DTS Message de la semaine - jeudi, le 29 août, 2024

Items in this update:

• Welcome back!
• MyBusStop App
• Cycling Safety 
• Important Dates 

Welcome Back!

What an incredible start to the school year! The positive energy was tangible throughout the building, and it was truly heartwarming to see our students, both new and returning, come together to begin another year of learning and growth. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated teachers for their diligent planning and efforts to ensure that every student felt welcomed and excited about the new school year.

Today, our students participated in a variety of community-building activities designed to help them get to know their peers and teachers. From engaging scavenger hunts to interactive icebreakers, these activities fostered a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the students. In the afternoon, we introduced a mini timetable to help students establish their routines and provide an opportunity to connect with all their teachers.

Tomorrow, students are asked to go to their homerooms to start the day. This will help continue to build a sense of community and ensure students are ready to begin their studies next week.

We are also excited to announce our upcoming "Meet the Teacher" event and BBQ, scheduled for September 19. More details will be communicated in the near future.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the office or your child's teacher. We are here to support you and ensure that this year is a successful one for all our students.

Here's to another amazing year at David Thompson School!

MyBusStop App

MyBusStop is a Southland app that provides real-time information on the location of the bus and any delays. Busing information for David Thompson School can be found at https://davidthompson.cbe.ab.ca/busing. 

As a reminder, the code for David Thompson School is CBEGJ187MT.

Cycling Safety

With the beginning of the school year, we would like to share some information, as published by the Alberta Government, around cycling safety and provincial rules. 

Required cycling equipment

Based on provincial regulations, here is a list of required bicycling equipment.

Helmets for youths:

• Helmets that meet ANSI, Snell, or CSA standards are approved.
• Cyclists under the age of 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet.
• If you have children and pull them in trail-a-bikes or trailers, they must also wear an approved bicycle helmet.
• Fit the helmet an inch above your eyebrows and make sure it's level.
• Adjust the straps so that the V is below your ears.
• Use 2 fingers between your chin and the strap to make sure the strap is not too tight.
• Riders of power bicycles can choose to wear a bicycle helmet instead of a motorcycle helmet.

Brakes

• All bicycles must have at least one brake that will lock wheels on dry, level, and clean pavement.
• Brake with 2 hands to make sure that your equipment is working properly.
• Always allow extra stopping distance in wetter weather.

Bells

• If you are passing pedestrians on shared-used pathways, you must sound a warning device like a horn or bell on your bike.

Lamps and reflectors

• When cycling at night, your bike must have the following:
• • a front headlamp (non-flashing)
  • a red tail lamp (non-flashing)
  • a red rear reflector

Recommended cycling equipment

Along with mandatory safety gear required to keep you and others safe, consider adding a few recommended pieces to stay visible and prepared on roads or pathways.

Helmets for adults

• All adults are encouraged to wear helmets to protect themselves while cycling.
• Children will follow the lead of adults wearing helmets.

Clothing

• Choose brightly coloured or reflective clothing to make yourself more visible while cycling.
• Dress for the weather with items that will keep you warm and dry.
• Wear gloves that will protect your hands from dirt and debris.
• Avoid wearing headphones since you will be less likely to hear traffic and warning signs.

Storage

• Carry a small backpack or place saddlebags on the side of your bike to keep your hands free.
• Attach a basket to your handlebars for added storage.
• Use a rack to hold your water bottle on the base of your bike.

Flags

• Since bike trailers can be hard to see, place a red flag at rider height to improve your visibility.
• Use brightly coloured flags to help motorists see you and your cargo, especially when riding on a highway.

If you have any further questions, feel free to explore the website here.

Important Dates

September 2 - Labour Day - No classes

September 19 - Meet the Teacher and BBQ 5:00pm to 7:15pm

September 27 - Professional Development - No Classes

September 26 - David Thompson marks National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

September 30 - National Day for Truth & Reconciliation - No classes