May 2015 Newsletter - Cookstown Central Public School
Transcription
May 2015 Newsletter - Cookstown Central Public School
COOKSTOWN CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL http://ckt.scdsb.on.ca May 2015 Henry Legge Principal Phone Number 705-458-4461 Stephanie Jacklin Vice-Principal Safe Arrival 705-458-4461x1 Dear Parents and Guardians, Spring is trying to arrive but Mother Nature seems to just be teasing us with wonderful days mixed in with cool wet ones! Please continue to dress your child appropriately for all weather situations as we will attempt to be outside as much as possible. As we begin the month of May there are many exciting events! May 4 – 8 is Education Week and we will be celebrating all the wonderful accomplishments and successes here at Cookstown Central that both our students and staff have made during this school year. The kick off will include displays of student work along with in class discussions on successes that have been seen. Our Pitch In event on school property and throughout the community to make a difference is on Tuesday. During this week we will also be raising awareness of the importance of a healthy mind and the wellbeing of each one of us as we take part in activities to support Mental Health Awareness Week. Our culminating event will be a walk Friday afternoon to show our support for the 1 in 5 Canadians that suffer from some sort of mental illness. Finally it is that time of year again to practice our safety protocols which will include fire drills, tornado drills and lockdown scenarios. This will ensure that our students and staff know what to do in case of an emergency. All of the above are monitored by emergency services to ensure our standards and practices meet the highest quality. Safety is our primary concern for our community and together we can make a difference. Next School Council Meeting The next school council meeting will take place on Monday, May 4th at 6:30 p.m. in the library. Important Dates Jump Rope for Heart May 1st Mental Health Awareness Week May 4th – 8th Education Week May 4th – 8th Pitch-in Day May 5th Pitch-in Day Rain date May 7th Dare Graduation May 7th Volunteer Tea May 12th(10:15-11am) Victoria Day Holliday May 18th School Track & Field(Jr) May 20th Track & Field Rain date May 22nd Grade 8’s to Kandalore May 20th to 22nd EQAO –Gr. 3 May 25th to May 28th EQAO – Gr. 6 June 1st to June 4th Character Assembly May 29th Welcome to Kindergarten June 3rd (1:50 p.m.) BookFair June 10th and 11th Primary Spring Concert June 11 (2:15 & 7:00 p.m.) Kdg. (SK) Graduation June 17th(2-3p.m.) Grade 8 Graduation June 26th (6:30p.m.) @ Banting Are You Moving? Please call the school if your family will be moving out of the area before September 2015. We appreciate the advance notice so that we can organize our classes for the next school year. Please call the school office at 705-458-4461 with this information. Thank you. Volunteer Tea On Monday, May 12th at 10:15 a.m. Cookstown Public School will be recognizing all of our wonderful volunteers that have made a difference. We hope those invited can join us. Children’s Mental Health Week Children’s Mental Health Week is May 4th to 8th . One in five Ontario children and youth struggle with mental health concerns – that’s about 500,000 kids. Children’s Mental Health Week is about promoting positive mental health, increasing the awareness of signs related to children and youth struggling with mental health problems, decreasing stigma and understanding how to access community supports that are available to improve well-being. For more information, visit www.kidsmentalhealth.ca. Our school is recognizing this week by having a Walk for Mental Health on Friday May 8th. School Organization 2015-2016 Annually The Simcoe County District School Board uses its staffing formula for teacher assignment to schools. Within the parameters of those assignments, Principals organize their schools based on available staffing and the number of students projected for the following September. Tentative assignments are made in May, but not confirmed until the end of September, after all students have been accounted for, including families moving into and out the school area. Classes are of course set up for the first of September, but often significant movement needs to take place because of reorganization late in the month. Should you have what you believe to be a significant academic reason to request a particular placement for your child, please send such requests IN WRITING to the school office for consideration no later than Friday, May 15th. Kindergarten Registration: Welcome to a Wonderful Journey of Learning Is your child starting school in 2015? We invite you to register your child now for Kindergarten which begins this fall. Upon registration, you will receive our “Welcome to Kindergarten” package. To be eligible, your child must be four years of age by December 31, 2015. Please call 705-458-4461 for further information. For Kindergarten registration, we will require proof of your child’s birth date (i.e., original Canadian Birth Certificate, Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, Canadian Passport, Permanent Resident Card/Record of Landing, or Statement of Live Birth – long version) and proof of your child’s address (i.e. a utility bill). We will also request his/her record of immunization. Families of Kindergarten students new to Canada or Ontario are asked to contact our “Newcomer Welcome Centre” at 705-725-8360 ext. 310. We look forward to welcoming your child to a wonderful journey of learning. Welcome to Kindergarten Meeting If you have a child registered for JK in September, you and your child are invited to a Welcome to Kindergarten meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at Cookstown Central Public School at 1:50 p.m. You will receive a Welcome to Kindergarten bag with magnetic letters and numbers, books, crayons, scissors, paper, play dough and more! Teachers will share fun activities you can do at home with your child. The Eye See Eye Learn Program Dear Parents/Guardians of