Heather Campbell Director of Education Dianne McCormack Board Chair MAIN OFFICE : 522 SECOND ST. E., FORT FRANCES, ON, P9A 1N4 Telephone: (807) 274-9855 FAX (807) 274-5078 Toll Free 1-800-214-1753 PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2015 Rainy River District School Board receives presentation highlighting Aboriginal Education supports At the March 3, 2015 meeting of the Rainy River District School Board, the Board received a presentation highlighting Aboriginal Education supports. School Support Services staff work with educators to expand the understanding and use of Aboriginal curriculum materials and resources in classrooms, across all subject areas, through coaching, co‐teaching, inquiry and professional learning communities. At schools throughout the District, Aboriginal Education is integrated throughout the various literacy, numeracy, and Early Years initiatives. One of the various projects this year demonstrates this integration. Currently the Native Language Coordinator is digitally documenting local legends, supporting students from five classes within three schools to create their own digital legends. These student‐created digital legends will be shared with all the schools across the District and available through an eLearning site. The development of digital lessons brings together 21st Century learning and literacy and works to enhance student voice. Another focus within Aboriginal Education is capacity building and the strategic focus on supporting staff in reaching their development goals. Seven teachers within eight schools, staff from Seven Generations Education Institute, and the Native Language Coordinator meet in a Professional Learning Community to develop lessons and supporting materials and to provide alignment in Ojibwe language programming from Grades 4 to 12. This Professional Learning Community is linked with the MERL project, the Modernization, Expansion, Localization, and Revitalization of the Ojibwe language, thus building parent and community engagement. Student and parent engagement, purposeful learning, and capacity building are all key components of the Rainy River District School Board’s Strategic Plan. The School Board’s work in Aboriginal Education demonstrates the successful implementation of these important strategic directions. ‐30‐ Media Contact: Kelly Forbes, Principal, RRDSB School Support Services (807) 274‐9855 Reference: Darlene Madill, Communications Officer, Rainy River District School Board (807) 274‐9855 ext. 4989 Mission: “Together, we empower all students to believe in themselves, to achieve, and to dream.” Vision: “The Rainy River District School Board is an innovative community, nurturing hearts and minds, to build a foundation for tomorrow, today.”