École James R. Henderson
Weekly Update
Friday, September 11th, 2020
Dear Families,
We are so incredibly proud of all of our students! Our Staggered Entry days were happy, safe and successful: students were well-prepared for all of the new routines and adapted very quickly. Thank you to all of the parents, guardians and caregivers who have been practicing physical distancing and mask-wearing with the children -- you made our jobs a lot easier!
Students learned new line-up and hand hygiene routines, as well as exploring their "class cohort" area of the yard at recess. We saw staff teaching children new games, like pool noodle tag, new active versions of 'paper-rock-scissors', mini-soccer and more fun ways to play with classmates, while socially distancing, at recess. We heard some students tell their teacher that it was so much easier to get to know their classmates "because everyone stayed in the same part of the yard together." During non-recess time, teachers may sign up to use a variety of sections of the yard (we have 20 different areas for Phys. Ed, DPA and Outdoor Learning!) so that students have the opportunity to use the climbers, 4-square courts, basketball courts and Peace Park. We anticipate that next week, with all of the students back, teachers will continue to spend some time modelling how to play safely and successfully within the class cohort areas of the yard, and we know that our students will do a great job of continuing to socially distance at recess.
Teachers began to complete diagnostic and baseline assessments in reading, writing and mathematics, in order to be able to assess any gaps in learning that occurred during the school closures: they will be working diligently to meet all students where they are, and to provide differentiated instruction to support each student's unique learning needs.
It was exciting to see that although we are adapting to the "new normal", other than the masks and smaller cohorts this week, learning looked just the same: students were engaged in Number Talks, read-alouds, hands on mathematics activities, visual arts and carpentry (yes, our Intermediate students have already begun to build!) We are really excited to have all of our students back in the building on Monday, and we know that it will go well.
Important Reminders:
- classroom organizations are tentative until we have firm numbers of students who will be opting for remote learning this fall: we will let you know as soon as possible about any updates to our school organization or teaching staff. Due to extremely large numbers of requests for specific class placements/changes to class placement, we will not be able to accommodate any requests should we need to re-organize our classes. We thank you for your understanding: we are dealing with a unique situation, and must be fair and consistent with all of our families.
- families must inform the school by the end of the day on Monday, September 14th of any changes regarding remote learning or in person learning options. Please call or email the school to inform us of any changes that you wish to be made: jrhen@limestone.on.ca 613-389-2330
- if possible, please provide your child with a pouch or fanny pack to store their mask when outdoors
- please ensure that school staff are aware of any allergies or medical conditions and return all forms to the school as soon as possible
- if your child has alternate pick up arrangements, or will not be taking the bus at the end of the day, please ensure that you communicate with the classroom teacher if possible (send a note) or with the Main Office if a change occurs during the day
- please ensure that your child is dressed for the weather and has extra clothing in case of spills or bathroom accidents
- if your child borrowed school technology during the school closure, please return it to the school on Monday
- don't forget to send a water bottle with your child: our fountains have been turned off
Since Monday is our first day with all of our students returning, we are going to make it Hawks Day! Students are invited to wear yellow and green, or any school spirit wear that they have! If you are interested in purchasing some Henderson Hawks school spirit wear, please see the information below.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Mme Peart & Mrs. Davey
Henderson Hawks Spirit Wear!
Want to look spiffy, stay warm and show off your Henderson Hawks Pride? Check out all of the amazing clothing and accessories available at our École James R. Henderson School E-Store:
Technology Return
Upcoming Events
- Monday, September 14th: Hawks Day! Wear green & yellow or school spirit wear!
- Monday, September 14th: last day to change from Remote Learning Option to Face to Face Option
- Friday, September 25th: PA Day (No school for students)
- Wednesday, September 30th: Orange Shirt Day
- Thursday, October 1st: Virtual Parent Council Meeting (6:45pm-8:45pm) (details below)
We are a Nut Aware School!
School Council Information
The School Advisory Council (Parent Council) is an advisory group of parents and educators who provide advice to the school principal and where appropriate to the School board on any matters which the Council has identified as priorities (e.g. school community communications; fundraising activities; methods of reporting to parents and community, etc.); provide opportunities for school community to be more directly involved in the education of their children; foster good relations among parents, staff, students and the local community; and provide liaison and communication between the school, home, community and School Board. All Parents are welcome to be a part of Parent Council.
COVID-19 Daily Active Screening
Stay Up to Date With School News
Our school will use a broadcasting tool called SchoolMessenger to communicate need-to-know information to families in a timely and efficient way. This system allows us to share important school information with families via text, email or phone message. We will also use it for sharing Weekly Updates to Families.
Registered parents/guardians will receive these messages through contact information collected in our student information system. Parents/guardians may choose how to receive these alerts; by text message, email or phone call with the exception of emergency events which will always be communicated via all contact methods on file with the school. If parents/guardians choose to receive text messages, they must opt-in due to potential charges from their cell phone carrier.
It is important that parents/guardians ensure schools have the most up-to-date contact information at the beginning of the school year. If your contact information changes during the school year, parents/guardians are asked to contact the school with the updated information.
In addition, teachers will also be able to take advantage of an instant message option to keep students and families up to date. Parents/guardians will be invited to join a group and receive messages related specifically to their group. Information on how to join groups will be shared directly with students and families by the teacher.
School Messenger App
All of our electronic communications tools can be accessed anytime, anywhere online and/or via Smartphones. To take advantage of this convenience and functionality, we encourage you to create a School Messenger account on your desktop, laptop, tablet and/or download the SchoolMessenger app. While an account is not required to use these new tools, it will allow you to review your contact information and communication preferences, and it stores all of your messages in one place.
For more information about SchoolMessenger and to access User Guides please click on the link below.
Safe Arrival: Reporting a Student Absence
There are three options to use to report a student absence:
- call the automated attendance phone line at 1-855-257-9349 **Always enter "lates" as a full day even if the child will only be absent for half a day. It will adjust automatically once the student arrives.
- use the SchoolMessenger App on your phone.
- use the SchoolMessenger website portal.
For more information on how to report an absence please click on the link below.
Stay up to date!
Please continue to check the LDSB microsite for updated information on the Director's messages, Frequently asked Questions, Family Reference Guide, Wellness Resources & Supports, Remote Learning info, Public Health info and Ministry of Education information. This area is updated regularly as information becomes available or changes.
School ReOpening Reference Guide
Limestone DSB Frequently Asked Questions
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
James R Henderson Parking Guide
École James R. Henderson Public School
Email: jrhen@limestone.on.ca
Website: https://jrhenderson.limestone.on.ca/
Location: 361 Roosevelt Drive, Kingston, ON, Canada
Phone: 613-389-2330
Twitter: @JRHenPS_LDSB