Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation Literacy Playground enhances student learning through donor support
Twenty-three Foothills School Division (FSD) students are heading into the new school year with greater confidence thanks to the Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation (FFSF) Literacy Playground and its community of supporters. The annual summer program offers the expertise of dedicated teachers and volunteers to target literacy skills (reading, writing, comprehension) of FSD students entering grade 3.
Held at Dr. Morris Gibson School in Okotoks over three weeks in July, positive learning experiences were developed as students engaged in activities such as Reader's Theatre, comic creation, word games, crafts, and interactive community experiences that connected literacy to real-world learning.
States Alandra Corrigan, Executive Director for the Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation, “Grade three is a pivotal year when students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. The Literacy Playground is a fun and effective way to keep building foundational literacy skills over the summer break.”
The Foundation notes that all students in the program made huge strides in reading this year, including 70% of participating students are now reading at or above grade level.
Corrigan continues, “While the Literacy Playground is available to students through the collaboration between the Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation and Foothills School Division, the true success of the program is through the generosity of our community donors, sponsors, and volunteers.”
Revenues generated from foundation initiatives, such as the annual Heart of Education Gala and Fore Education Golf Tournament, help to remove barriers and provide targeted learning enhancement opportunities that positively impact student achievement.
Over the last three years, the FFSF has raised over $200,000 through grants, events, and donations. These funds have been used to enhance learning, including the last 2 years of the Literacy Playground and will fund the Foundation’s third year of SPARK Grants this fall.
In 2025, the foundation allocated $11,000 to schools under the SPARK Grant to ignite opportunities for every learner—including the award-winning FSD Junior High Regional Band program (see list of grant recipient programs) . 2026 grant applications for FSD schools close October 31, and more information can be found at the foundation website: foothillsfriends.ca/grant-application.
You can continue making a difference through the Literacy Playground and SPARK grant by supporting the Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation's 3rd Annual Fore Education Golf Tournament on August 20, 2026, at Highwood Golf Club in High River. Golf alongside Calgary Flames Alumni Archie Henderson, Tim Hunter, and Mike Rogers, and have the opportunity to take home $10,000 with the Great Canadian Oil Change Hole-in-One Challenge, win prizes through Golden West Media, enjoy a delicious steak dinner, and so much more! Get all the details and register yourself or team of four at foothillsfriends.ca.
Foothills School Division is grateful for the work of FFSF and its supporters who are making a positive difference in our community. For every student who develops confidence in reading, and a passion for learning, every donor, sponsor, and volunteer plays a part in that success story.
Learn more about the Friends of Foothills Schools Foundation at foothillsfriends.ca
Get in touch with them at hello@foothillsfriends.ca
