2020-2021 Early Childhood Services Family Guide

Programs & Services IMPORTANT DATES Black Gold School Division EARLY CHILDHOOD Services Online registration opens: KINDERGARTEN - JANUARY 22, 2020 | 9:00 AM pre-KINDERGARTEN - MARCH 25, 2020 | 9:00 AM A comprehensive 2020-2021 guide for families ONLINE REGISTRATION SPECIAL NOTICE 2 BGSD Early Childhood Services and Programs are Subject to Change Families should be aware that Alberta Education is currently reviewing the funding framework in which school jurisdictions are allocated funds. Until the review is finalized, and communicated by Alberta Education, Black Gold School Division is  unclear what, if any, impact the new framework will have on Black Gold School Division’s Spring Budget. The funding framework may impact how funds will be allocated to certain programs such as our  Early Childhood Services. That being said, all the content in the Early Childhood Services Guide booklet, including what programs and services Black Gold School Division provides, where the programs are delivered, and who is eligible in terms of Pre-Kindergarten funding and programming, is subject to change in the Spring. As well, all  Early Childhood Services are reviewed by Black Gold School Division on an annual basis and are subject to change based on enrolment, space and program viability. The Division will continue to update this booklet and our website with any changes that occur to  Early Childhood Services. Be assured that Black Gold School Division is committed to providing your child a quality education, in a safe and caring environment now and well into the future.    Our Core VALUES Black Gold School Division (BGSD) is the seventh largest public school division in Alberta with approximately 12,000 students in 32 schools. Formed in 1995, BGSD has nearly 25 years of experience in “inspiring success” in our communities of Beaumont, Calmar, Devon, Leduc, New Humble, New Sarepta, Thorsby and Warburg. As a Division, we provide the highest possible standard of educational opportunities including a full inclusive education program, second language instruction, extensive Career and Technology Studies (CTS) programs, as well as specialized support and disabilities services to Grades 1 - 12, along with Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten. Every day our staff, composed of approximately 689 teachers, assistant principals and principals and 585 support staff, help to provide the highest possible standard of educational opportunities for students and create a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe environment. All our employees work to build capacity in schools and create exceptional learning environments for our schools, your children and the future. BGSD “inspires success” in every student by providing an environment where all students can achieve their highest potential and develop a love for life-long learning. For more information on the Division and our schools, visit: www.blackgold.ca. Student-Focused Learning Relationships Supportive Environment Passion Managing Resources Responsibly Welcome to Black Gold School division. Find Your School Readiness Programs Resources Registration School Fees Transportation After School Care Important Dates Kindergarten Info Nights 3 WWW.BLACKGOLD.CA Our Core Purpose And More! WHO WE ARE To Inspire Success. What's INSIDE The beginning of your child’s educational adventure is an exciting time for both children and families.  Black Gold School Division ,and all our schools, are here to help guide your family through this journey. Ensuring each child makes a successful transition from home to school, is an important goal for families, staff and the Division. This e-booklet is designed to help introduce families to our Early Child Services (Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten) programs and guide you through the initial registration process. This is just one way over the coming years we plan to work with you, in partnership, to ensure that your child grows and develops in a safe and caring environment, in order to reach his or her full potential. Our promise to you, is that, every day, Black Gold School Division will strive to create exceptional learning environments for our schools, your children and the future. Our goal is to “inspire success” in every student by providing an environment where all students can achieve their highest potential and develop a love for life-long learning. Your child's future begins here. We hope you are just as excited for the journey as we are! Black Gold School Division | www.blackgold.ca find your school BEAUMONT École Beau Meadow School: Grades Pre-K – 6  École Bellevue School: Grades Pre-K – 6 École Champs Vallée School: Grades Pre-K – 9  École Coloniale Estates School: Grades Pre-K – 6  École Dansereau Meadows School: Grades Pre-K – 9   CALMAR AND AREA Calmar Elementary School: Grades Pre-K – 6  New Humble Centre School: Grades 1 – 6  DEVON Robina Baker Elementary School: Grades Pre-K – 4   4 BGSD OUR EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES SCHOOLS  ( PROGRAMS LISTED ARE 2019-2020 & ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE) Every