Projects We Support

Above and Beyond for Children...that's really what the Foundation is all about.  Providing learning opportunities that enhance and enrich learning opportunities for all students in Red Deer Public Schools.

The Foundation is here to provide the resources...our schools provide great project and ideas.  Each year the Foundation invites requests from schools on projects that would not be possible without support from the Foundation.  Projects fall into the following areas:

• Above and Beyond for Children...really any project that aligns with school priorities and enriches learning opportunities.  Some examples include:
  • MicroSociety - Run like a coummunity with student run banks, businesses, an elected government, police, postal service, newspaper and non-government organizations.  Students apply for jobs and earn money in ‘micro’ currency and work together to overcome problems.
  • IXL - Math Literacy for the Masses - Helps students develop math skills while allowing teachers to track individual student's progress while providing opportunity for inclusion.
  • Empty Bowls Project - Middle and high school art students sculpt bowls that will be used in a fundraising 'soup kitchen' to raise funds to support the homeless.
  • 2012 Musical Production - "Xanadu The Musical" will take you back on a historical tour around the world through different ara's.  The play will involve students and staff from the fine arts department.
     
• Foundation Projects...each year the Foundation plans and organizes a project that impacts a number of schools and students and has a major impact.  Recent projects include:
  • Rachel's Challenge...over 6000 elementary, middle and high school students participated in this powerful presentation on the life and legacy or Rachel Scott, the first student killed in the Columbine tragedy.  Her message of care and concern has had a significant and lasting impact on students and staff across the District.
  • Body Image Play...a powerful social action drama for grade 7 students addressing a wide range of issues related to body image.
  • Ryan's Well...supporting a focus on global awareness and understanding, 17 year old Ryan Hreljac spoke to over 2100 students about his efforts to bring clean drinking water to over 500,000 people in Africa.
     
• Ongoing Grants...projects that involve a number of schools and students across the district including
  • Choir Kids - elementary choirs perform with the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra.
  • Elementary Student Leadership Conference - hosted by West Park Elementary for grade 5 student leaders from across the district who bring what they've learned back to their schools.
  • Healing Through the Arts - IB Art students from Lindsay Thurber work with rehabilitation patients at Red Deer Regional using amazing art projects to "heal".
  • Dawe Run - over 3500 students compete in this fall tradition through our amazing parks system.
     
• Responsive Grants...if a great idea or project comes up during the year, the Foundation may have the resources to make it happen!
  • Troy Payne - A motivational speaker who inspires young people to overcome life's struggles and live life to the fullest.  In this program, Troy will explore youth wellness issues such as divorce, bullying, abuse issues and self esteem and the impact these factors have on personal wellness and how survivors of these elements can empower themselves to break these cycles and lead healthier, harmonious lives.

Click here for a complete listing of the 2011/2012 Foundation Funded Projects.