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DVSS adds staff, expands programs as school year nears

DVSS building

As the time for backpacks, pencils and school bells nears, Drumheller Valley Secondary School Principal Curtis LaPierre, sits at his desk organizing Grade 10 schedules and that of four new teachers for the upcoming year.

Even though it is a vigorous task, he remains optimistic about the next school year.

“The beginning of every school year is about fresh starts and new beginnings, for staff, for students, for everybody. In that tone, everybody is coming back fully rested, their stress levels for the most part is fairly low. Every one is full of juice to get going again,” says LaPierre, now in his seventh year as principal of DVSS.

This year, Drumheller Valley Secondary School enrollment is projected to be around 450 students from grades 7 to 12. Also expected are approximately 55 international students.

“The Golden Hills School Division (GHSD) is experiencing a bit of a surge of international students. They were experiencing a bit of a downturn in the last three or four years because of the world economy scenario, so things are looking up in that department,” he said.

The school is also welcoming four new teachers to their staff. Evan McClure, Robert Mectalpe, Nicole Leggoet, and Bailey Campbell will be joining the staff at Drumheller Valley Secondary School.

“Evan McClure is originally from Calgary, he is coming from up north to be here and has three years senior high English teaching experience and will be taking over Mrs. Hemming’s senior high English class,” says LaPierre.

Also joining the staff is Robert Mectalpe, who is a first year teacher and is taking over Knowledge and Employability class, Special Education, and German.

“Bailey Campbell is a first year Sr. High Science and Math teacher. She has been teaching in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta for the last year and a half, which is a fly-in native community. She will be the lead teacher at our Outreach School. Her knowledge of math and science is something we are in need of at the Outreach,” says LaPierre.

Nicole Leggoet is a first year Science teacher and will be taking over junior high Math Science and Computer class.

“We have some great people coming in and I am very excited about it,” says LaPierre.

A new program at DVSS is emerging. Students are now able to earn 25 high school credits as well as a post secondary certification as a Health Care Aide. The high school is also focusing on expanding other classes.

“Our computer sciences classes are expanding more in terms of coding and our digital media is still ongoing, focusing on digital animation. We also have our multi language program, where kids can choose what language they would like to study. We are also still offering French and German classes to students.”

The school will continue with annual events such as the Terry Fox Run, the Seniors Dinner, and leadership camps.

“This year we are doing an extra big push on digital citizenship and mental health. We are also bringing the RCMP in to warn students about the use of fentanyl,” he said.

Lapierre remains optimistic about the upcoming year.

“I think the school year is going to go as it has in previous years. It is going to go great,” chuckles LaPierre.

The first day of school is on Thursday, September 1.

Get ready to Stuff that Bus

stuff the bus horizontal

Securing enough resources for back-to-school season can be tough for families on a shoestring budget in these tough times. Pens, paper, backpacks, new clothes all seem to be September necessities, but continually topping the shopping lists of parents at this summer's close will be food to fuel their kids’ minds while they learn.

That’s where Stuff that Bus comes in.

The annual end-of-summer food drive returns to Drumheller on Thursday, August 25, 2016, from 10 am to 3 pm at the ATB parking lot, and The Salvation Army will again be looking for Drumheller to support the community's members

“Our big food drives for the year are in November and December,” says Drumheller officer Jennifer Hillier, “so the biggest stretch for us without a food drive is January to the end of summer. We’re continually in need of resources, and we tend to run low on supplies, so we’re looking forward to Stuff that Bus and for the community to come out and support their neighbours.”

“Gearing up for back-to-school time can be a stressful time for families – it can be a drain on resources to purchase everything you need, so we certainly see families show up at the food bank looking for support.”

Hillier says last year The Salvation Army saw a huge increase in demand, which has since levelled out, but it’s a continual struggle stocking the shelves for individuals who just can’t make it independently.

“The last few years have been a struggle for people throughout the province,” said Hillier.

“What we’re seeing now is a typical pattern of need for the food bank. We would love to work ourselves out of a job and not have a need for the food bank, so anytime we see a decrease in need is good news for us.”

She says there’s a demand for kid-friendly, non-perishable items like granola bars, pudding, fruit cups, cookies, and crackers throughout the year, but the school year boosts the need for these items.

Organizer Shannon Wade said the focus of this particular drive, which aims to fill a school bus full of goodies, is on students.

“We’re trying to promote getting things kids will need so they have good, healthy lunches and can function at school. It doesn’t have to be breakfast stuff – they will still have to eat suppers, too. We promote the back-to-school thing to make sure they’re eating well,” Wade said.

For every pound of food donated, Encana will donate $2, or $1 for every $1 donated up to $5,000. Cash donations are also accepted and will be exchanged for a charity receipt.

“Cash is just as good as groceries if they prefer,” said Wade. “That way, The Salvation Army can go get whatever they need off of the store shelves."

Town tackles Highway 9 meridians

meridian

The Town of Drumheller is continuing its project to beautify the entrances and boulevards of the community, this week tackling a median near Western Chevrolet on Highway 9 South.

These meridians will be getting a makeover with stamped and coloured concrete design, with planters on the median, likely to be installed this spring.

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