École David Thompson Weekly Update | A Community of Excellence
Weekly Update – Friday, April 17 | Message de la semaine – vendredi, 17 avril
Quote: Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. — William Butler Yeats
Hello Tiger Families!
Somehow the snow days remind me that, like spring weather, growth doesn’t always follow a predictable timeline, learning unfolds in its own time. At DTS, growth continues to be evident each day through the energy, curiosity, and strength of our students.
Our students have been actively engaged in learning beyond the school walls, with ongoing experience trips and still many more field trips ahead before the end of June. From local visits to the downtown library and City Hall to larger opportunities like camps and travel experiences, these moments bring classroom learning to life. These opportunities would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, thank you families for your continued support. Looking ahead, we are currently seeking volunteer basketball coaches for next year, particularly for our senior girls and junior teams. If you are interested, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Within the school, our Homeroom focus of Connection is being led by our Principal Advisory students. Classes are focusing on strengthening relationships, fostering teamwork, and deepening a sense of belonging. As part of this, students will participate in a student driven Connection Challenge, developing simple but meaningful ways to make our school even more welcoming and inclusive.
Another quick tip to support learning at home:
Encourage your child to study in short, focused intervals of 20–30 minutes, followed by a brief break. Research on attention and cognitive load shows that this approach improves focus, retention, and reduces feelings of overwhelm. Take some of this time with them to organize binders and notes for revision and review.
Merci for your continued partnership and support in building a school where every student feels connected, challenged, and successful.
Warmly,
The David Thompson School Team
Items in this update:
- Happenings
- A Friendly Reminder About Parking Lot Safety
- Options Forms are due back Monday
- Tiger Time Talk: Bringing the Learning Home
- Grade 8 Scientists in School Presentations
- Grade 9 Riverwatch - Volunteers Needed in May!
- Math 15 Summer School
- A message from E.P. Scarlett High School
- Save on Student Study Guides & Digital Resources
- Gauss Mathematics Contest
- School Council
- Important Dates
- Dates of Significance
Happenings
A Friendly Reminder About Parking Lot Safety
We kindly ask that when dropping off your student(s) in the morning, you avoid stopping in the bus zone between 7:45 am and 8:05 am. This is when our school buses arrive, and extra vehicles in the area make it difficult for them to safely navigate. For student drop-off, please use 5th Street at the back of the school. Students can enter through the atrium doors, which are also designated exits for those not riding the bus. We’d also like to remind families that the staff parking lot is not available for parent parking. This lot is often used by CBE vehicles and school buses and needs to remain clear for safe access. This follows the CBE policy and is in place to protect the well-being of everyone in our school community. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support in making our school a safe space for all.
Options Forms are due back Monday
Options selection forms for next year have been distributed to all current grade 6, 7, and 8 students at DT. They are to be filled out, signed by guardians, and returned to homeroom teachers by Monday, April 20th.
Tiger Time Talk: Bringing the Learning Home
Tiger Time is back! This is our school-wide intervention program where every student gets more individualized support in an area they need. The new session will begin this coming Wednesday, April 22, and we will have an alternate schedule that day to make time for it. Students will find out from their teachers next week where they will be attending. Because of this extra period, lunch and bell times are affected.
Ask your students about their session! Instead of the usual "How was school?", try one of these specific "Tiger Time" conversation starters this week:
- "What’s one 'pro-tip' or shortcut you learned in your Reading/Math/French group today?"
- "What’s a new trick you’re trying out to stay organized or manage your time?
- "What was the main 'vibe' or focus of your group discussion this week?"
Grade 8 Scientists in School Presentations
On Monday, April 20th, and Tuesday, April 21st, the organization called Scientists in Schools will be joining us to provide a virtual workshop for Grade 8 students called "All Systems Go!" This exciting opportunity is hands-on, interactive, and aligns with the Grade 8 Science Program of Studies, Mechanical Systems unit.
Get a grip on systems! Build an assistive hand device like those created by biomedical engineers to aid with fine motor skills. Explore inputs and outputs as you design and analyze linkages, incorporate pneumatics, assess mechanical advantage and consider trade-offs in force, distance and materials. It’s all systems go!
