| Welcome to our new website | http://adm.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/school-news/2 | Welcome to our new website | <p></p><p>Our website was recently upgraded with a fresh look and new features. It is now fully mobile and tablet friendly, with a special adaptive design that works on all devices. Read about some of the highlights below.</p><p><strong>Find out What's New</strong><br> Our <a href="/about-us/news"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">What's New</span></a> section is where you'll read about all the exciting things going on in our school. It's also where we will post updates during emergency situations. Keep an eye on this section to stay up-to-date. Coming soon, you will be able to <a href="/subscribe"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">subscribe</span></a> to receive these updates by email so you can stay informed wherever you are. <br><br><strong>Find out What's Happening</strong><br> Check out our <a href="/about-us/events"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Events</span></a> calendar to see the great things upcoming in our school. All Board-wide dates like PA Days and Holidays are available, as well as our school-based events. <br><br><strong>Learn About High School</strong><br> The <a href="/students/high-school"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">High School</span></a> page under Students gives an overview of what to expect in high school, and provides resources for parents to help their teen with the transition. </p><p><strong>Pay Fees Online</strong><br> The <a href="/parents/pay-fees"><span lang="EN-CA" style="text-decoration:underline;">Pay Fees</span></a> page is found under the Parents menu, and provides the link to access SchoolCash Online to pay for things like field trips and lunch days. Credit Card payments are accepted. </p><p><strong>Newsletters</strong><br><strong> </strong>All of our monthly school newsletters will be posted on the <a href="/parents/newsletters"><span lang="EN-CA" style="text-decoration:underline;">Newsletters</span></a> page under Parents. They will also be emailed out to you when you sign up for a subscription to our website. </p><p>Take a look around our new website and try out all the new features. Tell your friends and family to visit us too! </p> | | | |
| Free workshop will ‘challenge traditional mindset about social media’, registration now open | http://adm.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/board-news/16 | Free workshop will ‘challenge traditional mindset about social media’, registration now open | <p>Simcoe County parents might beat their kids back to the classroom after the summer break—they have the opportunity to attend <em>Parent 2.0: How social media can help your child thrive</em> at Bear Creek Secondary School on August 27. The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) will welcome <a href="http://georgecouros.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">George Couros</span></a>, Division Principal of Innovative Teaching and Learning with Parkland School Division in Alberta, who will highlight how parents can work with their children to use social media in a positive way. <br><br>"This isn't your typical social media presentation—George will challenge the traditional mindset about social media," says Patrick Miller, Principal of Innovations with the SCDSB. "So often workshops are focused on cyber-safety, which is an important topic, but this session looks at the positive side of social media and how we can use it to help our kids thrive. Social media is more common in our classrooms today than ever before. We want parents to be part of the innovation that's happening, to partner with us to help their kids—our students—reach their potential."<br><br>The event is free and is not limited to current SCDSB parents. Staff can register as well. <a title="George Couros Workshop Registration" href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Parents/Pages/George-Couros.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Registration is now open</span></a>. Space is limited so parents should register early to reserve their spot. Bear Creek is located at 100 Red Oak Drive in Barrie. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the presentation starts at 7:30. <br><br>Couros speaks on innovation and technology in the classroom to parents and educators across North America. More information on Couros can be found on his <a title="George Couros' website" href="http://georgecouros.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">website</span></a>. <br><br><strong><em>Parent 2.0 How social media can help your child thrive</em></strong><br><br><em>Parent involvement in the learning process of schools is the number one factor for student success. As schools look towards using social media to improve learning, many parents may be fearful of what this means. Social media provides an opportunity for parents to have meaningful engagement in the learning of their children. This can greatly change the conversations not only at school, but also at home.</em><br><br><em>This talk provides peace of mind to parents, while also engaging you to consider the unique opportunity you have to participate in your children's learning.</em><br><br>Information:<br>Patrick Miller, Principal of Innovation, SCDSB<br>705-734-6363 ext. 11215 or <a href="mailto:pmiller@scdsb.on.ca"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">pmiller@scdsb.on.ca</span></a> </p> | | | |
| Helpful information to plan for summer and next school year | http://adm.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/board-news/17 | Helpful information to plan for summer and next school year | <p></p><p><em>School Year Calendar</em><br>To plan ahead for next year, you can view the school year calendar <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Schools/Pages/School-Year-Calendars.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">School Year Calendar</span></a> now. The first day of school is Tuesday, September 2. (The first day for the Modified School Year Calendar at Ernest Cumberland ES is Monday, August 18.) </p><p><em>Report Cards</em><br>Elementary school report cards have been sent home this week. Secondary school students should check with their school find out when to pick up their report cards (secondary school offices close after July 4). </p><p><em>Summer School</em><br>Registration is still available for SCDSB's summer school courses. Students in grades 7 to 12 can register for credit courses, upgrades, numeracy prep, co-op, travel opportunities and leadership camp offerings. Summer school programs are offered throughout July and August. The travel courses are offered during July only. Details, locations and registration information can be found at The Learning Centres website: <a href="http://www.thelearningcentres.com/learning-centres-programs/summer-school" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">http://www.thelearningcentres.com/learning-centres-programs/summer-school</span></a>.