Community Current: September 2026
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Welcome to the FSD Community Current — your connection to recent news and stories from the Foothills School Division.
We are wrapping up the first month of school (for those into Math that’s 1/10 or 10% of the school year is complete!) and there is a lot of exciting learning happening across the division. Read on to take a peek into what’s happening and be sure to stay informed and get all the news from FSD and your child’s school by downloading the free FSD app.
Important Dates
September 30 | National Day for Truth & Reconciliation |
October 1 | Students’ Matters |
October 12 | Thanksgiving Day |
October 19 | Non-Instructional Day |
November 9 - 13 | Fall Break Schools are closed |
Subscribe to the division or school calendar and never miss an important day — the 2026–2027 Instructional Calendar, Kindergarten Calendar, and System Calendar are all posted at our website.
🔗 View the Instructional Calendar
Keeping an eye on: Bus Route Cancellations
We know that bus route cancellations can be an inconvenience for our families who rely on transportation services.
FSD owns and operates its fleet of buses that run 75 routes with a roster of over 80 trained drivers. When illness or other leaves happen, we rely on our spare drivers to jump in and keep the school day running smoothly (thank you, bus drivers!). At times we have more routes than available drivers, which results in route cancellations. We don't like it either.
Recruiting and training new drivers is a part of Foothills School Division’s service commitment, and we are actively training new drivers. If you are interested in rewarding part-time work, keep reading to see how you can get behind the wheel of an FSD bus!
Building Meaningful Learning Experiences
Foothills School Division continues to support its teachers with the implementation of Alberta Education and Childcare revised curriculum.
This summer, 15 teachers and school leaders from across Foothills School Division came together as part of FSD’s Summer Curriculum Design Team to create engaging resources. The team developed practical, ready-to-use learning materials that help students think critically, make real-world connections, and deepen their understanding of key concepts.
Read at our website how students may participate in a special FSD edition of The Amazing Race that transforms Grade 4 social studies into a year-long learning adventure. Designed with both students and teachers in mind, the resources support meaningful learning while giving teachers flexibility to meet the needs of their classrooms. This collaborative work reflects FSD’s commitment to providing engaging learning experiences that help every student flourish.
For families, this means classrooms are focused on engaging learning experiences that encourage students to apply their knowledge, collaborate with others, and connect learning to real-world situations.
Learn more: FSD advances new curriculum by building meaningful learning for students
Be Career Ready with Off-Campus Learning
What if you could step into your future career, before graduation?
For many Foothills School Division students in grades 10 through 12, that question is answered with off-campus learning.
With work experience, certification, and trades training opportunities across the region, FSD students connect classroom learning to the real world. Read the full story at our website to see how off-campus learning helps students discover where their interests, talents, and goals can take them.
Learn more: Beyond the Classroom: How Off Campus Learning helps you discover what’s next
Get Behind the Wheel of our School Bus!
FSD Transportation Services is hosting a "Test Drive Our School Bus" event on October 19. Community members with a valid class 5 licence can meet transportation staff, learn about school bus driving as a career, and even take a supervised drive.
This event may be of interest to parents, retirees, entrepreneurs, or anyone looking for part-time employment that aligns with the school calendar. Get all the details and behind the wheel at our website: https://www.foothillsschooldivision.ca/test-drive-our-school-bus
Did you know?
FSD Transportation Services are part of our valued team. FSD hires and trains our own bus drivers to make sure every ride is safe and a positive part of the school day.
FSD maintains its fleet of buses too. Learn more on October 19th when you test drive our school bus!
From the Board Table
At September's Board meetings, trustees received updates focused on student learning, curriculum implementation, and the work underway to support successful learning experiences across Foothills School Division.
In a shared message, Trustees welcomed students and staff back for a new school year and reaffirmed their commitment to creating conditions where every learner can flourish.
Trustees are involved in your child's school through School Council meetings, events, and at the Board Table. Learn more about the governance work of Trustees at our website and through these resources:
🔗 Footnotes for September 2026
🔗 View Meeting Agendas and Minutes
FYI: Literacy and Numeracy Screening
This fall, schools will begin literacy and numeracy screening for students in grade 1 through grade 5, as required by Alberta Education and Childcare. The purpose of screening is to identify learning needs early and ensure students receive support when needed. These screenings are not graded tests and are not used for report card marks. Instead, they provide educators with additional information to help guide instruction and supports for students.
Parents can expect:
- Information from their school about when screening will take place
- Communication about their child's results
- Follow-up conversations if additional supports are recommended
- Ongoing updates regarding student progress
Schools use screening results alongside classroom observations and other assessments to develop the most appropriate supports for each learner.
Learn more: Literacy & Numeracy Screening
Stay Informed
The best way to stay informed is through our website and emails. Throughout the year, we'll continue sharing stories of student learning, upcoming opportunities, and ways families can stay engaged in their child's education.
Visit: FSD News
Stay Connected
Email: communications@fsd38.ab.ca
Foothills School Division | 129 4th Avenue SW, PO Box 5700, High River, AB T1V 1M7 | (403) 652-3001
We honour the spirit, life, and lessons this land and its ancestors teach us. We acknowledge the traditional land and territories of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, Tsuut’ina, and Îyârhe Nakoda as well as the Foothills District and the Rocky View District within the Battle River Territory of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of Alberta.
