Sturgeon Public Schools

January 30, 2025

Sturgeon Public Schools

Equipping Students for Life Beyond the Classroom

 

A first class educational experience through career-focused programs, mental health initiatives, and impactful collaborations.

Sturgeon Public Schools, a forward-thinking educational division in Alberta, Canada, serves a diverse student body across its small, rural communities. The division combines traditional values with modern methods to prepare students for a changing world. Superintendent Shawna Warren articulates this mission clearly: “Our job is to prepare the citizens of tomorrow by ensuring students gain the skills needed to thrive in an evolving world.” She emphasizes that education isn’t just about academics but also empowering students to approach life confidently and competently.

“The world is changing so quickly,” Warren explains, “and we’ve made significant strides in aligning with Premier Smith’s vision on career pathways. It’s about equipping students to innovate and embrace change.” At the heart of this approach is individuality in learning. “Kids learn in different ways,” Warren states. “It’s our responsibility to help them find their path in life. By creating a culture where they believe the future is bright, we’re shaping their skills and their outlook on what’s possible.”

The division encourages students to think beyond boundaries with practical strategies. Warren adds, “We’re working to empower students with the tools they need—not just academically but as innovators who can think outside the box.” Her passion comes from a deep belief in education as the foundation for building resilient, hopeful, and capable citizens.

 

Inspiring Problem Solvers Through STEAM Education

Sturgeon Public Schools has embraced STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education as a cornerstone of its curriculum. Division Principal Dan Stephen says, “It starts from kindergarten to grade 12. It looks different at every grade level, but the goal is the same—engaging students to use their creative and critical thinking skills to solve real-world problems.” Whether a kindergartner building a bridge for their toy or a high school student programming a robot to perform tasks, STEAM activities evolve with students’ growing capabilities.

The annual STEAM Games bring students together to compete in diverse challenges. Stephen describes the excitement: “Schools bring their STEAM teams to showcase what they’ve worked on. It’s an opportunity to test their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in new, exciting ways.”

Technology plays a pivotal role in the classroom as a medium for responsibly learning how to engage with the modern world. “We want students to use technology in meaningful ways,” Stephen says. “Not as a distraction, but as a means to solve problems, advance themselves, and prioritize tasks.” By integrating technology thoughtfully, Sturgeon Public Schools teaches students to see it as a resource for empowerment rather than an escape from reality.

The division also introduces advanced topics like robotics, AI, and cybersecurity at an early stage. “Even our kindergarteners are using small programming kits,” Stephen notes. While robotics activities become more intricate in higher grades, younger students are already exploring foundational coding and problem-solving applications. On AI, Stephen acknowledges the evolving nature of the field: “We’re figuring out the best ways to incorporate it in classrooms, addressing challenges as they arise and moving forward with what works.”

Beyond STEAM’s traditional boundaries, Sturgeon Public Schools demonstrates innovation through unique projects like adaptive toy design. Jonathan Konrad, Deputy Superintendent, shares a moving example: “We had junior high students redesign toys for kids with physical challenges. With 3D printers and creative minds, they modified toys so everyone could play and have fun. The students love it, and it’s a project with real impact.”

The division’s forward-thinking initiatives extend into agriculture, introducing students to this vital sector through partnerships and hands-on learning. “We’re working with groups to create courses, explore drone applications, and take students on field trips to local agricultural sites,” Konrad explains. These efforts ensure students understand the importance and opportunities within agriculture while engaging them in cutting-edge technology.

Supporting Career Exploration

Sturgeon Public Schools goes beyond traditional academics to prepare students for life after graduation. From kindergarten through grade 12, students engage with career-focused activities that evolve with their interests and abilities, as Stephen explains.

“Career exploration starts early—right from kindergarten—with students learning about various professions. By high school, they’re trying and experimenting with different careers.” The division offers dual credit opportunities, enabling students to simultaneously earn high school and college credits. “We provide courses in fields like healthcare, welding, heavy equipment tech, and educational assistant. We’re also expanding into academic university courses, culinary arts, and cosmetology to broaden our offerings,” he shares.

Beyond dual credit, the division offers programs like the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). “Students work with sponsors to earn industry apprenticeship hours while still in high school, setting them up for success in trade schools,” Stephen notes. Agriculture-focused students can participate in the Green Certificate program, earning high school credits while gaining hands-on experience on local farms. Work experience placements connect students with local businesses, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to their communities while earning credits.

Leveraging Local Partnerships

Collaboration with community partners is central to the division’s approach, bringing students local and global opportunities. Konrad emphasizes, “Our partnerships with businesses—small, local, and large—are crucial. These organizations are part of our communities, and they bring passion and expertise to our schools. When students see programming tied directly to their community, it excites and empowers them.”

