Posted: November 8, 2020

Week of November 6, 2020

The amazing learning continues here at HDS as students are exploring cell models, genetics, sushi making, story-telling, persuasive paragraphs and everything in-between!  It has been incredible to see our school transform literally overnight from a spooky, ghoulish building to a beautiful tribute to our brave veterans – past and present.  Remembrance Day is so important and impactful for our students here at HDSMS.  A time where we can all take a moment to acknowledge the incredible sacrifice that was made by so many, in all the wars of the past century – and that we would honour those who fought and gave their lives for our freedoms today.  Also, that our thoughts and prayers would be those who are currently in conflict – whether soldier or civilian – in other areas of the world.   To all our veterans – we thank you for your service, your courage and your sacrifice.

Here’s the scoop…

PICTURES FROM THE WEEK:

The first batch of “thank a teacher” mail from former Skyhawks at LSS to our staff – #madeourday

Thanks again to Ms. Markle and Ms. Jones for our Book Character Pumpkin Decorating Contest!  Every participant received a prize for their entry from our Learning Commons!

Chef Lane and his Sushi making crew in Culinary Arts – Restaurant quality presentation!

  

Blue 8 was busy this week in Science making Plant and Animal Cell Models!

Our school has been transformed into an amazing tribute to our brave veterans – both past and present – Classes will be adding their finishing touches on Monday in preparation for Tuesday’s all school presentation.  Students will walk through the hallways – walking through history – where different regions will be honouring different conflicts.  Lest we forget.

NEW INFORMATION TO SHARE:

PARKING

Just a reminder that there is no stopping/parking on Grade Crescent in front of HD Stafford Middle School. In consideration of our community neighbours and for the safety of our students, please refrain from blocking driveways and crosswalks and jaywalking. Please have a conversation with your child(ren) of where an appropriate place to meet up after school could be. There is lots of available parking by City Park which is just a short walk away for our students.

STUDENT SAFETY AROUND SCHOOLS – WEATHER

With the days growing shorter and the weather changing to rain, fog, and frost, HD Stafford Middle is reminding all our students to take extra precaution when walking to and from school. Please be aware of your surroundings, walk on the sidewalk and with someone whenever possible, and avoid wearing headphones. We also ask drivers in our school community to be vigilant on our roads. Student safety is our priority. Thank you for your cooperation and support in keeping everyone safe.

MASKS AND WATERBOTTLES:

• MASKS – Please ensure that your children have their masks each day. We have no more masks to give out in the office at the moment.
• WATER BOTTLES – please remind your children that they need to have a  water bottle at school.

FIRE DRILL – NOVEMBER 16th

Monday November 16^th

• Grade 6 Classes – 8:50am
• Grade 7 Classes – 9:45am
• Grade 8 Classes – 10:30am

We will be announcing a fire drill for grade groups (to avoid too many students gathering together). We will NOT be ringing the fire bell but there will be an announcement over the PA. Grade groups will exit the building quickly and quietly and assemble on the field in their locations (please see the map you were given – it is also located in Teams). Natalie will have markers on the field to help guide classes to their locations. Please take attendance and send a runner to the marshalling area. More information will be shared at the staff meeting on November 12^th. This drill will be happening rain or shine!

REUNIFICATION FORMS

• Student Reunification forms will be going home with students on Monday. They will be located in your mailboxes. These forms will let the school know who the child can go home with in the event of an emergency.

IMMUNIZATIONS POSTPONED:

Immunizations have been postponed due to the increase in covid numbers.  All public health nurses have been re-deployed.  They are hoping to rebook in January.

ABOVE AND BEYOND NOMINATIONS:

The Langley Advance Times is highlighting the efforts of seven local educators who go “Above and Beyond” in an upcoming special publication. The paper is looking for anyone involved in education in Langley – teachers, administrators, education assistants, Aboriginal support workers, coaches, club leaders, custodial staff, bus drivers – who have made a big difference for Langley students during the pandemic. Each person selected will be the subject of a feature article and photo in an upcoming publication. To nominate someone, email contests@langleyadvancetimes.com and submit up to 250 words explaining why the person you are nominating deserves to be featured. Please include your contact information so staff at the paper can follow up with you and reach out to your nominee. A small committee at the Langley Advance Times will be making decisions, so there is a November 13^th (5 pm) deadline for nominations.

COMMUNICATING STUDENT LEARNING INFORMATION SESSION (RECORDING):

As a district, we are moving away from letter grades toward proficiency scales.  This is an exciting change and HDSMS has been a leader in the district in this area for a couple of years.  Please take a moment ( or 40 ) and watch the Parent info session as presented by our Director of Instruction Dawne Tomlinson.

STAYING CONNECTED:

• HDSMS will continue to work towards being a completely paperless school when it comes to communication with parents. In order to stay informed, please be sure you use at least one of the following on-line methods:
  • Email: send your information to tdick@sd35.bc.ca or alyon@sd35.bc.ca to ensure you are on our parent email list.
  • Attendance: If your child is going to be away from school – you can email hdsattendance@sd35.bc.ca to report the absence.
  • Twitter: Follow our feed at twitter.com/HDSMSskyhawks
  • Instagram: Follow us at instagram.com/HDSMSskyhawks
  • Website: Stay up-to-date at sd35.bc.ca

PAC NEWS:

• Lots of New Information Below:
  • 2020 Proposed Constitution
  • November PAC SCOOP
  • 2020 Constitution Announcement
• We had a great first PAC meeting of the year and the PAC elections were completed. Meet you’re new HDSMS PAC TEAM!
•   Any questions or if you are interested in joining our PAC initiatives please contact hdsmspac@gmail.com

CLUBS & ACTIVITES:

• At this point there is a hold on all after school clubs and activities, we will keep you up-to-date as soon as we know more

COMING UP THIS WEEK:

ATHLETICS UPDATE 🏐🏀⚽🎾🏸🎯🏐🏀⚽🎾🏸🎯

There is no athletics at this time – we will keep you updated as this situation progresses.

Classroom Outdoor Sports Bags 

All Grades have now received their activity bags!

MS. LOREE’S COUNSELLING CONNECTION:

We can only reach a certain level of success all on our own.

To reach our full potential we need to work together.

More and more, research and experience point to the important

roles belonging and connection play in ensuring health and well-being,

both for individuals and for our success in teams and organizations.

I could be a very healthy individual and have strong practices

of self-care, but if I go into the workplace where I don’t

feel valued and cared for, I will not be well.

The highest performing teams are not the ones with the

smartest or hardest working individuals, but the ones where

everyone feels connected and valued.

FROM THE DISTRICT:

Be sure to checkout the district’s webpage for the latest updates: www.sd35.bc.ca

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: