Cochrane's newest school, RancheView, will be reuniting all students earlier than expected.

The K-8 school was delayed due to infrastructure issues and was not expected to open until January 2017; Rocky View Schools, Superintendent, Greg Luterbach says due to pressure from Alberta Infrastructure and extra resources the building was turned over quicker than expected.

"I think everyone was somewhat disappointed back in March when we found out that the building wouldn't be in time to open for all students this September. It was great news, a little bit earlier when they handed the keys over and we've been in there for the last couple of weeks getting floors ready, setting up classroom technology, and the wireless networks."

Students in grades 3-7, will be moving up to the new site on October 12 as they return from the Thanksgiving long weekend.

Luterbach knows it is short notice, but feels the benefits outweigh the negatives for an early move.

"Certainly there is some challenges, we recognize people have kind of made plans until January and they are going to need to scramble over the next few weeks but at the same time we also looked at it and we are desperate for space and we've been advocating for more buildings throughout the division. Was it a tough decision? Yes and no. There is lots of moving parts but our staff has put in a lot of work to make this a successful transfer over Thanksgiving, but the challenging part is we know this is going to have an impact on some families."

Luterbach acknowledges that transportation will be an area of concern for many families.

"We are working hard and fast at getting those routes adjusted, our communications department will communicate with all of those families that are currently using busing by way of a written letter, we will post those route changes on our website."

Students taking options at the current Mitford site may also be an area of concern for parents.

"The Mitford community has been fantastic. So one of our challenges is how do we keep the options going at Miford? We want to sustain that at least until January as per the plan and then get options running up at RancheView School."

Luterbach adds getting the school community together on October 12 for the first time is phenomenal news and is hoping the short term pain will dissipate quickly.

"We believe that on October 12 it's going to be a great opportunity for our grades 3-7 to move back up to their RancheView School and reunite that school community all under one roof."

A question and answer sheet sent out by RVS is listed below. Luterbach asks that any additional questions be addressed to RancheView School at 403-932-9811. An open house/tour for parents and students will occur on Monday, October 3 from 4:30-7:30 pm and you can register here.

Q&A

September 23, 2016

Rocky View Schools is pleased to announce that RancheView School will be ready to welcome all its students to the school, Oct.12, 2016. In anticipation of the many questions parents and students will have about this early occupancy, RVS offers the following Q&A.

Q. Will RancheView be completely ready to move in Oct. 12?

A. Yes, the keys were handed over to the jurisdiction earlier than expected. Since then, RVS has been working with the contractor to identify and address minor deficiencies and staff is preparing the building to welcome students by setting up classroom technologies, furniture, and learning resources.

Q. When will families be invited to see the new school?

A. All RancheView students will get a sneak peak of their new school at the school’s Terry Fox Run on Sept. 30, 2016. RancheView will be holding an open house for parents on Oct. 3, 2016, from 4:30 to 7:30 pm, to see the school. Watch for details to be shared by Principal Sharon Cronin. The official grand opening of the school will be celebrated on Mar. 23, 2017.

Q. How will my child get his/her belongings up to the new school?

A. On Oct. 6, students in grades 3-7 will bring home all of their belongings (backpack, indoor shoes, water bottles, etc.) and are asked to arrive at the new school on Oct. 12 with these articles. The rest of the items from the Mitford site will be moved to the new site over the Thanksgiving weekend. When students arrive on Oct. 12, classrooms will be set up and ready for instructional time.

Q. What are RancheView’s bell times?

A. As was communicated earlier to parents, RancheView’s school hours will be from 8:10 am - 2:30 pm Monday to Friday. Relaxed entry will continue from 8:00 am - 8:10 am. Instructional time will begin at 8:10 am, so all students are encouraged to arrive at school for 8 am. Parents are advised that the early supervision (7:40 am to 8 am) provided to accommodate some RancheView students being transported to Mitford will no longer be provided, effective Oct. 12.

Q. Will Sherpa Kids before and after care continue in the music room?

A. Anticipating increased enrolment, Sherpa Kids will move to the auxiliary gym, which is a larger space.

Q. Will the school’s schedule and lunch hour remain the same?

A. The timetable will shift slightly as RancheView has been working on a six-day cycle to align itself with the Mitford/CCA schedule. At RancheView, students will follow a five-day schedule. The lunch hour will run from 12:05-1:00 pm to allow students to go home for lunch should families choose.

Q. Will RancheView remain a closed campus?

A. Yes, RancheView is a closed campus, except for students who walk home for lunch. A system will be in place for families to let the school know that their child will be going home for lunch.

Q. What about transportation?

A. RVS’ Transportation Department will communicate directly, in writing, to each family as to their individual bus services moving forward. Parents can expect to receive their letter the week of Sept. 26. The information also will be posted on RVS’ website under transportation/urban bus routes. As was initially communicated to parents, annual student transportation fees are due in the new year and will be pro-rated to reflect services beginning Jan. 1, 2017.

Q. Which students are eligible for busing?

A. As is the criteria across the jurisdiction, school bus stops are no closer than 1.5 km from the school. The schedule and bus stop locations will be posted to RVS’ website and will be communicated to parents from RVS’ Transportation Department.

Q. How will school drop off and pick up work?

A. With more people on site, there will definitely be more congestion. Parents/guardians who are able to walk/bike with their children are encouraged to do so. The drop off is out on the street and not in the parking lot, due to buses and children walking. RancheView will be looking for AMA patrol leaders once the school has a sense of the needs around the school.

Q. What will happen to CTF courses for RancheView Grade 7 students?

A. For CTF courses the following will apply:

  • §  Grade 7 students will continue with their current CTF courses until Oct. 6 and will receive a

    pass/fail for these courses.

  • §  Oct. 12 - 15 - Students will receive new CTF selection sheets.

  • §  Oct. 18 - CTF courses will begin.

  • §  CTF will run in six-week rotations with other grades involved. This will allow for more variety and

    more selection for all students. Band will remain a full-year course for grade 6 and 7 students.

    French also will remain a full-year course for grade 7 students.

  • §  Over the course of the year, RancheView will continue with CTF courses such as band, French,

    tinker town, drama, science and engineering challenge, culinary arts, outdoor education experiences, sports performance, photography, robotics, movie-making, etc. This list will be more comprehensive and communicated to families by Oct. 12.

    Q. Will students in Grade 7 continue to attend the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre for physical education?

    A. No. RancheView has access to two gyms and will not need to utilize space at the Spray Lake Centre. However, students at the various grade levels will continue to use town recreation facilities for skating and swimming throughout the year.

    Q. When will the Preschool Intervention students be moved to their new location at RancheView from Bow Valley?

    A. Children attending the Preschool Intervention Program at Bow Valley will be relocated to RancheView after Christmas as was originally planned.

    Q. Will students who travel to the Boys and Girls Club after school at Mitford continue to receive this service at RancheView?

    A. Yes. All RancheView students who participate in this program will be transported to the Boys and Girls Club after school.

    Q. Who can I call for more information?

    A. Please contact RancheView School at 403.932.9811.