child enrolled in BGSD has a designated school. You can find your designated school by using  Black Gold's Bus Planner - School Eligiibility webpage. BGSD has designated boundaries for all schools. Boundaries help to ensure optimal student populations that support viable programming across the Division. Please be aware that school attendance boundaries can and do change to allow for the efficient utilization of school facilities and resources and to allow for effective program planning. Designated Schools Procedures As required by the School Act, the Board will designate schools which will accommodate students residing within defined geographical areas of the Division and/or students requiring particular instructional programs. The Superintendent will ensure that school designations remain current, are communicated to families and the public within the Division, and will establish and oversee administrative procedures to guide student relocations. The Division recognizes its obligation to accept as an enrolled student, a student residing outside a defined attendance area, if sufficient resources and facilities are available. Applying to a School That is Not Your Designated Location? Should a family wish to enrol their child in a school other than the designated school, the enrolment request will be considered a request to attend a school of choice. Acceptance to a school of choice will be based upon existing BGSD policy and procedures including availability or non-availability of space and resources. LEDUC Caledonia Park School: Grades K – 9  Covenant Christian School: Grades K – 9  East Elementary School: Grades Pre-K – 6  École Corinthia Park School: Grades Pre-K – 6 École Leduc Estates School: Grades K – 6  Linsford Park School: Grades Pre-K – 6 West Haven Public School: Grades K - 9 Willow Park School: Grades Pre-K – 6   NEW SAREPTA New Sarepta Elementary School: Grades K – 6   THORSBY Thorsby Elementary School: Grades Pre-K – 6  WARBURG Warburg School: Grades K – 12 If your child has   anxiety about   beginning this new journey, the following resource has many useful strategies and ideas to support you and your family: Separation Anxiety- A  Resource for Parents and Caregivers 5 WWW.BLACKGOLD.CA Determining if your child is ready to enrol into one of our Early Childhood Services programs (Pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten) may seem like a daunting task. Here are some tips to consider when deciding if your child is ready. Your child should be able to: Sit and listen to a story. Take direction from an adult other than a family member. Ask for help. Your child does not need to be able to print his/her name, know letters and numbers, or be able to read. These are all skills that the children work on during Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten. When making this decision, consider the readiness skills above, as well as: What are your child’s social skills like? Do they play well with peers? What is your child’s behaviour like? Can they handle frustration? What are your child’s communication skills like? Can they express themselves and be understood by others? What is your child’s maturity level? Many children are “young for their age” and may do better with waiting a year for Kindergarten. Readiness Purposeful, play-based early learning sets the stage for future learning, health, and well-being. Programs Online registration opens: MARCH 25, 2020 | 9:00 AM We offer Pre-Kindergarten programs in many of the communities in which we operate including Beaumont, Calmar, Devon, Leduc and Thorsby. In our play-based Pre-Kindergarten classes we believe: Partnerships are important in the education and development of children. In welcoming all children to a learning environment that recognizes unique emotional, social, physical and educational needs. All children can be successful learners when provided with a variety of positive learning experiences that include one-on-one instruction, small group and play activities. Peer learning is effective in a supportive environment. Our Pre-Kindergarten programs provide: Learning guided by a certificated teacher. Educational services in an inclusive Pre-Kindergarten setting. Small class size. Individualized program planning with parents to address each child’s needs. Specialized, intensive service in areas of special needs. Integrated and individual speech and language services. Access to Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Psychological Services. Regular parent contact and family-oriented programming sessions. Pre-Kindergarten CMEC Statement  on Play-Based Learning 6 BGSD 7 WWW.BLACKGOLD.CA LEDUC East Elementary School (includes West Haven Public School designated boundary) École Corinthia Park School  (includes Caledonia School designated boundary) Linsford Park School (includes École Leduc Estates School designated boundary) Willow Park School THORSBY AND AREA Thorsby Elementary School (includes Warburg School designated boundary) Pre-Kindergarten Eligibility Children may begin Pre-Kindergarten in a school within our Division in September if they are four (4) years