HYLAND HEIGHTS E.S. HAWK TALK MAY, 2015 Dear Parents & Guardians, Just eight short and busy weeks to summer vacation! These weeks will be filled with students working towards their goals, outdoor activities and planning for year-end events. Are you aware that our School Council is working diligently to raise $60 000 for a new junior Creative Playground? This week, a subcommittee made of School Council members, Charity P. and Rebecca H. met with a playground company to begin the process of determining the make-up of our new playground. Students will be involved in determining and selecting the qualities of the playground. It’s likely that we will have a June or September assembly to involve the students in such decision making. So far, School Council has raised approximately $20 000! Thanks, in advance for supporting all School Council events and please continue to do so. Through donation from the Upper Grand Learning Foundation, School Council is able to access a professional fund-raiser who will guide us in soliciting and contacting local businesses for their support. We will also approach the Town of Shelburne for support, as they will certainly benefit from having a first class playground available to our community. Once again, a note of appreciation to HHES families and School Council for supporting students through Scientists in the School for each classroom, Art Days for both the primary and junior/intermediate divisions and various learning resources to support class room instruction. A total of $5 000 was donated to support students! What an amazing community we are and our students’ educational experience is much richer because of it! Our grade three and four students participated in the Dufferin Youth Arts Festival last week and did a great job. There was a fantastic display of musical talent and a great day was had by all. A very special thank-you goes to Mrs. Rebecca Hall for sharing her gift of photography with us. She captured our hands beautifully and we were proud to display these works of art during one of our songs, “My Own Two Hands.” …Happy Mother’s Day (May 10th!) mitch zuk, principal Principal, Mitch Zuk 519-925-3745, Attendance: Ext. 100 * Press ‘0’ to connect directly with the office DATE REMINDERS Monday, May 18th - Victoria Day Just a reminder that there will be a Board Holiday on Monday, May 18th, 2015. There will be no classes for students. Friday, June 5th - P.A. Day (full day) UPCOMING SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETINGS Monday, June 1st @ 6pm (babysitting available) Scholastic Book Fair Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 8. Be The Best You Can Be (grades 6-8) Thursday, May 14 at Recreation Centre from 9:00am to 2:30 pm. Jump Rope for Heart Event Day: May 22 @2:00pm Red Cross Babysitting CourseElementary PD Day Friday, June 5th 8:30am 4:30pm - This course teaches important skills for staying home alone or looking after other children. This course is offered for children 11 years of age and older at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex (Arena), 200 Fiddle Park Lane (519) 925-2402. Preregistration is required. Fee $41.00 EQAO Provincial Testing Grade 6’s will complete the provincial EQAO assessment on May 26th, 27th and 28 during the morning and afternoon periods. Our Grade 3’s will complete the assessment with additional days on June 1-3; however, only for 1.5 hours each day. Student attendance and punctuality is especially important on these dates. To ensure that students are able to show their best on these days, a hearty breakfast and lunch are extremely important. EQAO is a test of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics curriculum expectations. The test is completed each Spring and results are used to identify specific areas of need to inform our teaching practices and set a direction for our School Improvement Plans. Results are reported in terms of how many students are achieving level 3 (B achievement range indicating a consistent knowledge of expectations) or a level 4 (A achievement range indicating a more thorough, complex knowledge of expectations.) Results reflect the accumulation of knowledge and skills at the end of primary grades and at the end of junior grades. Jump Rope for Heart Event Day: May 22 Hyland Heights is pleased to be holding a Heart and Stroke Foundation Jump Rope For Heart event on Friday May 22 at 2:00pm. Our Hyland Heights Jump Rope Team will presented to the school at a Kickoff Assembly on Monday, May 4 at 12:00. All money raised will support the Heart and Stroke Foundation in their mission to promote children’s health and fund vital heart and stroke research. JUMP Rope for Heart encourages kids to get active by skipping rope. Our school will receive a portion of the funds collected to support the purchase of physical education equipment. Please consider online fund-raising. It’s an efficient way to donate. Dress Code Expectations With the warmer weather soon on its way, students will soon be able to wear fewer layers of clothing. Students are reminded of dress code expectations that include: Wearing shoes at all times No undergarments being visible Modest clothing that fits appropriately No spaghetti