UPPER GRAND
District School Board
530 Prospect Street, Box 430, Palmerston, ON, N0G 2P0
519-343-3520
“Be The BEST That You Can Be”
“Fais De Ton Mieux”
2015-2016
Newsletter #4
December 1, 2015
MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATION TEAM
It is hard to believe that December is already here. Be sure to check the calendar so as not to miss any
event. Our students from Kindergarten to Grade 5 will be presenting at the Christmas Concert this year.
Palmerston students will attend the dress rehearsal on December 15th at 11:30 a.m. There will be an
afternoon performance for parents and families starting at 11:30 a.m. on December 16th. The evening
performance will begin at 7:00 p.m. on December 16th. We hope to see you at one of our performances.
The entire staff of Palmerston Public School would like to wish our families a wonderful holiday season.
Enjoy the time spent with your loved ones. We look forward to seeing you again in the new year!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee!
KINDERGARTEN 2016-17
Kindergarten registration will be held from February 1 – 5, 2016. If you have a child, or know of
someone who has a child who was born in 2011 for Senior Kindergarten or 2012 for Junior Kindergarten,
please have them call the school 519-343-3520 before December 18th . We will be sending out registration
packages in January.
th
SPIRIT DAY
Friday, December 18 is “Santa’s Workshop”. Wear red, green and white!
There will be a dance for the Grade 7 and 8 students on Friday, December 18th in the gym in the
afternoon.
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT CLOSED
The playground equipment including swings and creative are now closed at recesses and non-school
hours until March 31, 2016.
MOTORIZED VEHICLES ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
Snowmobiles, ATV’s and other motorized vehicles should not be driven on school property at any time.
WINTER HAS ARRIVED!
Students are expected to be outside during recess unless they are participating in an indoor activity at
that time. As the weather gets colder, please consider the following “STAY WARM” tips:
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∗
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Send an extra pair of socks and mitts to school.
Indoor shoes are required for gym and to keep the feet dry (halls and classroom floors do get wet from
the snow).
Snowpants, scarves, boots, warm coats, etc. help keep the children warm and dry, (students are
encouraged to wear the outdoor clothes that parents send to school).
Each week our Lost and Found box grows with articles of clothing that seldom get claimed. Students
are encouraged to look for lost items in the box. Parents are also welcome to have a look for lost items.
INCLEMENT WEATHER REMINDERS
1. The buses will not go home early on days when the weather deteriorates during the day.
2. When the buses do not run the students who have come to school will be dismissed at 3:00 p.m.
NO BUS DAYS & SPECIAL LUNCH DAYS
It has been decided that if the buses do not run on a Tuesday, Pizza Day will be on Wednesday.
The School Council has made a decision that on No Bus Days the Grilled Cheese and Hot Days will be
cancelled and re-scheduled by School Council for an alternate date. Please send your child with a lunch on Hot
Dog or Grilled Cheese Days when the buses do not run.
VIOLENCE THREAT RISK ASSESSMENT PROTOCOL (VTRA)
The Upper Grand District School Board is committed to providing safe learning environments for all
students, staff, school visitors, and community members. When a student behaves inappropriately,
Principals use progressive discipline to help a student take responsibility for their actions, change
their behaviour, and learn from their mistakes.
When safety is threatened by the potentially violent or dangerous behaviour of a student, which
places either the student or others at risk, school staff follow specific protocols for the protection of
all. It is important that you and your children are aware of these protocols.
For more information, please visit the board’s website:
http://www.ugdsb.on.ca/parents/article.aspx?id=51057
NEW CHILD CARE SPACES COMING TO PALMERSTON PS
We are excited to announce that Palmerston Public School has been granted provincial funding that
will allow for the construction of new child care spaces at the school.
Ontario’s Ministry of Education has approved $1.5 million in funding for the creation of 49 new child
care spaces at Palmerston PS. The project will allow for three new child care rooms, one room each for infants,
toddlers and preschool children.
For more information, visit the board’s website:
http://www.ugdsb.on.ca/news_article.aspx?id=61923&blogid=32405
SNOWBALLS/SNOWFORTS
It is that time of year again when the snow covers most of our school yard and our children get the
opportunity to play in the snow. Please remind your child that our school has a “No Snowball” rule. Children
caught throwing snow may be asked to stand up against the wall of the school for the duration of the recess or
given a detention. It is important that we ensure the safety of all of our students. Our children also need to
know that “No One Owns the Snow, But We Must Respect Others’ Work” so forts, blocks etc. do not become
the focus of our students’ attention and protection. It would be appreciated if you could talk to your child
about respecting others.
GENEROSITY AT HOME
From December 7th to 11th, we as a school community will be collecting products to support our local
food bank and toy distribution drive.
We would appreciate any support your family can bring to help others in our community have a joyous
Christmas season by bringing in the following items:
Monday, December 7th - Paper products
Tuesday, December 8th - Toys
Wednesday, December 9th - Baby items (diapers, baby food, etc.)
Thursday, December 10th - Canned and non-perishable food items
Friday, December 11th – Catch-up day
Please do not send food items that have reached their expiry date. The Food Bank cannot use food
items that have expired.
The members of our Student Activity Club (SAC) will be gathering boxes to put the donations into and
these will be on display in our foyer under the Christmas tree.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Just a reminder that this would be a good time to replenish your child’s pencils, crayons, etc. These
items would make great stocking stuffers.
December's Environmental Theme: WATER POLLUTION
Water might seem like an endless resource. It covers more than 75% of our planet, but only 1% of the
water on planet Earth is fresh, usable, and drinkable. The rest is either saltwater or frozen. And now the 1%
that is drinkable is being threatened by pollution because of humans.
We need to conserve the water that exists on planet Earth. Did you know that almost 1 billion people do
not have access to clean water? That is really hard for us to understand because Canada's most valuable
natural resource by far is freshwater. While we have only 0.5% of the world’s population we have
approximately 20% of the world’s fresh water resources. But unfortunately Canada is also one of the highest
fresh water users in the world. Of 29 nations studied, only the United States uses more water than Canada on
a per capita basis. Canada’s consumption is an alarming 65 per cent above the average!
What are some of the ways we can reduce water pollution? At home, purchase environmentally friendly,
non-toxic cleaning products. Or clean with baking soda, lemon or vinegar. Conserve fresh water by collecting
rainwater in barrels. Use it to water your lawn and garden or even indoor plants. Don’t pour chemicals or
paint or oil down the drain, and especially not into the storm drains on the street, as it goes directly back to
our rivers and lakes. Using natural products that are biodegradable, for example, is a great way to go. Most
importantly, don’t waste the clean water that we have. Turn off the taps when you brush your teeth, take
shorter showers, and know that lawn watering is now no longer cool!
Slogan of the month: Conserve our water - it's all we have!
Me2We will be selling popcorn again this year. This
is not only a delicious and healthy snack for your
child but all proceeds will go back to our local
community. Me2We will be spending time this
spring considering ways we want to contribute to
our local community. We want to consider the
positive environmental impact we can make as well
as some social awareness and change we can make
to our community. Please consider enjoying some
popcorn and helping our community at the same
time.
Me to We Rafikis
Palmerston Public school will be selling Rafikis bracelets the first week of December. We have selected 6
different styles and will be selling for 10.00. The money raised for each Rafikis sold will be given back to a
Kenyan Artisan to create a better future for herself and her family. Every bracelet she makes helps her earn a
living, send her children to school and share the power of her skills and traditions with the world. If you are
interested in purchasing a bracelet we have attached an order form below or you can come visit our Me to We
team in the foyer every morning recess from December 1-8.