</p><p><em>Transcript Requests</em><br>Public secondary school transcript request forms, information and FAQs are available on our website here: <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Students/Pages/Transcripts.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Students/Pages/Transcripts.aspx</span></a>. During the summer when secondary schools are closed (normally the second week in July to the third week of August), transcripts can be requested by calling the SCDSB Education Centre at 705-728-7570.</p><p><em>2014-15 Registration for New Elementary Students</em><br>Registrations for new public elementary students not yet registered for next school year will be accepted at the SCDSB's Education Centre in Midhurst during the summer months, while school offices are closed. Please call 705-734-6363 x11750 to schedule an appointment to register in person at the Education Centre. Registrations will be accepted at the Education Centre from July 7 to August 22. Starting August 25, please contact your home school to register as the school offices will re-open that week (note that the Ernest Cumberland ES office will re-open on August 11).</p><p>Find out more about the <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Schools/Registration/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">documentation required for registration</span></a>. Please see our website for specific program information including <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Programs/Kindergarten/Pages/Kindergarten.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Full-Day Kindergarten</span></a> and <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Programs/Pages/French-Programs.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">French language programs</span></a> (French Immersion and Extended French). </p><p>All registrations for secondary school students will be completed at the secondary school your teen will attend in September. Contact the school directly to make arrangements for registration and consultation with the school guidance department (view a list of <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Schools/Pages/Schools.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">SCDSB secondary schools</span></a>). Please note that secondary school offices will be closed starting July 7 and will re-open on August 25.</p><p><br><em>New to Canada?</em><br>If you have recently arrived in Canada and this is the first elementary or secondary school your child will be attending in Canada, please contact the SCDSB's <a href="http://www.thelearningcentres.com/learning-centres-programs/newcomer-welcome-centre" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Newcomer Welcome Centre</span></a> at 705-725-8360 x45160 to arrange a registration appointment. The Newcomer Welcome Centre is located in Barrie at the Bayfield Mall, 320 Bayfield Street.</p><p><em>First Rider Program taking place in August to help first time JK/SK/Primary bus riders</em><br>The Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC) offers a free First Rider Program for first-time school bus riders, which includes a ride on a school bus. This safety program is provided by the SCSTC, in partnership with school bus operators, to educate students and their families of the rules and responsibilities on and around the school bus. Sessions will take place in August across Simcoe County. Parents/guardians and their children attending any school in Simcoe County may attend any of the sessions. For more information and First Rider session dates, see the <a href="http://main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca/sites/default/files/First%20Rider%20Program%20Appendix%20A%20Parent%20Letter-%202014%20-%20FINAL.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">SCSTC website</span></a>.</p><p><em>Summer Construction Projects </em><br>Over the summer, SCDSB Design and Construction staff will be busy with various construction projects including a new elementary school, two replacement schools and the completion of full-day Kindergarten classroom additions and renovations.</p><p>The <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Schools/new-schools/Pages/Alliston-Replacement.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Alliston Union PS replacement building</span></a> is close to completion, and the moving-in process will start over the summer months. The school will be ready for September.</p><p>Construction has now started on the new <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Schools/new-schools/Pages/Chris-Hadfield.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Chris Hadfield PS</span></a> in Bradford. The school is expected to be ready for September 2015. </p><p>The <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Schools/new-schools/Pages/Orillia-Secondary-School.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">replacement secondary school in Orillia</span></a> is set to break ground in July. </p><p>Two new schools are also in the preliminary design stages:</p><ul><li>A new south Barrie secondary school </li><li>A new south Alcona elementary school</li></ul><p>Additions and renovations to accommodate <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Programs/Kindergarten/Pages/Kindergarten.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">full-day Kindergarten </span></a>classrooms (all SCDSB schools will offer full-day Kindergarten starting this Sept.) are currently taking place at many schools and all the remaining projects will completed this summer. </p><p>Additionally, over 150 construction projects of various sizes and complexities are currently, or will be, taking place across Simcoe County schools. The <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Programs/Pages/Tech-Renewal.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">technology renewal program</span></a> is also continuing in secondary schools, with large construction projects taking place this summer.</p><p><em>Registration now open for unique social media presentation for parents, educators</em><br>Parents and educators are invited to attend <em>Parent 2.0: How social media can help your child thrive </em>with George Couros, Division Principal of Innovative Teaching and Learning with Parkland School Division in Alberta.</p><p>Location: Bear Creek Secondary School (100 Red Oak Dr., Barrie)<br>Date: Wednesday, August 27 <br>Time: Doors open at 7 p.m., presentation at 7:30 p.m.<br>Cost: FREE!</p><p>Register online at <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.scdsb.on.ca</span></a> under 'Parents' and 'Workshops'. Space is limited so register early to reserve your spot. George Couros speaks on innovation and technology in the classroom to parents and educators across North America. Find out more about him at <a href="http://georgecouros.