of age as of December 31 of the respective school year. Children who qualify for Program Unit Funding (PUF) may qualify if they are three (3) years of age as of December 31 of the respective school year. 2019 – 2020 Pre-Kindergarten Programs (Subject to Change Based on Enrolment and Space) BEAUMONT École Beau Meadow School École Bellevue School École Champs Vallée School École Coloniale Estates School École Dansereau Meadows School CALMAR AND AREA Calmar Elementary School (includes New Humble Centre School designated boundary) DEVON Robina Baker Elementary School 8 BGSD Kindergarten Kindergarten Eligibility Under BGSD's Administrative Procedures, children may begin  Kindergarten in September if they are five (5) years of age as of December 31 of the respective school year. Children may begin Grade 1 in September if they are six (6) years of age by the end of the following February. Note-worthy resource: My Child's Learning: A Parent Resource We offer Kindergarten programs in the following communities: Beaumont, Calmar, Devon, Leduc,  New Sarepta, Thorsby, and Warburg. Many of our schools offer half-day Kindergarten programs, either in the morning or afternoon, with hours of operation varying from school to school. Others offer a full-day Kindergarten program, operating on alternating days. These are subject to change based on enrolment. Kindergarten is a wonderful way for your child to discover what school is like and to have fun while learning new things. In this exciting new community, children’s natural curiosity and eagerness to learn are structured through organized activities and purposeful play. Our Kindergarten programs build on what your child has already learned at home and in your community. Our programs allow children to explore and experiment with their surroundings and to learn how to interact with other children. Our Kindergarten programs offers many benefits, including: Further developed skills in language arts, math, social studies, science,  and the arts. Improved personal and social skills. Enhanced physical skills. 4 BGSD Online registration opens: January 22, 2020 | 9:00 AM Outside of Leduc or Beaumont? Your child may also access an Early French Immersion Program as a School of Choice student, meaning that they will attend a school that is not their designated school. Transportation may or may not be available and additional transportation fees may apply. In order attend a School of Choice, you must receive permission from the applicable school’s principal. You should also communicate directly with the BGSD Transportation Department regarding transportation options. MORE EARLY FRENCH IMMERSION INFORMATION 4 BGSD BEAUMONT FAMILY OF SCHOOLS École Beau Meadow School: Grades K – 6  École Bellevue School: Grades K – 6 École Champs Vallée School: Grades K – 9  École Coloniale Estates School: Grades K – 6 École Dansereau Meadows School: Grades K – 6 9 WWW.BLACKGOLD.CA What are the benefits for my child? According to Alberta Education’s French Immersion Kindergarten in Alberta: A Handbook For Parents, recent studies show that learning another language can not only have a positive impact on your child’s first language, but also that it actually enhances learning in all areas. Current research has shown that exposure to a second language can: enhance the complexity of a person’s first-language syntax; enhance their language-use skills (using narrative strategies, reading and writing in the first language, learning vocabulary); enhance non-linguistic skills in areas such as divergent thinking, metalinguistics, attitudes toward others and mathematics. After learning more than one language, your child will also have a greater ability to learn additional languages. Learning a Second Language with Black Gold School Division We offer Early French Immersion in our Beaumont and Leduc Family of Schools with the objective of providing full mastery of the English language, functional fluency in French, as well as an understanding and appreciation of the French culture. Our program is a highly effective way for students to become functionally fluent in French while achieving all of the objectives of a regular school program. The only difference is that they learn about math, health, science and social studies in French. In addition, they take French Language Arts. early French immersion (2019-2020) LEDUC FAMILY OF SCHOOLS École Corinthia Park School: Grades K – 6 École Leduc Estates School: Grades K – 6   The following schools offer Christian programming: Covenant Christian School Covenant Christian School partners with the Leduc Society for Christian Education to encourage the growth and development of the school in keeping with its mandate to provide Christ-centered education to its students.  