Media Release: Clarification Regarding Social Media Posts About Dr. Clark School
(Fort McMurray, AB, Feb.7, 2023) Dr. Clark School is an inclusive environment which promotes safe and caring spaces for everyone. Over the last week, there have been inaccurate and misinformed social media posts about resources and teaching practices in Dr. Clark School. The social media posts allege that a book which contains graphic images is located within Dr. Clark School library. Neither Dr. Clark School nor any of our 15 schools in Fort McMurray Public Schools have ever owned this book.
As a result of these inaccurate and misinformed social media posts, staff have been the target of harassment from individuals believing these lies through phone calls, spreading personal information and various other false claims online. We are aware of the situation and are working closely with the proper authorities to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff.
Across all of our schools, provincial curriculum guidelines and policies are always followed. Within the Alberta Education curriculum, the Education Act (Sections 1(1)(d), 31, 32, 33, 34) and School Authority Board policy (19 and 20), safe and caring spaces where everyone can thrive and be successful are expected. Sexual health lessons are not taught in the ways described by a misinformed video on social media. Grades 4-6 are taught sexual health components as part of the Alberta Education curriculum, and the outcomes can be found here.
A teacher resource named “PRISM” acts as an additional support resource for teachers who may use it to reference ways to build inclusion discussions in their classrooms. PRISM was published by the Alberta Teachers Association and authorized by Alberta Education. It is not a curriculum guide and there is one copy in each school which is meant to be additional support for inclusion; it is not a sexual health lesson plan book. The PRISM resource is neither shared with students nor available for students in any of our schools. Here is the link to the full PRISM document.
RCMP are currently investigating defamatory comments made about the school and will provide the school division with appropriate follow-up actions.
There will be no further comments issued on this matter. As always, if a parent/guardian has any questions about specific content in a classroom, we will address those concerns. The safety, security and well-being of our staff and students is our priority.
For more information, please contact:
Momin Syed
Communications Coordinator
FMPSD
momin.syed@fmpsd.ab.ca