Welcome Back
Bath PS January 2021
Welcome Back
Welcome back! We are all looking forward to returning to face-to-face learning this week. Over the period of remote learning, there were learning highlights and connections made amidst some of the challenges as we tried new things together. Our great appreciation is extended to staff for their extended efforts, and families for navigating the ups and downs of technology and learning at home.
The return to school on Monday is welcome news and it is essential that we "stay the course" to keep our community numbers low so that we can continue to learn in the building together. It will be important that we a diligent with daily screening for all staff and students and that we adhere to safety protocols within the school. Students who do not pass the screener, are symptomatic at school, or express feeling unwell, will be isolated until a parent can come and pick them up.
We do ask that families who borrowed a school device return it as soon as possible so that students at school have the tools they need for learning. Devices can be returned to the office by buzzing at the front door or with your child if this can be achieved safely.
Looking forward to being together again!
Enhanced Screening Protocols
Before students return to school, families need to ensure they are screening students daily for symptoms. If students experience any signs or symptoms this week, they should be tested for COVID-19 at an assessment centre 24 to 48 hours before returning to school. Also, if students and families have travelled out of the KFL&A region, you must monitor for symptoms and immediately get tested if symptoms develop.
Continuing with Protocols:
When we return to school, existing COVID-19 protocols will continue. These include daily screening, face coverings, physical distancing where possible, and the cleaning of high-touch surfaces.
*A provincial directive for mandatory masking for students in Grades 1 to 3 is new, however, this is not a change for Limestone as mandatory masking for Kindergarten to Grade 3 (where possible) was introduced last fall.
*Masking outdoors, when physical distancing is not possible, is also now required across the province. We have already been reinforcing these masking measures in Limestone for some time now so these routines will not be new for students. Students will also be provided with a refresher on COVID-19 school protocols upon their return.
LITERACY WEEK JANUARY 25-28, 2021
For the Love of Literacy 2021
Literacy is integrated into all curriculum programming at Bath Public School, each and every day. In addition to our regular literacy programming, our school is planning several additional activities to celebrate Literacy Week 2021: Monday, January 25th to Thursday, January 28th. Family Literacy Day is Wednesday, January 27th, 2021.
#GetCaughtReading ~ Snap a picture of your family reading and post to Twitter using #GetCaughtReading hashtag. Be sure to tag @BathPS_LDSB. You can also email your pictures to bathp@limestone.on.ca and we will share them in a literacy slideshow.
Drop Everything and Read
Family Literacy Day
Drop Everything and Write
Additional, Day-Specific Literacy Week Events:
Monday, January 25th:
- Drop Everything and READ Bring your favourite book to read.
Tuesday, January 26th
Teacher Swap-All Bath PS teachers will switch classes and share their favourite book with a new class
- Wear your favourite message - Staff and students are invited to wear clothing with appropriate messages to school. We will "READ" our friends for the day.
Thursday, January 28th
- Bell Let's Talk day This day provides an opportunity for everyone to use Oral Language skills and Media language skills to talk and tweet about the importance of Mental health.
- Drop Everything and WRITE At a random time, we will use this day to write messages as a writing burst.
- PJ Day Let's end our week in our Cozy PJ's
Please note that not all classes will not necessarily participate in all of the above activities, and that there may be other class-specific, special literacy week activities planned throughout the week.
Happy Literacy Week to All!
Free Menstrual Hygiene Products available in Limestone Schools
Limestone District School Board schools will offer free menstrual hygiene products to students to remove barriers and ensure equitable access for all. Beginning January 25th, all female washrooms and gender-neutral washrooms at Bath PS will be equipped with menstrual hygiene products in easily accessible locations for students who access our Junior/Intermediate bathroom. The products are free to students.
Access to menstrual products can be a barrier for many students. Studies show that one in seven young women and non-binary people in Canada will miss some school because they don't have access to pads and tampons, largely because they cannot bear the financial burden of purchasing their own. Other times, students forget to plan ahead or find themselves in an emergency situation. Menstrual products have been made available at most schools, including Bath PS, for a number of years. As a system we are taking steps to ensure that this practice is consistent, clearly communicated, and openly available in school bathrooms removing the need for a student to independently inquire.
Government Support for Learners
The Government of Ontario is providing one-time funding for parents to help offset costs during the 2020-2021 school year. Eligible parents or guardians will receive a one-time payment of:
- $200 for each student up to age 12
- $250 for each student or youth up to age 21 with special needs
- NEW $200 for student age 13 to Grade 12 including students who are in secondary school that are over age 18
Applications open on Monday, January 11, 2021. The deadline to apply is February 8, 2021. Learn more on the government’s Support for Learners webpage liked below.
Coming up
Jan 25- 28~ Literacy Week
Jan 25 ~Return to Face to Face Learning
Jan 29~ PA day NO SCHOOL
Feb 8~ School Advisory Council Meeting
Feb 17 ~ Term 1 Report Cards go home