Linsford Park School This non-denominational Christian program is based on the principles of the Logos program. Celebrations throughout the year such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter are celebrated as Christian celebrations. Devotions and a weekly chapel are an integral part of the program. Alternative programming 4 BGSD 10 BGSD Additional services 11 WWW.BLACKGOLD.CA We employ a multidisciplinary team comprised of Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Instructional Coaches and Educational Psychologists to provide support in our classrooms. We also work with outside agencies and private contractors to provide additional support on an as-needed basis. These external consultants have expertise in the following areas: adapted physical education; audiology; teacher of the deaf or hard of hearing; visual impairment/blindness; and psychology. Children with Special Needs Our Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Programs are inclusive programs for children who meet Alberta Education’s criteria for  Early Childhood Services Programming. Special Education Funding in ECS Program Unit Funding (PUF), in addition to Base Instruction Funding, is available for young children who are three (3) years of age as of December 31 of the respective school year but will be less than six (6) on September 1, 2020, and meet the criteria for PUF as laid out by Alberta Education. Children who have a Mild or Moderate delay, or are learning English as a Second Language (ESL) may qualify for special education funding in ECS if they are four (4) years old as of December 31 of the respective school year and will be less than six (6) on September 1, 2020. For more information about programming for children with special needs, please contact  Niki Gill, ECS Coordinator, Phone: 780-955-4534, Email: niki.gill@blackgold.ca. Definition of Terms - How do I know if my Child is Funded or Non Funded? A funded student would meet the criteria for Alberta Education Special needs funding for early intervention by having a mild, moderate or severe delay or diagnosis in: language development, motor development, deaf or hard of hearing, blind, or a diagnosed socio-emotional behavior disorder. They would receive this diagnosis from a qualified professional in that area and have a report and/or letter to support the diagnosis. ie. Speech-Language Pathologist, Psychologist, Geneticist, Glenrose composite report. etc. resources Important Note:   Seeing is important  for learning. Remember to have a comprehensive eye assessment/exam completed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist prior to entering Kindergarten. Eye See, Eye Learn provides a free pair of prescription glasses for eligible children.. 12 BGSD online  enrolment system We are pleased to announce that 2020 - 2021 Kindergarten registration will open January 22, 2020 | 9:00 a.m. 2020-2021 Pre-Kindergarten, registration will open March 25, 2020 | 9:00 a.m. Registration will be Processed Online All families will be asked to register their child online via PowerSchool Enrollment.  A paper copy of the registration form will not be available. What is PowerSchool Enrollment? PowerSchool Enrollment is our online enrolment system that replaces our annual paper registration packets, saving valuable time. This system is a secure process that allows the Division to verify all student information for every child prior to the start of the new school year. Limited Spots Please note, there are limited spots available in Pre-Kindergarten programs and we encourage families to register early to avoid disappointment. Also, we may not be able to accommodate your preference with Pre-Kindergarten or Kindergarten, depending on student enrolment and program viability. The online enrolment system will date/time stamp all registration in the system. Registration will be processed based on designated attendance boundaries and program viability. registration Troubleshooting If families are experiencing problems with logging in to register, they are encouraged to use PowerSchool Enrollment's Knowledge Base or contact support. If there are problems with understanding the online registration form itself, families are encouraged to contact their designated school directly for assistance. Reminders Regarding Registration All families will be asked to register their child online via PowerSchoolEnrollment. A paper copy of the registration form will not be available. Kindergarten Registration will open January 22, 2020 | 9:00 a.m. Pre-Kindergarten Registration will open March 25, 2020 | 9:00 a.m. A Common Resources Link to the registration page will be available on all our individual  Early Child Services school websites as well as the Division website Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten web pages. Families should ensure they select the 2020 - 2021 registration button and ensure they are using the correct registration year form. Any 2020 - 2021 registration entered into the 2019 - 2020 system will not be carried over and any registration entered prior to the January 22, 2020 | 9:00 a.m. opening date will not be processed.            