The workshop is 60-minutes in length, and all materials are included in the cost of the program, which is facilitated by a trained STEM expert! Grade 8 families should expect a message from their Science Teacher with more information about this exciting visit.
Grade 9 Riverwatch - Volunteers Needed in May!
The Grade 9 classes have planned an offsite trip called Riverwatch, taking place in May.
We are still in need of volunteers for homerooms 9-3, 9-4, 9-5, and 9-6.
This program has students exploring the Bow River ecosystem aboard guided rafts equipped as mobile water quality laboratories. This is a full day trip of rafting down the river. This trip supports learning outcomes in the Environmental Chemistry unit in Grade 9 Science.
May 12 for students 9-3, 9-4, 9-5 and 9-6
May 13 for students 9-1 & 9-2.
If you can help or would like to inquire further about this trip, please email Mrs. Matheson at mammatheson@cbe.ab.ca
Math 15 Summer School
Grade 9 students looking to register for the online Math 15 summer school course should contact Mrs. Matheson (mammatheson@cbe.ab.ca) prior to April 24th to express their interest.
The online Math 15 course does not replace the designated high school Math 15 prep class as it is not as in depth; it can, however, help to boost the confidence of students as they enter into their recommended grade 10 Math class – Math 10-3, Math 15 Prep/Math 10C or Math 10C.
Please note that this course is not recommended for students attending E.P. Scarlett.
Useful information about the course:
- Math 15 is a useful course to fill gaps in preparation for grade 10 math, it does not teach grade 10 math concepts
- Math 15 is a three-credit course that will show up on the student’s high school transcript
- This course is asynchronous:
- There are no required live classes.
- Teachers will typically offer an optional one-hour synchronous help session each day.
- Students work through course materials independently and contact their teacher if they need support
- D2L may not work outside of Canada
- Students gain access to the course shell on June 25. Teachers will not be available until
July 2. The last day of submitting work is July 23.
A message from E.P. Scarlett High School
Dear Next Year Lancer Families,
We cordially invite you to attend our “High School 101” presentation on Wednesday, April 22 from 5:30-7:00pm in person at Dr. E.P Scarlett High School. The presentation will go over high school basics, course planning, and resources for student success. The main presentation will be followed by a discussion on transitions for students with IPPs. Counsellors will be available to support with any questions or concerns you may have about this exciting transition in your students’ educational journey. We hope to see you there!
Save on Student Study Guides & Digital Resources
We are excited to share a special offer for educational resources through a new partnership between EducationMatters and Castle Rock Research. You can purchase valuable study materials at a significant discount and help raise funds for EducationMatters.
This is a great opportunity to get supplementary resources to support your student’s learning this school year, especially in preparation for diplomas and final exams.
How to Order:
1. Visit CBE’s unique online portal: CBE Site Sale — Castle Rock Research
2. Select our school’s specific ordering page.
3. Place your order and pay directly online.
All print materials will be delivered to the school and distributed to students. For more details, please
Important Dates
Apr 20-22 OE Grade 9 Camp Evergreen
Apr 22 - Tiger Time
Apr 24 - Non-Instructional Day - Maatoomsii'Pookaiks (System Indigeous day of learning)
Apr 27-May 02 - Eastern Canada Trip
Apr 28 - 6-2 Library and City Hall
- 6-1 & 6-3 Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Apr 29 - Tiger Time
Apr 30- 6-1 & 6-3 Library and City Hall
- 6-2 Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Apr 29 - Grade 9 O.E. Climbing Trip 8:00-12:30
May 04-May 08 – SALTS
May 06 - Bike to School Day
May 07 - Tiger Time
May 11-May 14 – Grade 8 OE Camp Chief Hector
May 12 - Riverwatch 9-3, 9-4, 9-5, 9-6
May 13 - Riverwatch 9-1, 9-2
- Parent Council, In-person 6:30-9:00pm
May 14 - Tiger Time
May 15 - Non-Instructional Day
May 18 - Non-Instructional Day – Victoria Day
Dates of significance
“Go Tigers!”
École David Thompson School
9320 Arbour Crescent SE, Calgary, AB T2J 0X8 Calgary Board of Education | cbe.ab.ca t | 403-777-7470