Parent Peek at the Week
Week of May 24th, 2021
Important Dates
Did you know.....that the day of the cycle (days 1 to 5) is always listed beside the date in the calendar below. That way you never have to go searching to find out what "day" it is!
Monday, May 24th - Day 0
- Happy Victoria Day Monday!
Tuesday, May 25th - Day 3
Wednesday, May 26th - Day 4
Thursday, May 27th- Day 5
Friday, May 28th - Day 1
Upcoming Dates:
- June 7th: Staff Meeting and School Council Meeting
- June 8th: Domino's Pizza Night (yes - another one!)
- June 11th: PA Day
Grade 6 Leaving Ceremony
1. Kawartha Heights will be honouring each of our amazing Grade 6 students this year - including our Grade 6 students who are learning at the virtual school.
2. We will not be able to bring families and friends together to celebrate this year, so our Ceremony will be done creatively!
Once we have a better idea of whether we will be in the school or continuing distance learning, we will share more details in early June. In the meantime, rest assured we have begun to problem solve and consider how we will honour these special people and their educational journey at Kawartha Heights!
At Kawartha Heights, how do we determine class placements for September 2021?
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 28th. 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 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.
Daily Online Screening
Just a little reminder to please ensure you complete the COVID screener daily with each of your children. If one of your children does not pass, everyone must stay home. Then follow the instructions on your screen. The screener can be found at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/. If you would like a paper copy of the screener, please see the attachment below.
From the Board Office.....
KPR NEWS
Summer School, Summer Start!
A quick reminder: registration is open for KPR’s Summer School and Summer Start! Programs, which will run July 5-30. Both programs will be offered through eLearning, with face-to-face learning as an option if approved by public health. To see a list of available summer school courses for Grades 9-12 and to register for summer school, please visit Summer School (kprschools.ca) . Final course offerings will depend on enrolment.
Summer Start! serves students entering Grade 9. It focuses on literacy, math, organizational and interpersonal skills, and includes building a Muskoka chair in a high school wood shop. Participating students earn a high school credit. Registration and information are available at Summer School (kprschools.ca)
Please check the summer school web page often, as any provincial announcements could affect summer programs.
Mentorship Program for Black, Indigenous Students
York University’s School of Business is introducing a new, virtual summer business education/mentorship program for Black and Indigenous students in Grades 10 and up. The program will introduce students to the many career paths available, support students in strengthening their “soft skills”, and empower students along their education journeys. Registration closes this Sunday, May 23, at https://schulich.tfaforms.net/42 For further information, please visit https://schulich.yorku.ca/future-students/business-excellence-academy/