straps, halter tops, muscle shirts, revealing necklines or midriffs Skirts and shorts need to be of a length that reaches mid-thigh or finger tips Appropriate dress is at the discretion of staff and students are expected to be respectful when direction related to this is given. Students may be asked to change into alternate clothing or to cover up. The expectation is that students are not to wear the same article of clothing again to school. Time and attention given to this takes away from valuable learning time and we appreciate support from parents to ensure compliance. Talking about Mental Health - May 2015 May 2-9 is Child and Youth Mental Health Week! Have a SUPER Week! Let’s increase everyone’s mental health and well being! Let’s focus on increasing these positive skills! - Social Connections - Uplifting Emotions - Personal Health - Emotional Calming - Resilient Thinking Now that you have started building all those wonderful skills, keep it going throughout the month and the year! Our community partners have some excellent activities planned: - Norfolk Psychological Services is presenting a series of free seminars, hosted at the Guelph Public Library on Child, Youth and Family Mental Health. For more information and to register, please visit www.guelphpl.ca or 519-824-6220. - DCAFS and Shed the Light will be presenting in schools and a display and information will be available at DCAFS. Shed the Light is hosting 'Artistry in Mind' at ODSS on Friday May 8th in the evening. For more information go to dcafs.ca. - CMHAWWD is hosting: a film showing, May 4, 7:00 pm of The Mask You Wear at 10 Carden St., Guelph. A BBQ and Art Show, May 8, 1-4 pm at 30 Centre St., Orangeville and a BBQ/Open house on May 8, 1:30-1:30 at 292 Stephenson St. N., Guelph. - GLOWW and CMHAWWD are hosting a family day and walk to bring Mental Illness out of the dark into the light, May 2,12-5, at Exhibition Park, Guelph. For more information go to https://wwd.cmha.ca/ Enjoy and participate and keep talking about mental health! Dr. Lynn Woodford is the Mental Health and Addiction Lead for Upper Grand District School Board Follow me on twitter: @drlynnwoodford Online Math Games Check out this blog for more practical math ideas and activities for you to use at home with your children. http://beyondtraditionalmath.wordpress.com/mathplay-20-minutes-a-day/ http://beyondtraditionalmath.wordpress.com/mathplay-20-minutes-a-day/ Understanding the Equal Sign Most children see = and they know it is an equal sign, but do they really understand what it means? Many children believe the equal sign means “the answer is” or “the total”. They do not understand that the equal sign is a symbol of balance or sameness. Think about 3 + 4 = 7. 3 plus 4 is the same as 7. When children understand that the equal sign shows a relationship between numbers, they develop stronger number sense and are able to work with numbers more flexibly. For example, children who know that the equal sign shows balance understand that 3 + 4 is the same as 5 + 2. Children who think of the equal sign as showing the answer often struggle with mental math and, later on, with algebra. Parents can help support understanding of the equal sign in many ways. First, using the word “equal” in everyday conversation to highlight equal relationships helps to promote an understanding of sameness. Use the words “equal” and “the same” together. When sharing snacks among people, talk about amounts. Are they equal? How do we know? Also, many children enjoy missing number problems, especially when presented as a puzzle or challenge. Challenge children to find the number to balance equations, like these: 5 + ___ = 1 + 8 or 14 - 6 = ___ + 3 or 5 x ____ = 4 x ____ When playing with Lego, talk about how the different sized pieces are related. How many little pieces are equal to a big piece? Build different creations with equal number of pieces. Build creations with equal sizes but different number of pieces. The more exposure children have to the idea that the equal sign means “the same”, the better set they will be to develop solid number sense and number flexibility. - Megan Haessler - Teacher-Researcher with the UGDSB Information on Learning Disabilities Learning disabilities refer to a number of disorders that affect processes related to the learning, organization, and recall of information, as well as the understanding or use of language and/or nonverbal information. A student with a learning disability demonstrates some average or above average cognitive abilities that are essential for thinking and reasoning. Despite this, he or she can have academic underachievement, or achievement maintained only by unusually high levels of effort and/or support. At school, this means that the student has good ideas and is able to do the thinking required to make connections and problem solve, however one or more areas of academics (oral language, reading, writing or math) cause significant difficulties and frustration. The Upper Grand District School Board supports students with learning disabilities in a variety of ways. Some students who struggle to learn to read will be recommended by the school to attend a special education class