MHPSD hosts second annual learning expo at Hat High

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 16, 2025.

news@medicinehatnews.com

Hundreds of families, parents and guardians had the opportunity to speak with educators and staff while discovering programs and educational opportunities offered by Medicine Hat Public School Division during its second annual exhibition of learning held at Medicine Hat High School.

The event is timed to align with student registration that begins online Feb. 4.

Wednesday’s open house featured several displays and exhibits promoting educational opportunities, as well as presentations from teachers who were able to answer any questions from parents with students planning to enrol in public schools in the city’s south zone next fall.

“So for parents who are looking to decide which school they’d like to attend, they can meet a whole bunch of people here all at once tonight,” explains Corey Sadlemyer, associate superintendent of learning. “And if they’re in one of those transition years, from Grade 6 to Grade 7, or Grade 9 to Grade 10, it’s a great chance to connect with their next school.”

Displays at the learning exhibition showcased included ESL programming, family school liaison workers and First Nations supports.

MHPSD says it drew front past success during its inaugural school-wide expo held last year and use that experience to improve communication with parents.

“I would say there’s certainly a lot more kind of hands on things that you can do,” says Sadlemyer. “They have questions that are set up at the table around inquiries that they do with their school, or questions that they want to promote people to ask.”

Visitors could also fill out passports by visiting booths of each school tol be entered to win an iPad or Chromebook.

Crescent Heights High School is hosting its expo today, including all schools in the city’s north zone, from 6-7:30 p.m.

A full list of north-side public schools can be found on the MHPSD website under the ‘Division News’ tab.

Subsidized childcare

Similar to a recent account made by the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education, public schools will also offer subsidized rates available for the Play & Learn program, allowing families to access childcare at a significantly reduced rate next fall.

Licensing the division’s current Play & Learn program will allow it to qualify for the Child Care Affordability Grant, which provides an automatic deduction on fees.

Some families who qualify may end up with no costs to enrol their children in the programming.

Once a child is old enough to begin kindergarten at age five, those students will have access to a full day of learning and childcare available at the subsidized rate. There is no fee to attend kindergarten in the province.

“By creating the best learning space, we can step in early to help your child’s brain grow strong. Our students have a blast while they learn,” states an online announcement. “They play, imagine, make a little mess, get active and explore together. Play & Learn gives children in kindergarten the opportunity to learn through play, all day.”

More details are expected soon.

Talent expo

Students enrolled in the Fine Arts department at Medicine Hat High School will showcase their talents across various disciplines tonight at 6 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building.

The community is invited to take in performances and exhibits by students in guitar, band, art, audio engineering, drama and digital art.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their creativity, dedication and hard work,” states a promotional ad.

The Learning Expo runs 6-8 p.m.

50/50 Fundraiser

Sales for MHPSD’s annual 50/50 ticket draw end today, and a winner will be announced Friday.

The fundraiser has in the past helped support the purchase of innovative educational projects, including the River Heights School outdoor classroom, Dr. Ken Sauer School playground and the Crestwood STEM School library renovations.

Last-minute tickets can be purchased online, a link can be found by visiting the Medicine Hat Public School Division Facebook page.

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