How to Register Follow the link to the registration page. Families will create an account with PowerSchool Enrollment (this is not a PowerSchool Parent Portal account). Complete all the fields marked with a red asterisk. Once an account is created, a home screen will appear and you will have to "Start a New Form" to register your child. Selected "New Student Registration 2020-2021" and then start entering all your child’s registration information. If you have multiple ECS aged children, you will use the same account to register them. Don't Own a Computer? All schools will have a kiosk/chromebook available for families that do not have access to a computer or the internet. The PowerSchool Enrollment program is also mobile friendly, meaning that you can use your smartphone to register! 13 WWW.BLACKGOLD.CA If families are experiencing problems with logging in to register, they are encouraged to use PowerSchool Enrollment's Knowledge Base or contact support. If there are problems with understanding the online registration form itself, families are encouraged to contact their designated school directly for assistance. How to Register - Continued Follow the instructions online to complete the registration. Complete all the fields marked "required". The form will allow the family to choose their preferred program. Please note, we may not be able to accommodate your preference, depending on student enrolment and program viability. Registration cannot be completed at the school until all required documents have been provided to the school or uploaded. Birth certificates and citizenship documentation etc. can be uploaded via the online registration process (at the same time) or handed in at the school (by May 1, 2020). 14 BGSD Don't Own a Scanner? Bring your supporting documents into the school by April 28, 2017 to ensure your registration is complete. Alternatively, there are free Apps that will allow you to scan your documents on the go from your mobile phone or tablet and export them as JPEG or multipage PDF files. Check a few of these out: Google Drive for Android Scannable CamScanner Genius Scan (Fees shown below are 2019 - 2020 Fees  and are subject to change based on  the Board of Trustee approval and  Alberta Education fee regulations. school fees Rycor Fee Management - Online Fee Payments We use a fee management system called Rycor to streamline school and transportation fee payment processes for families and school administrators. Rycor is accessible through the PowerSchool Parent Portal. With a few simple mouse clicks families can view assessed fees, print receipts and account statements, and pay for all of their children in a single transaction. If you are a family, who has multiple children at multiple schools, they will all appear together under your account. What do you Need to use Rycor Fee Management System? You will need a PowerSchool Parent account. If you currently have an account, you will use the same username and password to login to the Rycor website. If you do not have a PowerSchool Parent account your school will provide you with information on how to set up an account. What are the Methods of Online Payment? You can pay with Visa, Visa Debit, MasterCard, and Interac Online Debit. What are the Costs Associated with Using Online Payments? When using Rycor, families will not be charged any  convenience or transaction fees. They will only be charged for the cost of  student fees. Which Fees can be Paid Online? BGSD instructional, option, field trips, sports, yearbook and transportation  fees are all examples of fees that can be paid online. Funded No fees will be assigned. Non-Funded  $800 - All BGSD Communities (Except Thorsby) $500 - Thorsby Elementary School *Pre-Kindergarten Monthly Payment Plan Option Available* $80 monthly payments from September - June (sign up in August). Kindergarten We charge a variety of fees to provide quality programs and services for students. All fees are reviewed by the Board of Education in the spring for the next school year and are subject to change based on  Board approval and Alberta Education fee regulations. 15 WWW.BLACKGOLD.CA Note-worthy resources: Acorn Online Payment Parent User Guide Pre-Kindergarten Payment Plan  Parent Guide $80 ECS Enhanced PROGRAM FEE *Applies to all Kindergarten students and is for the services, supports and materials that are not required to meet the core learning outcomes at a basic level but that are provided to enhance the student's learning opportunities. Examples may include curricular field trips, cultural activities and nutrition.   Pre-Kindergarten What is PowerSchool? PowerSchool is a web-based software application that allows teachers, families and school administrators to track and share information about students. Our schools use PowerSchool to manage student data such as grades and attendance and communicate with families regarding the school calendar, supply lists, etc.  