The division’s innovative collaborations span industries. “We’ve partnered with Centennial Flight Centre to offer aviation programming,” Konrad explains. “High school students can earn their ground school certification, laying the foundation for private or even commercial pilot careers. The demand in this field is enormous, and we’re thrilled to open these doors.”

Another standout program is Building Futures, designed to inspire interest in Alberta’s growing trades industry. “We’ve partnered with a local builder to create a build site where, beginning the 2025-2026 school year, students will spend their mornings learning together onsite and their afternoons working alongside trade professionals,” Konrad shares. This immersive experience, where students experience the building of a home from start to finish, will help students understand the construction industry while fostering excitement about potential careers in the trades.

Prioritizing Mental Health

Sturgeon Public Schools has developed a multi-faceted approach to supporting students’ mental health and holistic well-being. Shelley Greenwood, Director of Learning Services elaborates on the division’s cornerstone initiative, the Mental Health Capacity Building Project: “It started as a grant-funded program but now covers our entire division. The focus is on prevention and promotion—helping young people understand and improve their mental health positively.” Known as the Redwater HYPE (Helping Young People Excel) program, it combines classroom support with outdoor activities, emphasizing grounding and community connection.

The division’s Mindful Mentors, funded through Alberta Education’s Mental Health in Schools Pilot grant, also play a pivotal role. “They provide universal and targeted mental health education, along with after-school programs, making mental health a positive, proactive conversation,” Greenwood notes. This innovative approach builds capacity among school staff, equipping them to recognize and address mental health needs effectively.

Sturgeon’s collaboration with CASA further amplifies its impact. Greenwood highlights the division’s pioneering role: “We were the first school division to host CASA classrooms supporting students with significant mental health needs. These specialized classes provide a bridge for students to succeed academically while addressing their mental health challenges.” After completing the program, students reintegrate into traditional classrooms, supported by staff trained in resilience-building and tailored strategies.

Innovative Learning Supports

On the innovation front, Warren points to creative uses of technology to overcome budget constraints and expand opportunities. “Take our virtual welding program, for example,” she says. “It’s a game-changer, providing students with hands-on experiences without the need for expensive infrastructure.” The division offers state-of-the-art programming that aligns with modern workforce demands by leveraging advancements like AI and virtual tools.

Warren also stresses the importance of partnerships with local industries. “We work with major companies like Pembina Pipeline Corporation, NWR and Nutrien to align our programming with current industry trends and future workforce needs, ensuring students are equipped for tomorrow’s careers,” she explains. These collaborations provide pathways to employment and strengthen future-focused education.

With limited sustainable funding for large infrastructure projects, Sturgeon has focused on building experiences rather than buildings. Warren reflects, “We’re finding ways to bring these experiences to students without relying on traditional infrastructure, whether through partnerships, innovative technologies, or cross-sector collaboration.” This resourceful mindset ensures that the division can continue to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

 

Sustainability and Strategic Growth

As Sturgeon Public Schools looks to the future, it is doubling down on innovative partnerships and sustainable practices. Warren highlights the importance of dual credit initiatives, which have flourished under the division’s leadership. “We’ve been successful in securing startup and enhancement grants, forming great partnerships with institutions like NAIT,” she says. She spotlights partnerships that allow students to access high-quality post-secondary education opportunities while still in high school, positioning them for a smoother transition into advanced studies or the workforce.

Another key focus for the division is sustainability. “We’re working closely with municipalities to identify areas where we’re duplicating public dollars,” Warren explains. “We can accomplish more without constantly worrying about budget limitations by sharing costs across public entities in a collaborative model enabling the division to stretch its resources further and support initiatives that might otherwise fall through the cracks.”

The division is embracing the challenge of cross-sector collaboration to sustain its most impactful programs. “It’s heavy lifting,” Warren acknowledges, “but bringing together different minds from public entities is how we can move forward effectively. It’s about creating solutions that work for everyone.” This vision of collaboration and shared responsibility underpins the division’s efforts in preparing students for an ever-changing world. Sturgeon Public Schools is firmly positioned for continued growth and success through its strategic initiatives and sustainability focus.

AT A GLANCE

Sturgeon Public Schools

What: Progressive school division focused on innovative education and student development

Where: Alberta, Canada

Website: www.sturgeon.ab.ca

PREFERRED VENDORS

Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan (ASEBP) – www.asebp.ca

The Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan is an employee life and health trust providing comprehensive benefits to Alberta’s publicly funded K-12 education sector. Coverage includes extended health, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability support. ASEBP also offers health and wellness spending accounts, an Employee and Family Assistance Program, and continued retiree benefits through the MyRetiree Plan.

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