experience during the summer, throughout the school year, or in structured internships, depending on the needs of both the students and the businesses. The geographic diversity of Chinook’s Edge School Division further enhances these opportunities. “We have approximately 13 communities that we work within Red Deer County and Mountain View County,” Bilton points out. Despite the rural nature of many of these areas, the smaller community sizes offer a distinct advantage.“The communities really know the students,” she adds.“They want them participating in their businesses, they want them to grow, and they want them to stay in these communities and make them vibrant for the long term.” EXCELLENCE IN SPORTS AND THE ARTS While academics are a central focus at Chinook’s Edge School Division, students have equally robust opportunities to excel in sports and the arts. Sacher explains that the division takes pride in its competitive athletic programs, all of which are coordinated under the Alberta School Athletic Association (ASAA). “We’re very competitive in all of our communities relative to the typical high school sports opportunities,” he says, pointing out that each school in the division participates in ASAA-sanctioned events. But the sports offerings go beyond traditional teams. “At Fox Run Middle in Sylvan Lake, we have a hockey academy built right into the school for middle school students,” Sacher notes.This program is designed to allow young athletes to integrate their academic and athletic pursuits from an early age. Beyond sports, the division’s support of music and the arts is equally notable. Sacher highlights Didsbury’s standout band program, which has gained national recognition thanks to the exceptional leadership of its retiring band director. “Whatever award is available for a band teacher, I think he’s received it,” Sacher says, reflecting on the lasting impact the program has had on the community. The division also sees its academies as a way to blend creativity with practical skills. At Hugh Sutherland School in Carstairs, for example, a STEAM academy focuses on integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in a hands-on learning environment. “It’s one of our largest schools in the division, serving students from Grades 5 to 12,” Sacher points out. FUTURE-FOCUSED GOALS: PREPARING FOR THE NEXT 18 MONTHS As Chinook’s Edge School Division looks toward the future, Sacher outlines three primary objectives that will guide the division through the next 18 months. “Number one is our careers approach,” he says, referencing the division’s groundbreaking work with Career Pathways and the collegiate project. “We’re on the cutting edge of what’s possible there, and we want to take it to an even higher level.” As one of the division’s flagship initiatives, Career 355 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 CHINOOK’S EDGE SCHOOL DIVISION
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