Secondary report cards will go home to parents/guardians on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024.
Communication to families regarding inclement weather days
Please note that APM A3020 – Inclement Weather, 3.1.2 states that “parents/guardians are to be reminded, in writing at appropriate times (October and January) each school year, that it is their responsibility to decide whether or not it is safe for their child(ren) to leave for school under severe weather conditions.”
Inclement weather and bus cancellation information reminder
All information regarding cancelled buses in Simcoe County is posted on the Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC)’s bus information website at www.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca/. Our school is in the south zone. When buses are cancelled, schools remain open for student learning, unless otherwise noted. School staff are expected to plan for such emergencies in order to transition students who are unable to attend due to inclement weather, to their online platforms (Google Classroom and/or SCDSBhub [Brightspace by D2L]) and continue with academic programming. It is always a family decision whether or not it is safe for their child(ren) to leave for school under severe weather conditions.
The Consortium and bus operators try to make the decision to cancel school buses before 6 a.m. and make every effort to post announcements before 7 a.m. Inclement weather cancellations are effective for the whole day and buses cancelled in the morning will not run at the end of the day. You can follow the Consortium on Twitter @SCSTC_SchoolBus for bus cancellations and other information. You can also subscribe to receive bus delay notifications here: https://scstc.ca/Subscriptions/Login.aspx.
Black History Month
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) recognizes and celebrates Black History Month every February. The SCDSB is committed to improving equity of access, positive identity affirming experiences and opportunities for Black students, staff, and parents/guardians, and to creating a safe and caring learning environment that promotes the human rights of students, staff, and parent/guardians. The initiatives undertaken by the SCDSB have been embedded in teaching and learning at all school levels, and centrally, for Black History Month and throughout the year. Follow the SCDSB on social media to see how schools are recognizing Black History Month and celebrating Black excellence.
Parents’ Guide to Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting
Learn to navigate the world of assessment, evaluation, and reporting with this new guide for parents/guardians. Created to support parents’/guardians’ understanding of assessment, this guide was designed to effectively empower you to actively engage in your child's educational journey. The guide has been posted to the Simcoe County District School Board’s website and can be accessed at https://cdnsm5-ss14.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_210898/File/Secondary/Parents-Guide-to-Assessment.pdf
Join us! A learning series for parents/guardians with Pine River Institute
Mental health and well-being continues to be a key strategic priority within the SCDSB. We are pleased to continue our partnership with the Centre for Family Initiatives at Pine River Institute (CFI@PRI) to provide several curated learning sessions focused on student mental health and well-being to SCDSB families.
There are eight webinars specifically planned for parents/guardians and other caregivers during this school year. The remaining webinars are:
Feb. 8, 2024 Self regulation for kids
Feb. 22, 2024 Self regulation for teens
March 28, 2024 Building parents' resiliency
April 18, 2024 Vaping, weed, and alcohol
We hope you save these dates in your calendar and join us for these learning opportunities. For more information and to register, please visit the SCDSB website: https://bit.ly/3jGaC74.
Pine River Institute is a live-in treatment centre and outdoor leadership experience for youth aged 13 to 19 struggling with addictive behaviours and often other mental health issues. Combining therapy with a fully-accredited education program, PRI reinforces the healthy life skills required for a successful future. CFI@PRI extends PRI’s knowledge, experience and evidence-informed treatment approach to families and care providers in the community to support youth mental wellness and prevent the need for more intensive interventions. Learn more about PRI by visiting their website at www.pineriverinstitute.com.
Interested in learning more about the ways that the SCDSB supports students with special education needs and their families? Join us for a virtual special education information series
During the 2023-24 school year, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is hosting virtual special education outreach sessions to assist parents/guardians in learning more about programs, supports, and ways that we work together to support students with special education needs.
Transition planning
Feb. 13
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Reading strategies
March 19
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
April 16
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Every day mental health strategies
May 14
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Participants are asked to register in advance. Information to access the sessions will be shared via email with individuals who have pre-registered. Learn more about each session and how to register on the SCDSB website: www.scdsb.on.ca/elementary/special_education/special_education_outreach_sessions.
Registration now open for summer eLearning!
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school courses in July 2024 (elearning) and travel for credit courses in both July and August for current high school students or adult learners who are interested in earning a new credit or upgrading a previous mark. Students can advance online learning skills, earn missed credits or fast-track preparation for graduation or post-secondary in just four weeks. eLearning is fully supported by certified teachers who are available electronically daily.
Summer school program details can be found on the Learning Centres website at https://www.thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school.
EDUTravel programs are offered in a variety of destinations including Canada, USA, and Europe. For more information including costs, destinations, credits, and dates of commitment, please visit: www.edutravelforcredit.com.
Summer eLearning opportunities for students entering Grade 9!