_______________________________________________________
Rafikis Order Form
Name: __________________
Teacher: _________________
All Rafikis are $10.00. Payment in advance to process orders
Name Frozen Good Luck Health Forever YOLO Happiness Total
Samples of the above Rafiki styles will be at the school during first recess. Please have
all order back to school by December 8, 2015.
MONDAY
1
TUESDAY
Day 3
2
Day 3
9
Pizza Lunch
Picture retakes 9:00 am
7
Paper Products
14
Day 2
Santa Grams for sale
Day 2
8
WEDNESDAY
Day 4
Grilled cheese
Intermediate Volleyball
game vs Victoria Cross PS
Day 4
Pizza Lunch
Toys
Gr. 9 Information Night at
Norwell for Gr. 8 students
6:30 pm E.C. Gray Centre
Baby items (diapers, baby
food, etc.)
Santa Grams for sale
Intermediate Volleyball
game vs Arthur PS
15
16
Day 3
Pizza Lunch
Dress Rehearsal for
Christmas Concert 11:30
am
Day 4
Hot Dogs
Christmas Concert 11:30
am and 7:00 pm
3
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Day 5
4
10
Day 5
11
Day 1
17
Day 5
18
Day 1
Junior Volleyball
tournament at Victoria
Cross PS
Canned goods & nonperishable food items
Santa Grams for sale
Intermediate Volleyball
game at Drayton PS
Day 1
Santa Grams for sale
Last date to donate for
food/toy drive
Progress Reports go home
“Santa’s Workshop” Wear
red, green, white
Gr. 7/8 dance
“PROGRESS REPORT LANGUAGE”
Like all professions, educators sometimes use language specific to teaching and learning. We often don’t
even realize when we have slipped into using “edubabble”. On the Progress Report that has just come home,
we have made every attempt to use language that is meaningful to parents. We want you to know and
understand what we are doing at school, and how you can help support your child’s learning. Below are some
of the terms you may have read on the Progress Report or hear at the Parent/Teacher interview.
•
Learning Goal: A learning goal is a stated or written goal the teacher provides to help students know
exactly where they’re heading in a lesson.
•
Success Criteria: Success criteria often start with the words “I can ….”. Success Criteria lists what the
student needs to do/accomplish for the lesson or unit of study.
•
Descriptive Feedback: Descriptive feedback can be oral or written. It is provided by the teacher and
offers the student information on how he/she is doing. Descriptive feedback lets students know what
their next steps are and what they can do to improve.
•
Guided Reading: Guided reading is small group learning where the teacher helps students practice and
improve his/her reading skills. The instruction, strategies taught and reading material are carefully
chosen to meet the needs of each student.
•
Three-Part Problem-Solving: Three-part problem-solving is students learning mathematics and
developing an understanding of mathematics through reasoning and working through a problem. It has
3 distinct stages:
1. Before – Getting started or Minds On is introducing and practicing mathematical ideas and strategies
that connect to the day’s learning goal.
2. During – Learning or Action is solving the lesson’s problem in pairs, small groups or individually. The
students develop their knowledge, thinking and strategies while the teacher pushes and guides their
learning using questioning and feedback.
3. After - (a) Consolidation is a whole-class discussion where the teacher and the class analyze the
solutions the students came up with to the problem. Together they highlight key mathematical ideas
and strategies. (b) Independent Practice is the students solving a problem(s) similar to the lesson to
practice the same skills and try out the new ideas.
Adapted from:
“A Guide to Effective Instruction in Mathematics, Problem Solving and Communication, K-6”’
“Bansho (Board Writing)”, Capacity Building Series, 2011
“Communication in the Mathematics Classroom”, Capacity Building Series, 2010
“Early Reading Strategy, The Report of the Expert Panel on Early Reading in Ontario”, 2003
“Grand Conversations in the Junior Classroom”, Capacity Building Series, 2011
“Growing Success, Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting in Ontario”, 2010
“Making Room for Talking to Learn”, Adolescent Literacy: Engaging Research and Teaching, Literacy Gains Alert, 2012
WHAT IS AN IEP?