for students with learning disabilities. If parents agree that this is a good option for supporting their child, the student may attend this program for one or more years in Grades 4 through 6. In some areas of the Board, where special education classes are not available, a student with a learning disability might receive the support of one of the Board’s four Itinerant Technology Resource Teachers. These teachers are qualified special education teachers and have an expertise in the use of assistive technology. The support of an Itinerant Technology Resource Teacher would occur during Grades 4 to 6 and would take place while the student is in the regular classroom. For most students with learning disabilities, the regular classroom, with the support of a resource teacher, is the best fit. A student with a learning disability, receiving instruction in a regular or special education class, will benefit significantly from the use of assistive technology. This may include computer programs that are designed to read printed materials, turn speech into written words, or predict what words students are trying to spell. Assistive technology is often an important strategy for learning and letting students demonstrate what they know and have learned. The use of these technologies can also help students to become more independent, can increase their selfconfidence and improve self-esteem. While assistive technology is often necessary for some students with learning disabilities and other difficulties at school to be successful, it can benefit ALL STUDENTS in the classroom. Each and every student at the UGDSB has access to Read&Write for Google, which does read print, turn speech into words and predict the words as they are being typed. These program options are available to students on any computer, at school or at home, as long as they are logged onto the internet browser Chrome and their UGCloud account. For information on how to access your child’s UGCloud account at home, speak to his or her classroom teacher. The library would like to thank the School Council for generously agreeing to pay for our recent guest author/illustrator visit. On Thursday, April 16th, our JK to Grade 3 students were treated to presentations by Marnie Worry and Kristen Franjic who together created the book I’d Rather Be Me! Students seemed to be quite engaged during the presentations, and especially enjoyed singing the story (which was originally written as a song rather than a book). Our “Fictional Character Day” was held on Friday, May 1. Staff and students who dressed up as a character from a book, will be eligible to win a book from our Book Fair, which runs from May 5-8. Hope to see you there! Student Class Placements for September Many variables are considered in deciding class placements for students. Programming needs are always a priority, as well as balancing students who can work independently with students who require additional supports. We attempt to balance the number of boys and girls in classes, while also considering the social & emotional needs of students. Much time, effort and consideration goes into placing students into classes. Teachers spend a significant amount of time placing students based on all students’ needs. For parents who want us to know about the specific educational needs of their child, please address a note to Mr. Zuk about your child’s specific needs. Please refrain from requesting a specific teacher; rather focus on your child’s educational needs. Given the possibility of reorganization of classes should our student numbers change, students will learn who their new classroom teacher is on the first day of school in September. Student placements will again be considered tentative, until the third week of school in September. HHES staff will continue to do our very best to support a smooth transition for students, if and where changes are required. Out of Area Requests Each year, parents requesting for their child to attend a school out of their designated school area are required to complete an Out of Area form. The policy outlines clearly that students are to register and attend the school designated to their area or address, with very few exceptions, which may be granted for one year only. For these exceptions, Out of Area Request forms must be completed and returned as soon as possible. Students who are living out of the school area that are not approved, will not be placed on a class list and should enroll at their home school. If you have not received your request form, please contact the school office a.s.a.p. Proper Footware for School Students need shoes or sandals that allow them to run and play safely. Flip-flops pose a considerable tripping danger to students. At no time should students be wearing socks only or bare feet. Indoor/Gym Shoes To reduce floor markings and mud/dirt from being tracked throughout the school, students continue to require a pair of indoor shoes that can be worn in the gym. Please make sure your child has not outgrown their indoor shoes and that the laces/fasteners are still in good shape. Your support to keep the school clean and student’s safe, is greatly appreciated. Playground Safety With the