Happenings
September 2 (No School - Labour Day)
September 3: Day 2 (All students)
September 5 (6-7pm): CSSI and ACCESS parents only: Meet at Branton School the Admin and Teachers (Doors will open at 5:40pm.
September 5: Picture Day
Personal Device and Social Media Use
As you may have already heard, CBE is implementing restrictions on Personal Mobile Device & Social Media Use in Schools effective Aug. 29. This policy will comply with the Ministerial Order provided by the Government of Alberta this past June based on survey feedback provided by families.
CBE cares about the mental health and well-being of students. Restricting access to personal mobile devices and social media is expected to improve student achievement and learning outcomes. CBE strongly recommends students simply leave their devices at home, because in most cases, personal mobile devices are not needed to support student learning.
For students in kindergarten to Grade 9, CBE will use ‘away for the day’ guidelines similar to what many schools have been using in recent years. Personal mobile devices brought to school including cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, laptops, smart watches, Bluetooth speakers/headphones or any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate with or access the internet must be powered off or set in silent mode and stored out of sight in student lockers, backpacks or other designated area for the duration of the school day.
If a student is found to be using a personal mobile device in class without permission from the teacher, the CBE will work with the student to ensure the rules are understood. We rely on good communication and other existing processes to ensure
students know what is expected. When necessary, schools will use a progressivestudent discipline approach in working with students.
These new rules will apply to all students, with exceptions for students using devices for health and medical needs, to support specialized learning needs and for educational purposes.
For students who require access to a personal mobile device for health and medical needs, it is advised that parents complete and submit a Student Health Plan as soon as possible or contact Ms. Shanna Corning (slcorning@cbe.ab.ca)
For students who require access to a personal mobile device to support an identified educational need, families should contact the school to discuss this being included as an accommodation or support in the student’s individual program plan (IPP).
For English as an Additional Language Learners who require access to a personal mobile device, a new PMD Exception form will be approved by School Administration in conversation with parents/guardians.
Also, aligned with the Ministerial Order, the CBE will restrict student access to all known social media platforms on the CBE network.
This policy will be in place for the first day of school. However, it is set to be reviewed in December, 2024. At that time, any feedback from schools will be considered before the Administrative Regulation is finalized as of Jan. 1, 2025.
Thank you for helping us to make this transition successful. For further resources, please view additional information on our website.
Welcome Message
Have you missed the welcoming letter sent to parents on August 22, 2024? Here is the link to get access to this important information we shared with all our parents.
Important Information Regarding Homeroom Assignments
I hope this message finds you well as we begin another exciting school year at Branton. I want to take a moment to address a few questions and concerns regarding homeroom assignments for this year.
Our team of teachers devoted considerable time and effort last June to thoughtfully create balanced class lists for the school year. With an increase in student enrollment this year, we carefully considered various factors, including academic needs, social dynamics, and individual student qualities, to ensure that each homeroom provides a supportive and effective learning environment.
Given the higher number of students this year, I want to clarify that homeroom changes will only be considered for exceptional circumstances. We understand that some students may feel initial discomfort being separated from their close friends, but we believe this can also be an opportunity for growth, new friendships, and a broader learning experience.
Please rest assured that there are many opportunities throughout the day for students to interact with friends outside their homeroom, including during break times, physical education, and enrichment classes. Additionally, if you have concerns about your child’s adjustment to their homeroom, our resource teacher, Ms. Corning, is available to meet with students to provide additional support and guidance.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we strive to create a positive and inclusive environment for all students. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Terry Fox Day – Sept. 20
This year, we will be conducting our Terry Fox Run on the morning of Sept. 20th. From the beginning of period 2 until nutrition break (9-10:30am), the students will be engaged in a walk/run in the community along the same route as past years. We are looking for PARENT VOLUNTEERS to be stationed at corners/road crossings to help ensure the safety of our students as well as reduce any confusion students may have about where to go. If you can help us out by volunteering, please contact Judd Casper - jocasper@cbe.ab.ca.
In addition to the traditional walk/run, Terry Fox Day will be our first Spirit Day of the year! Students are asked to wear the following colors depending on their grade: 6 – Purple, 7 – Blue, 8 – Red, 9 – Green. In the second half of the day, we will be having our first DANCE of the school year. The Dance will run after the nutrition break until the end of the day (11:15am-12:45pm). Along with the dance, there will be alternate activities available around the school as well.
Are you Driving your Kids to School?
PLEASE take your time, slow down and remember playground zones are all year.
We are asking parents to not park where it's prohibited during drop off and pickup times, and to avoid blocking crosswalks and driveways (Merci!)
Cafeteria Menu
SEe our cafeteria and menu page.
Fun Lunches are Coming
The first Fun Lunch is Coming Thursday Sept. 26. from Panago Pizza. We will be looking for Volunteers. Please follow the link for Volunteers. You can place your order through Healthy Hunger Link Order Food.
Upcoming dates are as follows: Thursday Oct. 24 - Subway Thursday Nov. 21 - Opa Thursday Dec. 17 - Banzai
Cross Country
All students interested MUST attend a Mandatory Meeting in the GYM Tuesday Sept 3 at 12:10 PM. Don't be late.
Forms will be emailed to all parents. Please complete and return at the beginning of the week if interested in the cross country team.
