a Ministerial order to ban cell phones during instructional time. “Teachers couldn’t believe how much more work got done,” she laughs. “They were actually caught off guard—students finished tasks faster, and engagement soared.” Technology remains a powerful tool when used intentionally. Students collaborate on group projects through Google Workspace, use Chromebooks for research and reading comprehension, and access assistive technologies that level the playing field for diverse learners. The division maintains a 3:1 device ratio and a loaner system in school libraries for families without personal devices.“Technology is a tool, not a crutch,” Kallal notes.“We teach balance.” FROM CODING TO CAREERS: PATHWAYS FOR EVERY LEARNER Fort McMurray has been a pioneer in coding and robotics, integrating these subjects well before they became mainstream.“We’ve had students competing in international robotics tournaments for more than a decade,” says Mywaart.“When you see elementary students programming LEGO robots, you understand how far we’ve come.” That early start leads naturally to advanced opportunities in high school. Students can earn dual credits through Keyano College or Grant MacEwan University, taking courses in sociology, policing, and law, among others. Partnerships with organizations such as Careers: The Next Generation and the The Educational Partnership Foundation connect students to apprenticeships in high-demand trades, including welding, heavy equipment technology, and electrical. Nutter calls it “a clear line from classroom to career.” Registered apprenticeship programs (RAP) allow seniors to spend their final semester working onsite in local industries, transitioning seamlessly into employment after graduation. “The myth around trades has finally broken,” she says. “We’re seeing students and families recognize these as high-skill, high-reward careers.” 243 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 12 FORT MCMURRAY PUBLIC SCHOOL DIVISION
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