Families can view their child’s information by logging into their PowerSchool account. Securing a PowerSchool Account If you do not have a PowerSchool Parent account, please contact your school for information on how to set up an account. Beginning agust 2020 How do I use Rycor Online Payments? Visit the Black Gold School Division website at www.blackgold.ca. On the right hand side of the page, under Quick Links, click on “PowerSchool – Parent/Student Connect”. Log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Click on the link ‘Student Fees and Forms’ in the sidebar navigation menu. Review your child’s fees. Add any additional items to your shopping cart. Checkout and pay for student fees. Paying Offline You may choose to pay fees for your child offline. This can be done via cheque at your child's school in September. If you wish to pay offline, you must still create a PowerSchool Parent Portal - please ensure your child's data is correct in the account prior to payment. Paying offline with the Pre-Kindergarten Payment Plan Option will require 1st of the month post-dated cheques from September - June. 16 BGSD Pay fees online 17 WWW.BLACKGOLD.CA AS of June 1, 2020 transportation Did you know? There is a $512 fine, victim surcharge &  6 demerits for passing the school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended. Pay fees online For more information on transportation visit: www.blackgold.ca/schools/transportation Black Gold School Division successfully transports over 4,000 students on 78 bus routes to and from 32 schools, 182 days per year. This makes us extremely proud as safety is our number one priority! Is Transportation Provided for Kindergarten Students? Kindergarten students follow the regular BGSD Transportation policy and procedures. We provide student bus services to Kindergarten students who reside more than 2.4 kilometers from their designated school site. Transportation may also be provided to students living less than 2.4 kilometers from their designated school, as well as students attending a school/program of choice. Families must contact the Transportation Department to determine if this is a possibility. It should be noted if the Kindergarten Program is a half-day program, there is no busing available for noon hour, at the end of the morning program, or at the beginning of the afternoon program. When families register online, they will be able to add transportation to their cart. Prior to August 15, Kindergarten bus passes will be mailed home. After August 15, bus passes will be available for pick up at their school once the new school year has started. All Kindergarten students must have a bus pass to access transportation. Is Transportation Provided for Pre-Kindergarten Students? We do not provide transportation for Pre-Kindergarten students. 18 BGSD Eligible Students Reside more than 2.4 kms from their designated school including rural students. Fee listed below. Ineligible Students reside less than 2.4 kms from their designated school. Fee listed below. BGSD cannot claim these students for transportation funding. School of Choice Transportation School of Choice transportation may be available in some cases and can only be confirmed by contacting the Transportation Department. An ineligible fee will apply, and meeting a bus may be required. Noon hour transportation is not available. 2.4 Km Distance per Alberta Education funding parameters, 2.4 km is the shortest distance from the student’s residence to the designated school (includes walkways, sidewalks, ditches, parkways, roadways, etc.). BGSD has an electronic routing system (accurate to within a metre) to determine distance eligibility. Driving a vehicle will not show the correct distance from the residence to the school. NOTE: Whenever new walkways, subdivisions or roads are built or connected, it will change the 2.4 kms distances to some areas depending upon the shortest pathway to the school. transportation fees School Bus Fees 2019-2020 fees are listed.  Fees are subject to review by the Board of Trustees.  2020-2021 fees will be posted once they are approved. Total Cost  Per Student Basic Bus Fee Max. Per Family Eligible Students Grades K – 12 who reside greater than 2.4 km home to school attending their Designated School. TBD TBD Ineligible Students Grades K – 12 who reside less than 2.4 km home to  Designated School. $330 $785 Grades K – 12 Students attending School/Program of Choice (students attending their non-designated school based on their residence). These students must contact the Transportation Department to determine if it is a possibility. An ineligible fee will apply and the student may be required to meet a bus within the designated attendance area. $330 $785 * There is an additional fee of $11 for a replacement student bus pass. Cards are available at Division Office in Nisku. transportation eligibility terms 19 WWW.BLACKGOLD.CA Diane Miles Administrative Assistant - Transportation Phone: 780-955-6048 Email: diane.miles@ blackgold.ca Sue Timmermans Transportation Manager Phone: 780-955-6034 Email: sue.timmermans@ blackgold.ca Important Transportation Contacts Families that are eligible for transportation will be prompted by email to pay their transportation fees starting June 1, 2020. To pay Transportation Fees (starting June 1, 2020): Login to PowerSchool Parent Portal. As of June 1, 2020, you may add the bus fee to your  cart and pay online. The balance of the transportation fees can be paid  in installments up to February 1st of the next year. Once your transportation fee is paid, the department  will contact you with bus pass information.  Note: We strongly recommend you pay before  June 30, 2020.  