Parent Peek at the Week
Week of May 16th, 2022
Important Dates
Monday, May 16th - Day 2
Tuesday, May 17th - Day 3
- 1:40pm - VIP program continues for the Grade 6's
Wednesday, May 18th - Day 4
Friday, May 20th - Day 1
- All day - wear blue and yellow in support of Pedal for Hope!
- 10 am - line up on Kawartha Heights Blvd for Pedal for Hope (see below)
- last block - Cougar Courage awards (carry over from last week)
Upcoming Dates:
- May 25th - Bus evacuation drills
- Week of May 30th - EQAO for Grades 3 and 6
- June 6th - School Council
- June 10th - PA Day (no school for students)
At Kawartha Heights, how do we determine class placements for September 2022?
Over the course of this year, I have had many discussions with parents inquiring about the process we use to decide which class students are placed in for the upcoming school year. This article will give you more information about how the process is completed.
The allocation of the number of teachers each year is based on our projected enrollment, through the Board office. Staff assignments are subject to change each year, especially in a climate of changing enrollment. In addition, the requirement for combined grade classes varies from year to year depending entirely on the number of students. It's even more complicated in our current times, as when students move to virtual learning, staff need to move too. This reduces our number of classes, enrollment and our staffing.
Each year in June, our team meets to make up classes for next year. Before our meetings begin, we have a general idea of the number of classes we will have and whether there will be combined grades or straight grades. This is still subject to change between June and October, as enrollment may increase or decrease.
When we meet, student placement is always determined collaboratively by the team, taking into account a variety of different factors. Each meeting focuses on only one grade at a time, and the current grade teacher, SERT and Administration look at the following factors to determine best placement:
- A range of academic abilities in each class
- A balance between boys and girls (where possible)
- Consideration for ensuring a friend is with each student - this does not mean a student’s best friend, but rather a friend that best supports their learning
- Specific information provided by parents that does not include requesting a favourite teacher, requesting favourite friends or requesting straight grade classes
- Specific individual and unique issues that we are aware of as a school team
Our shared goal is to provide the best possible learning environment for each child. This is a balanced classroom. A balanced classroom also includes students with a range of academic abilities and incorporates a match between student needs and the available resources to address those needs.
After due consideration by the school team, the final responsibility for school organization rests with the Principal. This is a responsibility that is taken very seriously with the best interest of all students in mind. If there is something specific that you would like us to know when considering your child’s class placement for next year (please refer to the factors above), please inform Mrs. Sampson by email by May 27th. Note: requests for a specific teacher or for a child to be with a specific friend are not usually entertained.
As a staff, Kawartha Heights is committed to a thorough placement process in support of student achievement. Most years we share the classroom teacher's name for next year in your child's report card. Now that report cards are all shared electronically, this process may change. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. It is very important to note that changes to enrollment over the summer may effect prior decisions about class organization. It is also important that parents understand that unanticipated staff changes over the summer, moves to or from the Virtual School or fall reorganization to balance class sizes, may require a revision to your child’s classroom.
Kindergarten Registration for September 2022
If you have a child beginning Kindergarten with us in September (or if you know someone who does), please register now! Our staffing is in place for the number of students who are registered. If registrations come in late, it can mean we have very large class sizes. Registration can be done online at the following link: https://www.kprschools.ca/en/our_schools/findaschool/schoolregistration.html
We also will be sending home communication to our new registrations during May, June and July - preparing for our Welcome to Kindergarten visits in August and the start of school in September. We don't want you to miss a thing - register as soon as possible!
Covid Daily Screener and Updated Resource
For your reference, the screener can be found at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/
In addition, below please find an updated resource to support staff and families in understanding how to handle different situations. The changes reflect the updated federal travel requirements for masking. Fully vaccinated adults/children do not have to wear a mask upon return, however unvaccinated/partially vaccinated individuals do.
It's getting hot!!!
Each class has a fan to circulate air (pointing towards the ceiling so air is circulating, but not at face level where we run the risk of circulating Covid germs). We strongly encourage the kids to dress in light clothing and bring their water bottles so they can drink lots. We will also be keeping our lights off and the blinds down. It's a right of passage - we're just out of practice as we haven't had to endure the heat for the last few years!
Pedal for Hope
Let's try to go out with bit of a bang. Feel free to donate to any of our team participants. Here is the link: https://support.cancer.ca/site/TR/?pg=team&team_id=486733&fr_id=28333
On Friday, May 20th, the team will be cycling by all Peterborough schools. They will not be stopping, but we'll be able to line the street and cheer them on as they go by our school. Classes will be lining Kawartha Heights Blvd to cheer on the cyclers between 10:10 - 10:25am.
May 20th - Wear blue and yellow in support of Pedal for Hope!
The top fundraiser will receive a $50 amazon gift certificate - so let's see who can raise the most money for this great cause! If you are planning on bringing a pony tail to the school, please let Mrs. Sampson know so that pick up can be arranged.
From the KPR Board Office
Dear KPR Families,
What beautiful weather we are having! I hope everyone has a chance to enjoy the sunshine today.
As we enter the home stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to recognize the students in Grades 3 and 6 writing provincial EQAO assessments in language and math during May and early June. EQAO results do not affect report cards, but they do provide information about student progress over time. We recognize the efforts of students, and the time spent by school staff who have helped prepare students for this provincial requirement. The EQAO website has information for families who want to learn more about the assessment.
May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. In many countries, including Canada, 2SLGBTQIA+ people still face prejudice, discrimination, stigma, hostility, and even violence. In our schools and communities, we celebrate our differences and stand together – those identifying as 2SLGBTQIA+ and allies, to create safe, inclusive spaces for all our colleagues and community members. The Equity Diversity and Inclusion Calendar includes information about this date and other days of significance.
We are excited to recognize a Kindergarten educator team at Ganaraska Trail PS this week for their kindness, compassion, and ongoing commitment to family partnerships and communication! Learn more about their amazing teamwork and collaborative spirit in this week’s #WeAreKPR story.
Sincerely,
Rita Russo,
Director of Education
KPR NEWS
School Screening Tool Update
As of April 25th, the federal government revised their travel requirements - vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear masks in public settings upon return from international travel.
Requirements are unchanged for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals who DO still need to mask in public settings (including school and child care) for 14 days upon return. Exemptions to this masking requirement include individuals who need to remove their mask for safety reasons; children under the age of 2; and children 2 to 5 who are unable to tolerate wearing a mask.
We remind everyone to continue using the school screening tool daily, and to follow the recommendations provided. For more information about the travel requirement changes, please review the federal guidelines.
KPR schools and buildings continue to be mask-friendly environments where everyone’s personal choice about wearing masks is respected.
Policy Feedback Wanted!
KPR staff, families and community members are invited to provide feedback on Board Policy 7.1 Communications with the Community.
Board policies and corresponding administrative regulations govern the day-to-day work of our schools and the Board. Policies are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they remain up-to-date, culturally relevant and responsive.
Taking into consideration feedback received before the end of June, recommended policy updates will be shared with the Board of Trustees in the fall.