Alternative Learning

We are committed to supporting a learning plan for every child

If you reside in a Chinook's Edge community, you are part of our team!
We want you to know you belong.

Methods of Instruction:

Alternative Learning in Chinook's Edge provides flexibility for each student to find the program that meets your needs, while staying connected to your community school. The majority of our learners will be in-person with some of our students needing a flex/blended option. Unique situations may call for a fully online program, or support through paper-based educational packages.

In-person- This is the primary mode of instruction for the majority of our students in Chinook's Edge, where learning is face-to-face at school on a daily basis.

Flex/Blended- Refers to any student doing either online or paper-based learning, combined with a portion of in-person learning. Parents and schools share instructional delivery, but schools take on all of the responsibility for the portion of learning that takes place in-person. Contact with the school occurs daily/regularly, as students are attending in-person for a portion of their learning. For example, a student may go into the school only for math class, and then take other courses through Alternative Learning. They are always connected to a school and to a teacher, and they still have opportunities to participate in sports or drama or many other activities at their Chinook's Edge school. The vast majority of alternative learning may be achieved through flex/blended programming.

The Principal of Alternative Learning will work alongside you, your child and the school to create a learning program that best suits your family's needs.

Stay connected! Want to talk more?
Contact Melissa McEwen, Division Principal of Student Services, to explore a program that will work best for your child and your family.
mmcewen@cesd73.ca

What is Alternative Learning?

With Alternative Learning, your child remains an important part of our Chinook's Edge community. In Chinook's Edge, we care about every child. We know that some students struggle to achieve in a traditional school setting, or that some families are looking for more flexible scheduling to match their lifestyles.

In Chinook's Edge, we believe that the best learning takes place in the classroom at your community school. The second best is Alternative Learning that provides support and flexibility while remaining connected to the school.

Alternative Learning provides a continuum of support and connection. It is:

Flexible, developed to meet the needs of our Chinook's Edge families
Allows connections to your community schools
Families work alongside the school to provide the best program for all students. It is a partnership between family and the school
Content created and supported by our teachers in Chinook's Edge
Regular communication between the school and the family.

Stay connected!
Stay with Chinook's Edge for Alternative Learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will families have access to resources at the school?

Yes, Alternative Learning students are students of their community school. They are accessing their mode of instruction differently than others, but have access to resources that other students have. A plan for this access will be developed in collaboration with the Alternative Learning teacher, and could include:

Library/ Learning Commons
Sports Teams
Family School Wellness
Inclusive Education Supports (Speech, Occupational Therapy, Psychology)
Clubs
School/Home Communications
Technology Assistance
Attendance at Special Events (Academic Awards, Fun Days, Field Trips)

2. What courses is Chinook's Edge offering through Alternative Learning?

At this time, we are only offering core subjects (Math, English Language Arts, Social Students, Science). Complementary subjects may be accessed in-person. Please talk to your administrator about Flex/Blended options.

3. Why would a family choose to have Paper Based/Online as their primary mode of instruction?

Alternative Learning offers choice and the ability to adjust programming over the course of the school year, as the child's needs and circumstances evolve. This is different from other learning organizations that do not have the option for students to return to a classroom after October 1st. Parents commit to a partnership with the school, and recognize that they play a vital role to ensure their child is moving their learning forward daily.

4. If we have already registered in another program, is it too late to reconsider and register with the Alternative Learning program in Chinook's Edge?

No, we encourage families to explore options with Chinook’s Edge School Division, and we are happy to support you in making the educational decision that best fits your child’s needs. Please talk to your administrator about Alternative Learning options, or contact Melissa McEwen, Division Principal of Student Services, at mmcewen@cesd73.ca

Stay connected!
Stay with Chinook's Edge for Alternative Learning.

Division Principal of Student Services

As the Division Principal of Student Services, Melissa is responsible for supporting and engaging in the work of addressing diverse learning needs throughout Chinook’s Edge. This includes supporting schools in developing Alternative Learning programs and addressing attendance concerns. In addition, she supports the Student Services Coordinators with programming development for complex student needs, engages with the work of the Social Emotional and Rehabilitation Services Teams, and supports the work of the Early Learning Coordinator.

Melissa’s education and leadership experience includes a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University in Ontario, a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Memorial University in Newfoundland, and over twenty years of teaching and leadership experience that has involved the elementary, middle and high school levels. She joined Chinook’s Edge in 2011 after spending time teaching in northern Alberta, serving as Vice Principal at Ecole Olds Elementary School and Principal of Horizon School.

Olds is home for Melissa, her husband Mike, who is also a teacher, and their children Stella, Holden and Sadie. They enjoy music, soccer, and spending time together outdoors in beautiful central Alberta.