Together in Education Family Update
February 22-26
Lancaster Drive Public School and Parent Council
Email: lancd@limestone.on.ca
Website: http://lancaster.limestone.on.ca
Location: 1020 Lancaster Drive, Kingston, ON, Canada
Phone: (613)634-0470
Twitter: @LancasterPSLDSB
OUR GREAT KINDNESS CHALLENGE CONTINUES - INUKSHUK STYLE!
Upcoming Dates:
February 1-28 ~ Black History Month
February 22-26 ~ Kindness Challenge continues @ Lancaster
Wednesday, February 24 ~ PINK SHIRT DAY
Monday, March 22 ~ Term Two IEPs sent home
Dear Lancaster Families
MARS Day was certainly a highlight at Lancaster last week. Many classes jumped into unique learning opportunities to celebrate the landing of the Mars Perseverence Rover. We spent time researching and learning about what exactly happens in space, wondering what it would be like to be an astronaut, some of the goals of the space program and communicating their learning to others. The idea of this spirit day came from the initiative of one of our students at Lancaster a few weeks ago. As that student shared his passion for all things space over morning announcements, the support of our staff and the growing curiosity of our students led to MARS day being declared - a wonderful day of new learning and celebration.
We would like to acknowledge our student leaders who have been running daily announcements. These announcements not only highlight events happening in the building but also celebrate student birthdays, kindness, quotes, Black History in Kingston, safety reminders in the school and on the yard, and some musical additions to our spirit days. These intermediate leaders have been reliable, creative, and great additions to daily life at Lancaster.
Ms. Fox and your Lancaster Team
Grade 2s did some wonderful reflection in writing about their own Superheroes
This Gr. 6 class spent time talking about on-line safety - examining this doctored image that made an adult look like a peer in their profile photo
Snowy moonlit scenes - experimenting with shadows in grade 1 - amazing!
MARS DAY WAS A HIT AT LANCASTER!
MARDI GRAS AT LANCASTER!
Love the diversity shown in these kindergarten manipulatives
Student enthusiasm about MARS Day grew and grew last week!
This math game in Grade 1 had students continually manipulating and adding numbers in their race to the finish
ON-LINE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
February is Black History Month in Canada
The Limestone District School Board is proud to recognize and celebrate Black Heritage Month during the month of February.
This year’s theme for Black History Month in Canada is “The Future is Now,” a call to action for us all to build on the legacy of those who came before us, and to recognize the transformative work that Black Canadians and their communities are doing now.
Black people in Canada have diverse backgrounds and experiences – while some can trace their roots in Canada for many generations, others have immigrated in recent decades. Black Canadians are connected by a common African history and ancestry.
Did you know that although the commemoration of Black History Month dates back to 1926 in the United States, Canada's official recognition of Black History Month didn't begin until 1996.
Did you know that the motion to recognize February as Black History Month nationally was made by Canada's first Black female member of parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine?
Although Black History Month is officially from February 1 to March 1, schools and classrooms are encouraged to embed and celebrate past and present Black excellence and histories throughout the entire year.
As a board, we will also continue our work to confront anti-Black racism in our system, and in our communities. Earlier this school year, the Board of Trustees received a draft of the LDSB Equity Action Plan which outlines our actions and outcomes for the next few years.
KFL&A Public Health Immunization Announcement
KFL&A Public Health will be postponing the enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupils Act for this school year and will not implement suspension actions this spring. Nevertheless, we ask that parents report any required vaccine(s) that a student has already received by the proposed deadline of February 18th, 2021.
Students missing vaccines, can see their regular health care provider as soon as possible and then update their record with KFL&A Public Health.
Students without a health card or doctor can book an appointment to receive free vaccines at KFL&A Public Health clinics. Go to //kflaph.ca/Appointments to book an appointment.
We recognize this may be a stressful time however we encourage families to provide the requested information due to the heightened importance of protecting against vaccine preventable disease outbreaks in our school communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting Students with Social Media
A reminder about social media platforms:
* users are to be 13 years or older to hold an account
* ask your child how they know each of their contacts (be sure they know who they are connecting with)
* be sure to 'follow' your child and monitor their posts
* be sure you look through posts and photos with your child from time to time to ensure they are making wise choices and are being safe
Teaching our kids about the internet is another safety skill that we need to ensure we are explicitly teaching to our kids. Thanks for your partnership with this. A cyberbullying parent resource is attached below to support parents.
Accessing Communication Tools
Learn how to:
- Set up a SchoolMessenger App account: set up your account, review your contact information and communication preferences, join teacher-instant messaging groups, and view all your alerts and messages in one place. Watch the video tutorial.
- Use the Communicate broadcast tool: choose how you will receive alerts including how to opt-in for text messaging. Watch the video tutorial.
- Use the Board mobile app: how to choose your schools, see your messages and report and review student absences. Watch the video tutorial.
Subscribe to school calendars: receive email alerts or download calendars or individual events to your personal calendar