Together in Education Family Update
Week of May 24-30
Lancaster Drive Public School and Parent Council
Email: lancd@limestone.on.ca
Website: http://lancaster.limestone.on.ca
Location: 1020 Lancaster Drive, Kingston, ON, Canada
Phone: (613)634-0470
Twitter: @LancasterPSLDSB
LANCASTER BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUTS!
O'Canada for Lancaster ~ from Mrs. Asselstine!
MESSAGE FROM YOUR ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Dear Families,
Last week's announcement of school closures until the end of June left us all with mixed emotions. While we all know that these measures are being taken to continue to flatten the curve, and prevent further COVID-19 outbreaks, we understand that this decision is extremely hard for staff, students and families. We also know that this update sparks questions for all of us and it is difficult not to have answers right away. Know that the district work is ongoing to develop clear protocols and procedures for next steps in key areas, and we will share information with families as it become available.
We must remember that these changes to our school communities are not forever. They are for now. Everyone is affected by this pandemic in some way, and we will continue to work together to support our students, families, and staff as best we can. As always, our primary concern is that all of our students, staff and families are physically, mentally and emotionally well, and we continue to recognize that emergency remote learning looks different in every home. Do your best, and let us know how we can support.
Here are some informational points from the Limestone District School Board:
- emergency remote learning will continue for the remainder of the school year
- students will receive a report card in June. All marks will be based on students' learning prior to the school closures on March 13.
- Grade 8 Graduation ceremonies and Grade 6 Farewell celebrations will look different and we are waiting on guidelines/parameters from LDSB and Public Health to guide our planning
- schools remain closed and LDSB is working with Public Health on procedures for the safe pick up of any personal belongings that were left behind in March
- the Province will announce plans for the 2020-21 school year by the end of June
As always, please continue to follow LDSB on any or all of these platforms for the most up to date information:
LDSB Website https://www.limestone.on.ca/
LDSB Twitter https://twitter.com/LimestoneDSB
LDSB Facebook https://tinyurl.com/wbhjtku
LDSB Instagram https://instagram.com/limestonedsb?igshid=1epyma6c0g5qd
Stay well and take care of each other, we miss you even more Lions!
Lani Fox and Carrie Moore
HEY LIONS!!!.........IT'S RECESS TIME!!!
ONLINE SAFETY ~ WEBINARS FOR PARENTS
The Ontario Principal's Council is offering free webinars for parents/guardians about online safety for kids:
Online Safety for Parents/Guardians of Students in Gr. 3-6
In this 1-hour webinar guest speaker, Paul Davis, will assist parents and guardians to:
- understand the rules for online safety;
- define responsible use of technology;
- and learn about digital trails, cyberbullying, picture taking and sharing.
Paul will help parents and guardians understand where their kids should be online, in spaces that are safe, productive, and educational. The focus will be building healthy relationships and creating positive digital citizens.
Dates
Tuesday, June 2 - 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 4 - 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Navigating Cyberbullying & Cyberviolence for Parents/Guardians of Students in Gr. 7-12
In this 1-hour webinar, guest speakers from the field of cyber safety will advise parents and guardians on:
- navigating the risks of cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and cyber violence;
- building healthy online relationships and safe spaces for students;
- and using the internet for positive purposes.
Dates
Tuesday, June 9 - 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 11 - 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Click here to register: online safety webinars.
VIRTUAL RUNNING CLUB - MEMBERSHIP OPEN TO ALL!
OK Lions time for a new challenge!
We now have over 70 participants (20 new from last week!) in our running classroom! Being part of a community that shares fitness goals can be motivating and help with our sense of team. New runners and families are welcome: CLASS CODE: j3eJs76. See below some of the fitness quotes from our members that help to inspire them.
MARATHON CHALLENGE
Some of you may have taken part in The Marathon Challenge before. If you did, you'll remember working hard to accumulate and track kilometres everyday. Once we got close, we took a trip to Invista Caraco Track to complete our last kilometres together. Obviously, we won't be able to do that this year, but nothing's stopping you from still taking on that challenge now!
We have attached the tracking sheets for a half marathon and the other is for a full in the classroom. You can collect kilometres together as a family or collect them individually. We'll check in with you each week in the classroom so you can tell us how you're doing.
Great work this week, keep it up Lions!
Your running coaches,
Ms. McDougall, Mr. Vreeken, and Ms. Fox
L&A Kids Who Care
L&A Kids Who Care is for children of all ages. The goal is to inspire our youth and let them know that their actions, no matter how big or small, make a difference. It's a challenge to our youth to "give back" in a way that is meaningful to them and makes them feel proud.
We invite Lennox & Addington's youth to join this movement, to connect with and give back to our great community.
What it means to become a member:
Dedicate 5 hours a month to volunteer. You can spend it doing the same project or lots of different ideas. Make memories with your family and friends while giving back. Learn the different ways you can give back and how our community needs support. Kiddos will also learn that giving time is just as important as donating money.
Follow us on social media for local stories, inspiration and pictures of the wonderful L&A Kids Who Care in our community. Are you ready to join a wonderful group of kids to make our community and world a better place? Sign up to receive a monthly newsletter about local kids and information about future group opportunities.
Just a reminder to respect physical distancing and if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or other flu like symptoms please do not send out anything. There are lots of wonderful ways you can help from home too!
Ways to Give while Physically Distancing
From Home:
Kids, did you know that you can give back within the comfort of your own home? Do you love to make crafts, draw pictures, write stories, bake or build things? These are all ways that you can help those in the community around you. Be creative, we challenge you to
come up with new ways we can make a difference. Please be mindful of washing hands and not sending items if sick.
In Nature:
Helping our environment is a way to give back as well, while practicing physical distancing. Go on a nature walk and bring along a garbage back to help protect our earth and water, and clean the homes for our wildlife. You can also make feeders or shelters to make your yard more animal friendly. Be creative and help our world.
For our Furry Friends:
We have three wonderful organizations in our community who help animals. These would be great organizations to reach out to if you love wildlife and animals. Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre, Napanee Community Kitten Rescue and L&A SPCA are primarily run by volunteers and are always looking for more help! Maybe you can even come up with an idea of helping animals in the wild, or animal shelters. Lots of options, just remember to be safe and to respect our wildlife.
Mental Health Resources
Kids Help Phone – Children and youth can contact Kids Help Phone 24/7 from anywhere in Canada, via phone, text or online chat.
Anxiety Canada - free online, self-help, and evidence-based resources on anxiety, including resources specific to COVD-19.
Big White Wall – A free, anonymous online community, monitored 24/7 by trained professionals. Not intended for individuals in an emergency.
Bounce Back – A free online or telephone skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, or worry.
Moodgym – An online self-help program designed to help users prevent and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.
LOOKING FOR YARD SUPERVISORS FOR 2020-21
YARD SUPERVISORS
As we begin to plan for the next school year, we are looking for people who may be interested in being a Paid Yard Supervisor. Some of our supervisors come every day from 12:20-1:20, and others commit to a few times a week - the schedule can be flexible!
If you are interested, please email the school at lancd@limestone.on.ca
Are you MOVING?
Ontario Ministry of Education Learn at Home Resources
With the end of March Break, families may be looking for ways to establish learning routines at home when schools are closed. The Ontario Ministry of Education has provided some links to resources that families and students can access from home.
ACCESS TO WIFI
For individuals without access to the internet, the wifi is being left on, and enhanced where possible at Limestone D.S.B. schools. Students can log into wifi outside of any of LDSB school. A reminder that students and families must use physical distancing protocols and stay at least 2 meters away from others when using wifi around a school.