. These are all pivotal in preparing for future steps and looking toward what might be possible during and post high school. There’s a strong link between self-awareness of strengths, skills, and interests to uncover what they’re good at and potential career options. During these years, students can begin to dive into various career clusters and pathways through options classes, extra-curriculars, and conversations with trusted adults. Taking these first steps can really boost enthusiasm about the possibilities out there and inspire them to stick with their goals. It helps them see how they fit into the workforce, giving them a clearer picture of their future. Plus, it encourages them to plan thoughtfully for high school in a way that builds the skills they need for the pathways they may want to follow.  

To get things rolling, dive into ALIS (Alberta Learning Information Service). There are an endless number of handy tools to help students identify their strengths and interests, and links within to provide important insights for students about career pathways. Having a clearer picture of what sparks their interest makes setting achievable goals so much easier! This is just the start, and it’s such an exciting time to help students shape their futures! 

    
 
SAVE THE DATE 

To see the full calendar of events, visit our website. 

Oct. 4 

• Comfy Cozy Spirit Day (Hoodies and Sweats Day)  

• Jr. A Volleyball Tournaments: Girls in Chestermere, Boys at Meadowbrook   

Oct. 11 

• Professional Learning Day; No School 

Oct. 14 

• Thanksgiving; No School 

Oct. 17  

• Healthy Hunger: Opa!  

Oct. 18 

• Jr. A Volleyball Tournaments: Girls at Bearspaw, Boys at Chestermere  

Oct. 25 

• Jr. A Volleyball Tournaments: Girls at Springbank High, Boys at Meadowbrook  

Oct. 30  

• Healthy Hunger: Oodle Noodles  

Nov. 1

• PL Day - No classes for students

Nov. 5 & 6 

• Parent-Teacher Interviews, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. 

Nov. 12 

• Gr. 6 Vaccinations 

Nov. 14  

• Healthy Hunger: Subway  

Nov. 28 

• Healthy Hunger: Boston Pizza  

Dec. 19  

• Healthy Hunger: Mucho Burrito