Parent Peek at the Week
Week of May 17th, 2021
In Case You Missed It....PAINT NIGHT!
Anderson.....
The King's.......
Kyrii and Dad....
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 17th - Day 3
- All day: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
Tuesday, May 18th - Day 4
Wednesday, May 19th - Day 5
Thursday, May 20th- Day 1
- 12pm - Grade 6's in a Transition WebEx with Crestwood Intermediate
Friday, May 21st - Day 2
May 22nd - May 24th: Happy Victoria Day Weekend!
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.
Adventures with "Flat Mrs. Sampson"
Breanna...
Logan....
The Flat Tambre boys
Joining in the "flat" fun!
It's been so much fun to engage in some "flat" adventures with Kawartha Heights families! In case you missed the information and would like to get in on the fun, this is what you need to know:
If you would like a little something extra - this is for you. This task is especially exciting for me - as I'm missing everyone so much. This is a way for me to safely come and visit :) For anyone interested, I will mail you a laminated "flat Mrs. Sampson" - based on the story "Flat Stanley". If you haven't read the book before, take a listen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QD5UAbDNLs
In the mail your child will receive a "flat Mrs. Sampson" package, including instructions for taking me on some adventures at home. Your child will then have the opportunity to take pictures and write about my adventures with you - sending them back to me (by email or photo) so I can share in the fun. I'll respond to any adventures I receive!
And for those that want to add a bit more fun - students can send me a drawing or photo of their "flat" self and I'll share adventures they are having at home with me!
If your child is interested in receiving the "flat Mrs. Sampson" package in the mail, please just message me on Edsby or email me at jennifer_sampson@kprdsb.ca.
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
Graduation ceremonies
We know many people are anxious for news on graduations. Due to continuing public health directives and physical distancing, all Grade 12 graduation ceremonies in KPR have been postponed until fall 2021. We know that graduations are momentous occasions, and secondary principals will provide details about each school’s events to their school communities in the fall.
Elementary schools will celebrate Grade 8 graduations and Grade 6 leaving ceremonies virtually in June, based on health directives. Watch for details from your school.
We understand this may be disappointing news. We hope that, with ongoing vaccinations, we will soon be able to return to the rich and varied experiences that make education memorable.
Education Staff Vaccinations
It has been great to hear about strong response over the past week to the opening of vaccine availability for people who typically work in schools, including elementary and secondary teachers, secretaries, custodians, school bus drivers, administrative staff in schools, and staff assigned to virtual schools. With increased vaccine supply, local health units have been able to add additional appointment times each day. If you can’t get an appointment today, try again tomorrow!
Employees in Peterborough, Northumberland and Quinte West can make appointments through Ontario’s booking system, either online or by calling 1-833-943-3900, 8AM-8PM any day of the week. Employees in Durham Region can book appointments at any community mass immunization clinic in Durham Region, through Durham’s online booking system at www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment.
Although staff who are able to work primarily from home are not eligible yet for vaccination, the province has announced all adults 18 and over should be eligible to book an appointment by the end of May.
Virtual Skilled Trades Event
Don’t forget about Build a Dream Trades Week May 19 and 20, when you can learn about skilled trades careers, OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) and pre-apprenticeship options available in high school. The free, online event for Grades 9-12 students will run from 6-8:30 p.m. both evenings. For information and registration, please visit https://bit.ly/3eI6vnC . You will need to enter the password TheFutureIsTrades.
Dial 211
Finally, we want everyone in the KPR family to be aware of the 211 phone service available in KPR and throughout Canada. This free, confidential service connects residents to government, health, community and social services available in their communities. Whether you need help finding food, housing, financial assistance, mental health support and more, dialing 211 will connect you to the services you need. 211 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in more than 150 languages. You can dial or text 211, email gethelp@211ontario.ca or visit www.211ontario.ca