Additional Learning Supports for Fort McMurray Catholic Schools Students
(Fort McMurray, AB, January 28, 2022) Fort McMurray Catholic Schools is pleased to announce additional learning support for students in grades 1-3. This has been made possible through Alberta Education’s Learning Disruption Grant.
Fort McMurray Catholic Schools received an initial grant of $313,110 and must use the funding for programming in grades 2 and 3. Additional funding is expected in February to expand support to grade 1 students. Early research indicates younger children are experiencing the most challenges in the areas of literacy and numeracy as the result of the pandemic.
Beginning this month, a range of literacy and numeracy initiatives will be undertaken across the division. “We appreciate the funding provided by Alberta Education as we navigate the various learning disruptions that our younger students have experienced throughout the last two years,” commented Superintendent George McGuigan.
Classroom teachers have been using a number of assessment tools throughout the school year to identify students that could benefit from additional support. A team of five teachers has been hired to provide targeted assistance to students in all division schools. As well, classroom teachers will receive additional professional development, resources, and time to work with students.
“We want to commend our classroom teachers for their commitment to their vocation. They have done outstanding work to meet the needs of our students and they continue to make this their number one priority as they contend with the ever-changing nature of this pandemic,” continued McGuigan.
In total, approximately 500 students in grades 2 and 3 have been identified to receive support. School administrators are connecting directly to the families of these students as programming gets underway.