students entering Junior Kindergarten in September 2015: Your child is eligible to participate in the Eye See Eye Learn program – an initiative new to the Simcoe County District School Board. This program provides comprehensive free eye exams by local optometrists to Junior Kindergarten students. The eye exams are covered under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) when parents show their child’s health card. There is no out-of-pocket cost for the eye exam and if your child requires a pair of glasses, he or she will receive them free of charge courtesy of the participating Eye See Eye Learn sponsors. The Eye See Eye Learn program was developed to raise awareness among parents about the importance of having their children’s eyes checked upon starting school. The Ontario Association of Optometrists recognizes the important link between eye health and learning, and recommends comprehensive eye examinations for all children entering Kindergarten. Students entering Junior Kindergarten in the 2015-2016 school year are eligible to participate between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016. For more information about this initiative, please visit www.eyeseeeyelearn.com or contact Superintendent Anita Simpson at 705-734-6363 ext. 11357 or [email protected] Rubber Boots The Kindergarten classes are engaged in outdoor learning and with spring quickly approaching we will be exploring in a new season. In order to keep our Kindergarten students engaged and dry we are asking for gently used rubber boots sizes 11 to 3. Thank you for supporting our outdoor learning. The Kindergarten Team. Reminder! When entering the school parking lot please remember that the driveway is one way from north to south. Far too many vehicles enter from the wrong direction creating the potential for accidents to occur. Thank you for your cooperation. Jump Rope for Heart If you haven’t returned you Jump Rope for Heart Pledge envelopes, please do so by Friday, May 8th . Thank you! Track and Field As part of our Phys. Ed. Program, every child in Grades 4-8 participates in training for Track & Field. Emphasis is on participation, improving skills and fitness and having fun, rather than competition. Most students should be able to participate – even if it is walking instead of running! If there are medical reasons that will limit your child’s involvement, please send a note outlining the condition and what precautionary measures are required. Students using “puffers” should carry them daily. Training sessions are underway during class time, weather permitting. Students must come “dressed for action” with T-shirts, shorts, sweat suits and running shoes. Our Junior Track & Field Day is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20 with a rain date of Thursday, May 22. This exciting day will commence immediately after opening announcements. Students are to dress appropriately for action, complete with hats and sunscreen! Students are asked to bring their own water bottle, lunch and nutritious snacks. Our Intermediate students will not have a specific day for a Track & Field meet but will compete within class time. The Area Meet will be held on June 11th at Tosorontio Public School with the rain date being Tuesday and our representatives will be selected based on performance during our Track & Field Day/events. Parent Volunteers for Junior Track and Field Parent volunteers are necessary in order for our Junior Track and Field Meet to run. Your help is always greatly appreciated. If you have not previously made contact with Mrs. Bridgeman, please email her at [email protected] and she will get back to you. Junior Boys Basketball The Junior Boys Basketball team had a solid season this year! The boys improved a great deal from the beginning of our season in March and ended up winning, in a tie, the consolation championship at Baxter P.S. last Thursday. Great passing, layups and a solid defense enabled the boys to come back from early losses in the morning to a win and a tie in the afternoon. All the boys are to be commended for their efforts and good sportsmanship! Junior Girls Basketball The Junior Girls Basketball team worked hard this season making it to the Zone finals, falling one game short for the win. The girls worked very hard and showed great sportsmanship throughout the season. Well done girls! Primary Spring Concert Please join us for our Primary Spring Concert (Grades 1-3) on Thursday June 11th at 2:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. Concert details and ticket information will be sent home later this month. There will also be a BookFair taking place in the library during this time so please feel free to come to the library and check it out! Pitch-In! Our school will participate in a Canada-wide effort to keep our communities clean. All students, JKGrade 8, will keep our community and school clean by picking up garbage on the morning of Tuesday, May 5th (rain date: Thursday, May 7th). Garbage bags and some latex gloves will be given to the school from the Town of Innisfil. Children are encouraged to bring some gloves from home as well, should they have any. Kindergarten through to Grade 2 and the Developmental Skills class will remain on school property. Grades 3-8 will have designated areas in the community. Safety procedures will be reviewed with all students. Registered parent volunteers are welcome to assist the classes. Pitch-In will begin at 9:30 a.m. Come out and help keep Innisfil clean! Dress Code As the warmer weather approaches it is a good time to remind everyone of the school dress code as published in the school agenda: Students are to wear clothing that is neat, clean and appropriate to the school environment. Clothing that is provocative or carries an unacceptable message or slogan is inappropriate. Clothing must provide adequate coverage – no bare midriffs, shoulders should be covered and shorts should be of an appropriate length. We ask for parental understanding and support as we encourage students to make appropriate choices. See our website for more explanation on what