Fleetwood-Bawden Elementary School is the recipient of the Betty Grigg Inclusive Education Award for 2026.
The award is presented to spotlight a southern Alberta school that displays outstanding inclusive practices in dealing with staff, students, families and the community. It recognizes a culture of inclusion created through both leadership and action.
It honours schools that find ways to make sure all students have the support and opportunity to achieve their academic potential while enjoying full participation in all school activities with friends and classmates.
Almost 70 years ago, families of children with a developmental disability had a vision of a community that welcomed and included all people. Today that vision lives at the heart of Inclusion Lethbridge.
A big part of realizing that dream was knowing all children should go to school with their siblings and kids from their own neighbourhood. Children needed the chance to learn, play and grow with kids with disabilities.
Betty Grigg was one of those pioneering parents that led the change in our communities and province. Many of the families that are part of the Inclusion Lethbridge today thank Betty for her warm welcoming style of leadership.
The panel in charge of deciding the recipient of the award looks for nomination information about schools that:
- Indicated a history and reputation of inclusive practices.
- Demonstrated value-based actions or policies that protect the child's right to be valued and included.
- Offered training, opportunity, information or education for staff and parents on inclusive practices and resources.
- Included specific examples of creative ways to include a student.
- Displayed a high standard of behavior towards families and children who have relied on the school to share their vision and value for inclusion.
The Betty Grigg Inclusive Education Award will be presented to Fleetwood-Bawden at the Inclusion Lethbridge Community Gala on May 30.
For 2024/2025, Nicholas Sheran Elementary School took home the honour.
