2008 Hot News

February 8, 2008

ASBA hosts symposium re achievement for First Nations, Metis and Inuit students
Dr. Eric Newell will chair the ASBA’s Closing the Gaps symposium which will focus on improving achievement for Alberta’s First Nations, Metis and Inuit students. The symposium will run April 13 to April 15 in Kananaskis. Watch the website for more information. Contact .

Education in the news
See the ASBA website for media stories about education. This week’s headlines include:

Lethbridge Public consults community
Lethbridge School District No. 51 hosts a town hall meeting attended by 170 citizens who identified strategies for improving high school completion and priorities for the school board to consider as it develops its strategic plan.

Education hits top 10 election issues
Edmonton Journal identifies school buildings as top education concern.

What's new @ www.asba.ab.ca?

Minutes/agendas ASBA Board of Directors meetings See the ASBA Board of Directors page for meeting minutes and agendas.
	Agenda February (PDF–392K) meeting Draft Minutes January (PDF–67K) meeting Minutes December (PDF–75K) meeting
ASBA’s 2008 Awards package available online The ASBA presents awards each year to recognize long serving trustees, outstanding first year teachers and excellent work by school boards. Please note these key award deadlines:
	•	Edwin Parr Award (outstanding first year teacher): March 28, 2008
	•	Friends of Education Award (organization that has made contribution to education provincially): Sept. 22, 2008
	•	Honorary Life Member Award (individual who has made significant contributions to education): Sept. 22, 2008
	•	Trustee Long Service Award (recognizes trustee years of service): Sept. 22, 2008
	•	Premier's Award (recognizes school board’s innovative programs and initiatives): Sept. 22, 2008
	•	Zone Appreciation Award: (regional award presented to organization that has made contribution to education in the region): June 23, 2008
For more information contact
Mark Tewskbury’s speech at the ASBA’s FGM Olympic Gold medalist Mark Tewksbury’s speech is available here (PDF–32K).
Communications Now February 2008 See the February, 2008 edition of the ASBA’s Communications Now publication for articles about:
	•	Involving volunteers in decision-making
	•	Reaching out to external publics
	•	Working with weekly newspapers
As a service to school boards, the ASBA circulates Communications Now – an electronic package of communications and public relations tips for school boards and schools – to jurisdiction offices each month. The index of articles is available here. For more information about this package please contact .

Education in the news

Awards package online

Please distribute to Trustees, the Superintendent and the Secretary Treasurer. For more information phone Suzanne Lundrigan at 1.780.451.7122