is acceptable. Grade Three and Six Assessment Grade 3 and 6 students will be participating in the province wide Education Quality and Assessment Office (EQAO) assessment from May 27th to June 4th. The assessment requires students to participate for up to 2 blocks each day over the four days for Grade 3 then Grade 6. Grade 3 students will participate in the EQAO assessment from May 25th to May 28th and the Grade 6 students will participate from June 1st to June 4th. This year the assessment package contains four separate booklets; math investigation, reading, writing and a multiple choice booklet, which encompasses all three subject areas. In our partnership with parents to help their students achieve success, we have created a list of things parents can do to ensure that each student has a positive experience when writing the assessment: BEFORE THE ASSESSMENT Mark the assessment dates on your calendar at home Discuss the assessment with your child; ask about activities that are being done in class to prepare for the test Help your child feel comfortable by letting him/her know that we only want them to do their best DURING THE ASSESSMENT Support your child by discussing the daily assessment activities Avoid making appointments on assessment days as attendance is crucial Ensure your child has a good night’s sleep and is well rested and has a great breakfast! As we continue to work together as a team in your child’s education we can help students see the assessment as an important and positive part of their learning experience. Learning Advantage Learning Advantage is once again providing the opportunity for parents to purchase workbooks for students. Flyers with order forms were sent home this week. If interested, please order the book for the grade that your child will be in next year. These resources are designed to help bridge academic learning from June to September and reinforces the past year’s learning. Please return orders and money to your classroom teacher. Children’s Mental Health Week Children’s Mental Health Week is May 4 to 9. One in five Ontario children and youth struggle with mental health concerns – that’s about 500,000 kids. Children’s mental health week is about promoting positive mental health, increasing the awareness of signs related to child and youth struggling with mental health problems, decreasing stigma and understanding how to access community supports that are available to improve well-being. For more information, visit http://kidsmentalhealth.ca/. Our school is recognizing this week by discussions in class, quotes on announcements and a school-wide walk on Friday, May 8th. Do You Need More Information? Mental health Week is a designated week created by The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to talk, reflect, engage and celebrate mental health for all. The theme of Mental Health For All represents the right of every Canadian to enjoy and have the best possible mental health. It’s this attitude that represents ways in which all Canadians can actively protect and preserve their mental health at home, work and in their own community. CMHA develops policies and delivers programs and services through its 10,000 volunteers and 135 branches across Canada every day. Learn more by visiting www.MentalHealthWeek.ca Education Week – Celebrating Public Education Education Week, May 4 to 8, is a province-wide celebration of student achievement and excellence in education. It is an opportunity to recognize the work and accomplishments of Ontario’s publiclyfunded schools. The theme for 2014, as set out by the Ontario government, is Achieving Excellence in Education. Students will discuss and celebrate their successes throughout the week. Parents: boost your understanding of High School Starting high school is a big deal for students, and for parents. Parent involvement is still important at high school. Students need their parents to transition to a mentorship role. Simcoe county District School Board high schools are full of caring adults who, like you, want the best for your child. We want to partner with you to help your child find their pathway to happiness and success. Find out more about high school at www.scdsb.on.ca/highschool. There you’ll find a copy of A parent’s Guide to High School. You’ll also find links to information about the various programs and courses students have access to at SCDSB high schools. Proposed 2015-2016 School Year Calendars On the SCDSB website (www.scdsb.on.ca) under ‘Schools’ – ‘School Year Calendars’, you will find the proposed 2015-16 School Year Calendars, pending Ministry approval. These calendars were approved by the Board in February for submission to the Ministry of Education. They are awaiting final approval by the Ministry of Education, which usually occurs in early May. The finalized calendars will be posted on the webpage above once they are approved. Your Child’s Immunization Record The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is required by law to keep an up to date immunization record on file for every student who attends elementary or secondary school in Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka. Unfortunately the Health Unit does not receive immunization information directly from doctor’s offices, therefore parents need to contact the health unit each time students receive a vaccine from their health care provider to update their record. If a student’s immunization record on file with the health unit is not up to date, the health unit will mail a notice requesting immunization information or proof of a valid exemption. If the information requested is not provided, the student may be suspended from school. If a student is due for immunizations, an appointment can be made with their health care provider or at a health unit immunization clinic by contacting Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520. The Health Unit offers immunization clinics in all local offices. You may contact the above numbers to book an appointment. Parents can now provide updated immunization information to the Health Unit