An Individual Education Plan, or IEP, is “a written plan describing the special education program
and/or services required by a particular student.” (Ontario Ministry of Education, Individual Education
Plans: Standards for Development, Program Planning, and Implementation, 2000, p. 3). IEPs can be
developed for exceptional students (as identified by an Identification Placement and Review Committee), or
based on student need, regardless of identification. IEPs can address academic and behavioural learning
needs; they are written by teachers in consultation with parents, as well as students, where appropriate.
All IEPs must include a student profile which identifies the child’s name, their date of birth, teacher’s
name, grade, class placement (if applicable), relevant assessment information, relevant medical diagnoses, as
well as their strengths and needs (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2000, p. 6). IEPs including modified or
alternative expectations must include annual program goals.
IEPs must also list any accommodations that are required for the student to learn. Accommodations
can be environmental (e.g., a quiet place, a special chair), instructional (e.g., reading instructions aloud,
breaking tasks down into shorter steps and chunks), and for assessment (e.g., allow oral responses, allow
more time on tests). Some accommodations are offered to all students (e.g., use of graphic organizers),
however, they are essential for a student if listed on the IEP.
Modified and alternative IEPs include goals for each semester. Modified goals can be goals from a
different grade curriculum (e.g., for a child in grade 4 who is reading at a grade 1 level), or can be at grade
level (i.e., when a child can do some grade level work but is completing fewer or less complex expectations).
Alternative IEPs can address behavioural goals and life skills. Report cards for children with alternative or
modified IEPs are based on the IEP expectations and goals.
For more information about IEPs please speak to your child’s teacher, principal, or consult the
following websites:
The IEP Process: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/individu.html
I.
The Individual Education Plan (IEP), A Resource Guide (2004):
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/guide/resource/
People for Education: Special Education Tip Sheet
http://www.peopleforeducation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Special-Education.pdf
TECHNOLOGY
The Upper Grand District School Board now has Chromebooks for student use in all 25 public libraries
across the district.
The program first launched in April at three pilot sites within the Wellington County library system and
has grown to include all 25 public library branches that serve our region.
Each branch has been outfitted with five Chromebooks that are available exclusively for Upper Grand
students to access and complete their homework and assignments.
For more information, visit the board website at ugdsb.ca.
TALKING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH – DECEMBER 2015
31 Days of Taking Care of Ourselves
In December, as the days get shorter and colder, we all need to take some time to do something good
for ourselves. Taking a little time each day to take care of ourselves makes so much difference to keeping in
good mental health. You may choose to do some activities on your own or with your family or with a friend.
Try one or a few or try them all. Enjoy!
December 1 : One Minute – Take deep breaths, in and out, for one minute.
December 2 : Two Minutes – Smile at yourself in the mirror.
December 3 : Three Minutes – Listen to a favourite song.
December 4 : Four Minutes – Eat some fresh fruit.
December 5 : Five Minutes – Light a candle and quietly watch the flame.
December 6 : Six Minutes – Sit quietly for six minutes.
December 7 : Seven Minutes – Enjoy the taste of a holiday snack.
December 8 : Eight Minutes – Spend fun time with someone who a person or pet .
December 9 : Nine Minutes – Think of the best things that happened this week.
December 10 : Ten Minutes – Take some time out with a cup of tea. Sip slowly and enjoy.
December 11 : Eleven Minutes – Sing along with your favourite songs.
December 12 : Twelve Minutes – Send an email to a friend setting up a time to meet up during the holidays.
December 13 : Thirteen Minutes – Draw, paint or doodle.
December 14 : Fourteen Minutes – Go outside and breathe in the cool, crisp air.
December 15 : Fifteen Minutes – Read a favourite story.
December 16 : Sixteen Minutes – Call or skype with someone.