warm weather that has arrived, students are reminded of the expectations for appropriate play that keep these structures fun and safe places to play. A reminder for students and parents that supervision, maintenance, and inspections of the climber structures are not provided outside of regular school hours. Many children enjoy using the play structures, which provides an opportunity for alternate kinds of play. We are glad Spring weather has arrived and encourage safe play at all times by following these expectations. When using the climbers: Take turns—no pushing No running around the play structure No food of drinks anywhere on the yard Do not throw sticks, stones, or other objects More Children Can Get Free Dental Care More children will qualify for free dental care due to changes to the Healthy Smiles Ontario Program. The income thresholds have changed and now include the number of children in the family. This affects children and youth up to the age of 18 who are residents of Ontario and have no access to any form of dental coverage. If you think a child may qualify for Healthy Smiles Ontario, contact Public Health at 1-800-2657293 ext. 2661. We will help you with the application process and answer any questions. Grade 8 Graduation The Grade 8 Graduation ceremony for Hyland Heights will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd @ 7pm. More information in preparation for this special occasion will follow shortly. Hyland Centre Child Care 200 Fourth Ave. Shelburne, ON L0N 1S1 Located in Hyland Heights Elementary School Extended Day Child Care Program Hyland Centre Child Care will continue to provide the Extended Day Program for Hyland Heights Elementary School! Hyland Centre is located in Hyland Heights Elementary School and we have offered quality childcare programs since 1989, in the same location. We look forward to working closely with Hyland Heights Elementary School and Upper Grand District School Board to continue to provide before and after school programs as well as full days on school holidays, PD Days and summer care. Call us today for more information or to determine how we can help with your child care needs 519 925 5690 or email: hylandcentre@gmail.com. Working together with a common interest - your child. Life Threatening Allergies at Hyland Heights of which to be Aware Please be aware we have the following allergies in our school: Nuts Bees Wasps Hornets Peanuts Shellfish/fish Cantaloupe Peaches Grass Trees Tree Nuts Help us reduce the risk of life-threatening allergic reactions by not sending the food items listed above to school. If your child has a life-threatening condition that has not been communicated to the office as yet, please contact us as soon as possible. Join the 2015 Pause to Play challenge May 10th – 16th 2015. The Pause to Play challenge encourages students and their families to put their television, video games and computers on pause for one full week. Participants are more likely to feel good about themselves. Exercise that gets your heart pumping has many benefits to your health! Being active for at least 60 minutes daily can help children: • Improve their health • Do better in school • Improve their fitness, grow stronger and maintain a healthy body weight • Have fun playing with friends and feel happier • Learn new skills and improve their selfconfidence Take the challenge for a week or more and learn how much fun it can be to pause to PLAY! Go to www.wdgpublichealth.ca for more information and for a list of free or low cost activities your local library and recreation centres are offering. MAY EVENTS CALENDAR MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 Gr 5 Earthkeepers @ Island Lake Grade 6 DARE Graduation @ 2pm Dress as your Favorite Fictional Character Today! 4 Smoothie Day Gr 5 Earthkeepers @ Island Lake 5 Library Book Fair 6 Pizza Day Library Book Fair Gr.3 Swim to Survive Program Support Staff Appreciation Day(Educational Assistants, Child and Youth Care Workers) 11 Pita Day 12 Flouride Varnishings 18 Victoria Day – No School Today 13 Pizza Day Track and Field Standards day Gr 5-6 am Gr. 7-8 pm 19 Smoothie Day 20 Pizza Day 7 Library Book Fair 8 Library Book Fair Ends Today Arts Day (Gr. 5-8) JK Orientation Night @6-7pm Dairy Educators Visit for JK/SK 14 Track and Field Standards Day Gr 3-4 am Gr 1-2 pm “Be the Best You Can Be” (Gr.6-8 @ Shelburne Recreation Centre) 15 Sports Attire Spirit Day! 21 nd Gr. 7 Hep B (2 of 2) Gr. 8 girls vaccination rd (3 of 3) “Into the Woods” drama (1/2, 2/3,3, ¾,5/6 22 Lock Down Drill #2 @10:15 Jump Rope for Heart Event @2:00pm 25 Pita Day Scientists in the School (Gr.5) (fully sponsored by School Council) 26 EQAO for Grade 6’s (am/pm) EQAO for Grade 3’s (am) 27 Pizza Day EQAO for Grade 6’s (am/pm) EQAO for Grade 3’s (am) 28 EQAO for Grade 6’s (am/pm) EQAO for Grade 3’s (am) 29 June 1 EQAO for Grade 3’s (am) Smoothie Day School Council meeting @6:00 pm. Scientists in the School (Burgess) (fully sponsored by School Council) 2 EQAO for Grade 3’s (am) 3 EQAO for Grade 3’s (am) Pizza Day 4 Scientists in the School (Hume) (fully sponsored by School Council) 5 PA Day (all day) Scientists in the School (Hume) (fully sponsored by School Council)