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school eLearning courses in July 2024. Current Grade 8 students wishing to reach ahead and earn a credit before high school can now register through their elementary school principal. eLearning is fully supported by certified teachers who are available electronically daily. Available courses include:
CGC1D – Grade 9 Geography
PAF1O – Grade 9 Personal Fitness
CHV2O & GLC2O – Grade 10 Civics and Careers
CHC2P – Grade 10 Applied History
CHC2D – Grade 10 Academic History
Summer school program details can be found on the Learning Centres website at www.thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school.
Reminder: Absence reporting system for SCDSB schools – call 1-888-885-8065 to report an absence (secondary)
This school year, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) implemented a new absence reporting system at secondary schools. This system supports us in continuing to improve our home-to-school communication process and streamlines absence reporting. To report a student absence, call 1-888-885-8065. Callers will be prompted to identify the school before leaving a message. Parents/guardians should include the student’s name, teachers’ name, dates, and reason for the absence. If you have questions about the system, please contact the school office.
Foster families needed in your community!
Children in our community need you! We have an urgent need for foster homes in Simcoe Muskoka. We are looking for diverse foster care providers who understand children's needs. Our needs are diverse and range from babies to teens. Open your home to a child/youth and receive training, support, and between $85 and $155 per child and per day. Do you know anyone who may be interested? Visit https://familyconnexions.ca/fosterconnexions/ to inquire, apply, and for more information. You may also call 705-726-6587 ext. 4.
Information provided by Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions.
Mental health strategy of the month - Just Breathe
Well-being is a Strategic Priority in the Simcoe County District School Board, and our mental health and well-being department provides monthly strategies to support student and family well-being.
This month’s strategy is Just Breathe. The purpose of this strategy is to help students develop a mind/body connection, self-regulation, awareness of emotions, and resiliency by practising deep breathing.
To practice Just Breathe at home, follow these steps:
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Place your hands flat on your stomach or pay attention to your stomach.
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As you breathe deeply in through your nose, send this breath all the way to your stomach.
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Feel your stomach expand and your hands move out.
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Breathe out. Feel your stomach contract and your hands move in.
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Repeat 5-6 times.
Practice deep belly breathing any time you feel stressed or upset. Find more information to support your child's mental health here: https://smho-smso.ca/parents-and-caregivers/.
Follow the Mental Health and Well-being social media accounts (@SCDSB_MHWB) to see how well-being is being supported in our schools.
Online luring and grooming
As part of our shared commitment to educating our students about digital citizenship and cyber awareness, this month we are highlighting online luring and grooming. The following info sheet has been created by the Educational Collaborative Network of Ontario (ECNO) to overview:
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What online luring and grooming is
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Commonly used tactics that online predators use
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Helpful tips to stay safe
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How to report if necessary
Info sheet:https://ecno.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ECNO-CAM-Calendar-23-Aug3023_GroomingLuring.pdf
For additional activities and information, please refer to the digital citizenship resources for parents/guardians that are available on the Safe Schools page on the SCDSB website (www.scdsb.on.ca/elementary/safe_schools). The Ministry of Education has also provided information and resources in PPM 166 Keeping Students Safe: Policy Framework for School Board Anti-Sex Trafficking Protocols: www.ontario.ca/document/education-ontario-policy-and-program-direction/policyprogram-memorandum-166.
Foster families needed in your community!
Children in our community need you! We have an urgent need for foster homes in Simcoe Muskoka. We are looking for diverse foster care providers who understand children's needs. Our needs are diverse and range from babies to teens. Open your home to a child/youth and receive training, support, and between $85 and $155 per child and per day. Do you know anyone who may be interested? Visit https://familyconnexions.ca/fosterconnexions/ to inquire, apply, and for more information. You may also call 705-726-6587 ext. 4.
Information provided by Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions.
Stay healthy this school year
COVID and other respiratory infections can spread easily from person to person. These germs can spread quickly when someone coughs or sneezes directly on another person, or when germs land on hard surfaces like doorknobs, desks, and keyboards and then are touched by someone else. These germs can then enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth.
The most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick and stop the spread of germs is wash your hands. Wash with soap and warm running water for at least 15 seconds (or try singing Happy Birthday twice). If your hands are not visibly dirty you can use alcohol-based hand sanitizer for 15 seconds. Also, make sure you are up to date with your immunizations, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you are sick. Teach your kids to do the same!
For more tips to keep you and your family healthy this school year, contact Health Connection at 1-877-721-7520 or visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.
Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
The teenage brain (Secondary)
Did you know that the teen brain is still developing until about the age of 25? The part of the brain that powers a teen’s ability to think, plan, solve problems, make decisions, and control emotions is one of the last parts to mature. This may help explain certain teenage behaviour.
Because their brains are still developing, young people are at greater risk from the harmful effects of alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs.
Stay connected, keep talking with your teen, and be a good role model.
For more information, visit the health unit’s website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.
Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.