December 17 : Seventeen Minutes – Do something active: dance, walk, run, skip, play.
December 18 : Eighteen Minutes – Make a cup of hot chocolate and pay attention to the flavor and warmth as
you sip– add marshmallows if desired.
December 19 : Nineteen Minutes – Help someone else out who needs some extra help in the holidays.
December 20 : Twenty Minutes –Watch the sunset on the shortest day of the year.
December 21 : Twenty One Minutes – Enjoy the holiday decorations in your neighbourhood.
December 22 : Twenty Two Minutes – Reflect on traditions you have enjoyed or currently enjoy.
December 23 : Twenty Three Minutes –Make your favourite meal and enjoy every bite.
December 24 : Twenty Four Minutes – Enjoy a bubble bath or extra long shower.
December 25: Twenty Five Minutes – Take a walk to appreciate nature and being outside.
December 26: Twenty Six Minutes – Take a nap, lie down and take a rest.
December 27: Twenty Seven Minutes - Watch your favourite TV show that makes you laugh.
December 28: Twenty Eight Minutes – Spend time with friends or family.
December 29: Twenty Nine Minutes – Go to the library and take out a new book, CD or DVD.
December 30: Thirty Minutes – Take some time to do a hobby or something you enjoy that you have not done
for a while.
December 31: Thirty One Minutes – Make a list of all the things you were grateful for this year.
Dr. Lynn Woodford, Psychologist, is the Mental Health and Addiction Lead for Upper Grand District School
Board
Follow me on twitter: @drlynnwoodford
SUPPORTING STUDENTS WHO ARE GIFTED
In order to be successful at school, all students need support from teachers, classmates, family, and friends.
Some students require supports that go above and beyond what are ordinarily received at school. In Ontario,
children who have behavioural, communicational, intellectual, physical or multiple exceptionalities, may
receive special education supports when their needs are not met through regular classroom instruction and
assessment. Students who are gifted are one of the groups who receive additional supports in Ontario schools
due to their special intellectual learning needs.
The Ontario Ministry of Education sets out the definitions school boards must use to identify an exceptional
student. Giftedness is defined by “an unusually advanced degree of general intellectual ability that requires
differentiated learning experiences of a depth and breadth beyond those normally provided in the regular
school program to satisfy the level of educational potential indicated.” At the Upper Grand District School
Board, a group ability test is done in grade 3 under the supervision of a school psychologist. Students who
score at, or above, the 98th percentile are considered to be gifted. An individually administered intellectual
test done by a registered psychologist can also be used to determine if a student has a full scale I.Q. at, or
above, the 98th percentile.
The Upper Grand District School Board supports students who are gifted in a variety of ways. Many
students are successful in their regular classes when an individual education plan is put in place to support
learning in terms of depth and breadth of the curriculum. Through this type of programming, students are
challenged to reach the high level of thinking and reasoning that is associated with their intellectual potential.
However, some students struggle to thrive in a regular classroom. They may be recommended by their school
to attend a special education class for students who are gifted. In these special classes, students work on
grade level curriculum, but are provided extensions in breadth and depth of the curriculum. The criteria for
these classes include an assessment that indicates a cognitive ability at, or above, the 98th percentile. The
student must also demonstrate academic achievement at or beyond grade level in writing and math, and a
reading ability at or above two grade levels beyond the current grade. 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 8.
More information about giftedness can be found through The Association of Bright Children of Ontario
(www.abcontario.ca). For more information about the supports offered to students who are gifted at the
UGDSB, talk to your child’s classroom teacher, the special education resource teacher at the school, or the
principal or vice-principal. The Board’s Special Education Plan and Reports are also available online on the
UGDSB website (www.ugdsb.on.ca) and provide details and in-depth explanations of special education at the
UGDSB. The Ontario Ministry of Education also provides information for parents about special education
supports on its website (www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/speced).