Posted: February 26, 2023

Week of Feb. 27th, 2023

Happy Sunday Skyhawks Parents & Guardians!

This past week was full of meaningful and authentic conversations showcasing the power of respect and diversity in our school, community and the world.  It was awesome to see and hear the learning, the discussions/debates, and the questions around these topics.  The closer we examine these issues the more we recognize that we have made huge strides, and yet, still have much work to do.  Thank you to all our staff and parents who will continue these conversations to promote long lasting change in our young people.

This coming week is chalked full of more amazing presentations highlighted by the White Hatter who will be virtually presenting on Tuesday to both our students at 1:00pm to 2:30pm and to our parent community from 6:00pm to 8:00pm that night.  We will be sending out the link in a separate email – so be sure to look for it as this presentation is very engaging and full of great information for students and parents.

Here’s the SCOOP!

THE WEEK AHEAD AT HD STAFFORD

PICTURES FROM LAST WEEK!

NEW INFORMATION TO SHARE:

The White Hatter Presentation (Digital Literacy and Internet Safety Presentation:

This Tuesday February 28th we will be having a Digital Literacy and Internet Safety for Middle School Students presentation from The White Hatter from 1:00pm-2:30pm. We have spoken to the presenter, and he said it works best for classes to be in their own classrooms viewing the presentation. He also asked us to have the students bring their phones if they have them.

There will also be a parent presentation that night from 6:00-8:00pm. We will be sending out more information in a separate email, as well as sending out the meeting link and password.

In the meantime be sure to check out the website full of great tools for parents!

Spring into Wellness Aboriginal Family Gathering

All families in the Aboriginal Program are invited to the Spring Into Wellness Family Gathering on the evening of Friday, March 3 at HD Stafford Middle School from 5 – 8pm. See the attached invitation for more information. We hope that you can join us for a meal and some fun activities!

Early Dismissal and Parent Teacher Interviews March 8th & March 9th

Early dismissal and our PT conferences are coming up on March 8^th from 2:00pm to 4:30pm and on March 9^th from 2:00pm to 7:30pm.  Each appointment will be 15 minutes in person or virtually.

HD Stafford SPA:TH Club is getting ready to kick off!

The HDSMS SPA:TH club is an after school program that aims to support indigenous youth’s self esteem, sense of belonging and school success by providing homework supports, cultural teachings, positive peer relationships and fun activities! Plus – there are SNACKS!

This week is calling for freezing temperatures and maybe even some snow. Just a reminder to reduce the risk of slip and falls during the icy weather: when possible, please tell your children to follow the designated walking paths and avoid shortcuts and unsalted areas. Also, walk slowly and deliberately in icy areas and expect the pavement and sidewalks to be slippery.

Also a reminder as the weather gets increasingly cold and wet,  please send your children to school with appropriate clothing and footwear as many students ( especially in the snow) do love to go outside!

 

Community Room Homework Club on Wednesdays! Let your Kiddos know!

• Homework club started on September 28 and will run from 3-4 on Wednesdays in the Community Room. Students will receive academic support and build positive relationships. The first half of homework club we will work on homework and from 3:30 to 4:00 we’ll change gears and do fun activities together! We’re looking forward to seeing you there! A huge thank you to Langley Church (Youth unlimited) for their support. See Mrs. Sandher if you would like to join any after-school activities.
• The Breakfast Program  Students can enjoy light breakfast items between 8:00-8:30. Students will enter through the exterior doors of the Community Room, and when the bell rings they will line up with their classes. The breakfast program is for all kiddos!
• LUNCH PROGRAM: The lunch program is for families who need extra support. Please contact Mrs. Sandher, our Community Coordinator, at Ksandher@sd35.bc.ca, if your child needs clothing, food, and/or other support.

FORMS, FEES, & LOCKERS

Lockers have now been distributed to all classes and students, however we are hoping to finish collecting school fees and online permission forms as soon as possible.  If you can please do the following:

• Pay your school fees using the SchoolCashOnline link here.
• Complete the Online permission forms that also on your SchoolCashOnline account.

STAFFORD ATHLETICS & AFTER SCHOOL EVENTS

🏐🏀⚽🎾🏸🎯🏐🏀⚽🎾🏸🎯

REMINDERS

SKYHAWKS ONLINE STORE IS LIVE!

We are very excited to roll out the new online Skyhawks Apparel Store to all staff, students and our Stafford community!

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:

PAC Bake Sale!

• Thursday, March 9th
• Baked goods available at lunch, after school and during evening parent-teacher interviews
• Please bring store-bought or baked goods to the office after school Wed March 8th or in the morning, Thursday, March 9th… or email Gina at hdsmspresident@gmail.com for other arrangements. Leave at my door in Murrayville! Anything welcome – cookies, muffins, loaf cakes, bars, pies, cupcakes. Individually wrapped, or not – we’ll get it ready for you.
• Sign up here!
• Bake sale volunteer signup

Upcoming Popcorn Dates:

• Wait for announcement for new dates starting after Spring Break

Upcoming Hawk’s Nest Dates:

• Wait for announcement for new dates starting after Spring Break

Upcoming Hot Lunch Dates:

Munchalunch ordering for hot lunches – deadline is usually one week before.

• Friday March 10th – Little Caesar’s Pizza – order cut off Thurs Mar 2nd

Upcoming PAC meetings:

6:30pm in the HD Stafford Library Commons room.

• Wednesday, April 12th

If you have any questions or if you are interested to volunteer at our PAC initiatives, please contact hdsmspac@gmail.com

Keep updated with PAC fundraisers and info through Facebook and Instagram at:

• Neufelds frozen savoury and sweet items Fundraiser:
  • Ordering April 3-19th, Pick up Sat, April 29th, 10am
• Krispy Kreme Donuts Fundraiser!
  • Thursday April 6th (pre-ordered boxes will be delivered to students’ classrooms)
  • Keep an eye out for ordering through Munchalunch

BCCPAC Position 

Anyone interested in a BCCPAC position, the nomination deadline is Feb 28th, email to info@bccpac.bc.ca

More info about BCCPAC at https://bccpac.bc.ca

Spring Fundraiser put hosted by Langley School District Foundation

• Saturday, April 22nd, limited tickets left.
• LSD charity event

HDSMS Parent Group

HDStafford Middle School PAC

hdsms_pac

PAC GENERAL INFORMATION:

Our PAC works to help create effective partnerships between the school and parent community. Building the triangle of support between parent, school, and child will create powerful learning opportunities and ensure our children’s success.

Each and every parent or guardian is a member of our PAC. We encourage you to join us for the monthly meetings to participate in the building of PAC community and create learning opportunities for your child.

The 2022/23 HDSMS PAC EXECUTIVE:

Please direct any general questions to hdsmspac@gmail.com

FROM THE LIBRARY LEARNING COMMONS:

Can’t wait to share all the awesome literacy events coming this year.

COMMUNITY SUPPORTS FOR PARENTS:

FROM THE DISTRICT: