It was great to hear many students telling stories of Thanksgiving adventures, many of which included a big family meal! It is nice to know that families are taking time to be together and celebrate the season by giving thanks.  Speaking of being thankful, AMPA has a beautiful message of thanks to all who supported their casino fundraiser, which can be read below.  

A Thank You Message from AMPA 
AMPA would like to thank the parents and community members who were able to volunteer their time for this year's Casino event. This is the biggest fundraiser our school has, and it happens every 18 - 24 months. This money goes directly into providing residencies (we have 6 this year!), new technology, covering bussing fees for field trips, books, new gym equipment, the list goes on and on. 

A BIG Thank You to: Tareq & Sara Baker, Niall & Sarah Murdoch, Maria Webster, Hope Lewis, Samantha Currie, Sabrina Adams, Wanda Roberts, Sophie Chen, David Klassen, Haina Lin, Clementine Calmets, Sasha & Brian Hadford, Flynn Hadford. Tammi & Jayson Roland, Jacqueline & Jeff Belcher, Jacqueline Mac, Lori Faulk, David & Natasha Nystrom, Katrina Smith, Jennifer Cann, Joanne Hall, Melvin Schultz, Cory Schlag, Eunice Mahinda, Colin Pratt, Sarah Philmeau, Marlene McNeil, Kateryna Skyrda. 

We couldn't have done this without every single one of you. Your time is greatly appreciated. 

Picture Retakes | October 21  
*IMPORTANT* Please let your child’s teacher know by email or phone if you would like picture retakes taken for your child on the morning of Monday, October 21. 

AMPA Hosted Family Halloween Dance | Oct. 24 | 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Sensory Friendly 6:30pm-7pm) 
AMPA has planned a fantastic family night out for Halloween fun. Costumes are encouraged! Especially for the adults. The first 30mins of the dance (6:30-7:00 pm) will be sensory friendly with lower volume music and regular lighting. Also, this year AMPA will be offering a quieter activity area in the school Learning Commons during the regular Halloween dance hours. Snacks and juice will be available for purchase. Parents are required to attend with their children.  Due to liability requirements, students without parental supervision will not be allowed to attend the dance. Click here  to view the poster advertising this exciting event. 

Orange and Black Day | October 31 
Students are invited to wear orange and black to school on October 31. There will be no costumes allowed at school on October 31 (save this excitement for the evening trick or treating). Halloween is a regular learning day at school and the focus will continue to be on academics, however the day may include some Halloween themed activities. If your child would like to wear a costume to school this will only be allowed during the Halloween dance on October 24 (see event details above). 

Fall Naturalization Area/Garden Clean up (this Saturday 1-3pm!) 
On Saturday October 19 from 1-3 pm come enjoy a family afternoon in the naturalization space. Make your own bone meal and help us fertilize the plants for fall. Save your turkey bones, coffee grounds and eggshells if you have any! Hot chocolate to follow 

Please Check your MYCBE Account 
As we settle into the new school year there are some important housekeeping items that are required from our families, all of which can be completed via your MYCBE account.  These include completing the yearly verification of your child’s demographic and contact information, ensuring your child is registered in the lunchroom program, as well as ensuring all outstanding fees are paid and up to date.  Thank you for attending to these important housekeeping items, especially the verification process as Alberta Education requires that all our information is updated and current as of Oct 31st. 

Toys, Cards (Pokémon), Fidget Tools, and Key Chain Charms 
A number of students have started to bring toys, cards and other personal items to school. Bringing personal items to school often create a distraction to the learning environment and can lead to peer conflict.  Please support our teachers and staff by ensuring that your children are not bringing in personal items to school.  If any personal items are required for projects or classroom learning, the teachers will communicate this through email or their Google classrooms. If sensory or fidget tools are required as an accommodation for learning, the teacher will either provide these for your child or will directly consult with you to arrange the bringing in and appropriate expectations of how and when to use these tools.  Please do not let your child bring in any personal items unless you have been contacted by their teacher. 

Bottle Drive Fridays 
Just like last year you can donate your refundable bottles to AMPA by dropping them off at the front of the school (by the free little library) every Friday.  Our goal this year is to raise $1750 through our bottle drive Fridays. 

Safety Patrols 
Our Grade 5 and 6 students started patrolling the crosswalk on 78th Ave this week.  Thank you, parents, and students for using the crosswalk when crossing the street. 

Upcoming Dates 
October 18 – Early Dismissal 1:15pm 
October 18 – PM Kindergarten Attend 
October 19 – Fall Naturalization Area and Garden Clean Up 1-3pm 
October 21 – Picture Retakes
October 22 – Fun Lunch (Coco Brooks) 
October 24 – AMPA Halloween Family Dance – 6:30pm-8:30pm 
October 25 – Non-Instructional Day – No School for Students 
November 1 – Early Dismissal 1:15pm 
November 1 – AM Kindergarten Attend