online at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/immsonline. For more information visit the immunization page on the health unit’s website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org or call Your Health Connection. Do you or your child need an immunization, but don’t have a family doctor? The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit offers immunization clinics in all local offices. It is important that you and your child keep your immunizations up to date. For more information or to book an appointment please call Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520. Additional information is also available at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org Message from your Local Health Unit: Prevent the bite from mosquitoes and ticks West Nile virus is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Lyme disease is an infection caused by a bacteria spread by the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. It’s important you and your family take precautions to reduce the chances of being bitten by a mosquito or a tick. Steps to protect yourself include: Wear long pants and a long sleeved shirt Wear closed footwear and socks. Tuck your pants into your socks. If hiking or spending time outdoors, check for ticks on exposed areas of your skin or clothing. Use a personal insect repellent that has deet (following the manufacturer’s directions for use). Apply it to your skin and outer clothing. Avoid your eyes and mouth, as well as cuts and scrapes. Put a tick and flea collar on your pet and check them for ticks periodically. When choosing a repellent, consider a product that meets your needs, and only use personal repellents that are registered in Canada. Never use a product labeled as an insecticide on your body. For more information about West Nile virus or Lyme disease, visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-7217520. School’s in for Summer! The Preparatory Program in summer school is where students can improve their Numeracy skills in an interactive and engaging environment. Students entering Grades 7, 8, or 9 in September 2015 may be interested in attending summer school in order to prepare for the upcoming school year. The program runs Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., August 10-21, 2015. Summer school sites are established in six locations throughout the county and limited busing is available. For registration information please contact your home school or visit www.thelearningcentres.com. Ontario Early Years Centre OEYC Alliston Information for Cookstown Public School newsletter for May 2015: Are you home with little people and looking for something fun to do? Drop by the Ontario Early Years Centre in Alliston! The OEYC is a free service for all adults with children 0 to 6 years of age. Adults and children participate in activities together. Children have the opportunity to play with other children and participate in many different types of programs and activities, which promote early learning and school readiness, and they are FUN for children and adults alike. Do you have a child starting school in 2015? Participating in activities at the OEYC is a great way to help prepare your child for this exciting transition. Check out our website, www1.e3.ca or call 705 435-4308 for hours, directions and more information. Calling all adults home with pre-school children! Join Debra from the Ontario Early Years Centre on Wednesdays May 13th an 27th and Friday May 15th at 10:30 am, at the Cookstown Library for an early learning program for children 0 to 6 years of age accompanied by an adult, that will include literacy and sensory experiences, songs, crafts and more. Fun, early learning for children! Find the workshop locations, times and descriptions on the SCDSB website: www.scdsb.on.ca/circle. The Circle of Learning Parent Academy is hosted by the Simcoe County District School Board’s Parent Involvement Committee and made possible with the support of the Ministry of Education through a Parents Reaching Out Grant. Working Together to Make Our Kids Successful Presentation on May 7 Dr. Bruce Ferguson will focus on how the community, school and family can work together to support children as they develop and grow into healthy citizens at this free event for all parents on May 7th. Dr. Ferguson is a Senior Consultant and the founding Director of the Community Health Systems Resource Group at The Hospital for Sick Children. This event is free to all parents. It takes place May 7th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Liberty North in Barrie (100 Caplan Ave.). Simultaneous language interpretation services will be available for those who request it. Registration is available at: www.smcdsb.on.ca/families/parent_workshop. AND/OR you can: Join Marie at the Thornton Library Tuesdays May 5th and 12th at 10am for an early learning program for children 0 to 6 years of age accompanied by an adult that will include literacy and sensory experiences, songs, crafts and more. Fun, early learning for children! Circle of Learning Parent Academy – Free Workshop May 13th on Resilience As a parent/guardian, you were your child’s first teacher and you are still his or her most important Teacher. Your involvement in your child’s education has an impact on success. The final Circle of Learning Parent Academy event for this school year, Resilience: Nine things kids need from their families, schools and communities, takes place on May 13th. Community Events Cookstown Community SPLASH PAD PICNIC Taking place on Saturday, May 30th, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (rain date May 31st) at 20 Church Street, behind the library. Please bring your garbage-less picnic, blanket and lawn chairs. Enjoy an afternoon filled with water fun, sidewalk chalking, games & races for all ages, with our local volunteer firefighters and auxiliary police, and be amazed by Pick-Pocket-Magic! Sponsored by: Cookstown and District Chamber of Commerce, Cookstown Foodland, Volunteer Fire Fighters, Auxiliary Police and Friends of the Library.