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">http://georgecouros.ca</span></a>. </p><p><em>Homework Help available this summer</em><br>Homework Help's "Ask a Tutor" chat service will be open for the month of July. Every Monday to Friday, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., Ontario-certified math teachers will be available online to help grade 7 to 10 students with their math questions. This service will be available from July 2 to 31. Visit <a href="https://homeworkhelp.ilc.org/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">https://homeworkhelp.ilc.org/</span></a>. </p><p><em>SCDSB Education Centre Hours</em><br>For general inquiries over the summer months, please contact reception at the SCDSB Education Centre at 705-728-7570. Please note, summer office hours at the SCDSB Education Centre are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday starting the week of July 7th up to and including the week of August 11th. The Education Centre is located at 1170 Highway 26 in Midhurst. </p><p>Keep track of SCDSB news at: <br><a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.scdsb.on.ca</span></a><br><a href="http://www.sharingsimcoe.com/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.sharingsimcoe.com</span></a> <br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/SCDSB" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">http://www.facebook.com/SCDSB</span></a> <br><a href="http://twitter.com/SCDSB_Schools" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">http://twitter.com/SCDSB_Schools</span></a> <br><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/SimcoeCountyDSB" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">http://www.youtube.com/user/SimcoeCountyDSB</span></a></p><p><em>Information:</em><br><em>Alison LaMantia, Manager of Communications, SCDSB</em><br><em>705-734-6363 x11328</em></p> | | | |
| SCDSB seeks volunteer instructors for the 2014-15 Roots of Empathy program | http://adm.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/board-news/15 | SCDSB seeks volunteer instructors for the 2014-15 Roots of Empathy program | <p></p><p>The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is recruiting volunteer instructors for next school year to facilitate the internationally recognized <a href="http://www.rootsofempathy.org/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Roots of Empathy</span></a> (ROE) program in elementary schools. </p><p>The program invites a neighbourhood infant and parent to visit an elementary school classroom several times over the school year. A trained ROE instructor coaches students to observe the baby's development and label the baby's feelings. The instructor delivers all aspects of the ROE curriculum in the classroom and builds relationships with the participating family, classroom teacher and students.</p><p>"The Roots of Empathy program has been a wonderful addition to curriculum in our schools," says John Legere, Superintendent of Education. "Local volunteer instructors, along with the parent and baby who visit the classroom, help our students develop empathy and respect while learning about caring for others."</p><p>The SCDSB and Roots of Empathy are looking for volunteer instructors from diverse professional backgrounds. Experience in education, health, social work, counselling, speech therapy and recreation are assets to volunteer for this program. The program also welcomes retired principals, school board superintendents, and police officers. Classroom experience and knowledge of infant development are major assets. Click <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/About%20Us/News%20Documents/Roots-of-Empathy-Volunteer-Posting_June%202014.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">here</span></a> for more information on volunteering for the program. Click <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/About%20Us/News%20Documents/Roots-of-Empathy_Instructor-Recruitment-Poster_2014.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">here</span></a> to view the program poster.</p><p>All training and materials are provided and instructors must be willing to make a two-year commitment to the program. Instructor training will take place at SCDSB's Education Centre (Midhurst) in September and instructors will be placed in schools within their geographical area in Simcoe County. </p><p><em>Information: </em><br><em>Email </em><a href="mailto:roots@scdsb.on.ca" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em>roots@scdsb.on.ca</em></span></a><em> if you are interested in becoming an ROE volunteer or for more information.</em><br></p> | | | |
| Free programs offer children chance to learn a new language – register now for fall courses | http://adm.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/board-news/14 | Free programs offer children chance to learn a new language – register now for fall courses | <p></p><p style="text-align:center;">"We have family in Germany, and having my daughter take this class helps her connect with them. It's great for her to be able to speak another language and speak with her family."</p><p style="text-align:center;"><em>~ Parent of student in the 2013-14 German Language class</em></p><p>The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) offers a free International Languages Program for elementary school students and credit language program for secondary school students to give students the chance to learn a new language or maintain their native language. </p><p>The elementary student program runs from September 2014 to May 2015 on Saturday mornings (9 to 11:30 a.m.) at the Learning Centres in Barrie and Bradford. Languages taught include Farsi, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tamil and Urdu. If the language of your interest is not offered, please contact the Learning Centre. The program is free to any student in Grades 1 to 8. Program registration is now available online <a href="https://www.it-today.com/SCDSB/IntLangReg.asp" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">here</span></a>. </p><p>The secondary school program offers German, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish at the Barrie Learning Centre. The language courses are offered from September to December 2014 (Semester 1) and February to June 2015 (Semester 2), on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. It is open to any secondary school student or Grade 8 student (with principal approval). Students who successfully complete this program earn a credit towards their secondary school diploma. Students can register for the program through their school's Guidance Department. </p><p>Click <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/About%20Us/News%20Documents/International-Languages-2014-15-Registration_POSTER.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">here</span></a> to view the program poster.</p><p><em>Information: </em><br><em>Tatiana Khrystynko, Coordinator, Newcomer Welcome Centre </em><br><em>705-725-8360 x45151</em><br><a href="http://www.thelearningcentres.com/learning-centres-programs/international-languages-program" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em>http://www.thelearningcentres.com/learning-centres-programs/international-languages-program</em></span></a><em> </em></p> | | | |