After August 15, Kindergarten students will  pick their bus pass up at their school. Please add your caregiver arrangements, if this applies. Please Note the Following Regarding  Urban (in-town busing): Transportation is not door-to-door but stops are  pre-determined and students are required to be at the stop five minutes ahead of the allocated stop time. Parents are responsible for supervision at the bus stop. If students are not at the stop, the driver will assume the student is not attending or a family member is taking the student to school. As the driver will not know if the student has been picked up by a family member due to appointments or other reasons, they will not be aware of who is riding home until the students get on the bus. Therefore, students are responsible to get to their bus after school and will be assisted by their teachers. At the end of the day, a parent or guardian is to meet the child at the bus stop. Where will my Child will Catch the Bus? There is a link on the back of each bus pass for the parent/guardian to log in to see busing information. After Hours  Emergency Busing Information: Phone: 587-599-4357 Bus Passes and GPS All school buses operating for BGSD are equipped with GPS and student bus passes. GPS allows BGSD to provide another method of accountability and timeliness. Bus passes assist BGSD with ensuring the safety of its student riders. To make certain your child is accounted for, please have them tap their bus pass when entering and exiting the bus. They will hear an audible beep to confirm they have tapped. important dates January 22, 2020 | 9:00 a.m. Kindergarten online registration opens. March 25, 2020 | 9:00 a.m. Pre-Kindergarten online registration opens. May 1, 2020 Please have all your supporting documents into the school by May 1, 2020 to ensure your registration is complete. June 1, 2020 Online transportation payment system opens. June 1, 2020 Recommended date to have your bus pass payment completed in order to receive your bus pass prior to the start of school (transportation available to Kindergarten only). August/September Schools will contact families prior to the start of the school year with information on class placement and entry dates and times (this may occur during the summer months). Schools may also contact families prior to this time if additional information or action is required. Please note: class placement and/or entry dates are subject to change based on enrolment and needs. For further information, please contact your school. 20 BGSD In the spring, many of our Early Child Services schools will host a Kindergarten Information Session. It's an opportunity for families and children to tour the school, meet the teachers, and learn more about the program. Kindergarten information  Day/nights School Name Information Date Time School Phone Caledonia Park School TBD TBD 780-986-7888 Calmar Elementary School June 5, 2020 10:00 - 11:00 AM &  1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 780-985-2228 Covenant Christian School April 22, 2020 7:00 - 7:45 PM 780-986-8353 East Elementary School August 27, 2020 6:00 PM 780-986-8421 ees.blackgold.ca/programs/Kindergarten/ gail.plitt@blackgold.ca École Beau Meadow School June 3, 2020 TBD 780-929-2175 ebms.blackgold.ca kl.hickman@blackgold.ca École Bellevue School January 8, 2020 February 19, 2020 10:15 - 11:15 AM 6:00 - 6:30 PM 780-929-8663 ebs.blackgold.ca jennifer.elkhatib@blackgold.ca École Champs Vallée School TBD TBD 780-929-8888 ecvs.blackgold.ca patrick.gamache@blackgold.ca École Coloniale Estates School TBD TBD 780-929-5904 eces.blackgold.ca matthew.kierstead@blackgold.ca École Corinthia Park School TBD TBD 780-986-8404 ecps.blackgold.ca jackie.swinamer@blackgold.ca École Dansereau Meadows School TBD TBD 780-929-1928 edms.blackgold.ca laura.crawley@blackgold.ca École Leduc Estates School June 25, 2020 9:30 AM 780-986-6750 eles.blackgold.ca/parents/registration/ jody.jones@blackgold.ca Linsford Park School TBD TBD 780-986-8474 lps.blackgold.ca ann.oppermann@blackgold.ca New Sarepta Elementary School April 8, 2020 TBD 780-941-3927 nses.blackgold.ca/programs/Kindergarten/ tammie.pedersen@blackgold.ca Please bring child's birth certificate when you come. Robina Baker Elementary School TBD TBD 780-987-3705 rbes.blackgold.ca kathy.kloschinsky@blackgold.ca Thorsby Elementary School TBD TBD 780-789-3776 tes.blackgold.ca raylene.jubinville@blackgold.ca Warburg School TBD 7:00 PM 780-848-2822 ws.blackgold.ca leanne.tessier@blackgold.ca West Haven Public School April 8, 2020 10:00 - 11:00 AM 780-986-5991 whps.blackgold.ca sandy.musteca@blackgold.ca Kindergarten children are welcome to attend this event with their parents. Willow Park School June 3, 2020 10:00 - 11:00 AM 780-986-8456 wps.blackgold.ca rhonda.brunken@blackgold.ca Drop in orientation morning for parents and students. Website/Link Email Other cps.blackgold.ca werner.fisher@blackgold.ca ces.blackgold.ca lena.newton@blackgold.ca ccs.blackgold.ca donavin.simmons@blackgold.ca Division Office:  3rd Floor, 1101—5th Street Nisku, Alberta T9E 7N3  Telephone: 780.955.6025  Email: bgsd@blackgold.ca Inspiring Success since 1995 Real heroes don't wear capes,  THEY TEACH.