Posted: January 28, 2024

Families of Shortreed,

We hope you had a nice weekend and enjoyed having the kids back in school for a full (and very soggy) week! 🙂

We were excited to send out our Club Wednesday sign-up sheets last week, with almost all our students returning them. We will now take some time to assign students to clubs and do our best to get them their choices. Club Wednesdays start February 7 and run for 4 weeks (1:15-2:15).

We had our first assembly of 2024 On Friday as we gathered as a school community to remind our students about some of our expectations, introduce our Lunch Leaders (see below), practice the Shortreed Chant, and watch a slideshow of images from September-December (the slideshow will be emailed to you so you can watch it at home).

Our grade 5 basketball team is excited to start their season as it gets underway on Monday with a game against James Hill.

We have our first Movie Night happening this Friday (more details in the PAC section below).

As always, we want to acknowledge that we do our important work to ensure every child belongs on the unceded ancestral territories of the Màthxwi (Matsqui) First Nation. When the snow was falling, I enjoyed the time to sit in the snow and feel the quiet as the blanket of snow insulated the sounds that are typically present in our neighbourhood. As I was doing this, I was reminded of what this must have been like thousands of years ago when the only people here were the Màthxwi People and their guests. I am so thankful for them for being stewards of the land for all those years so we can now enjoy life in Aldergrove as we know it today. 

This week, we focus on the Good Things from the even-numbered divisions. We hope you take a few minutes to read these, along with some reminders for the weeks ahead.

Good Things to Talk About

!Sdrawkcab Yad – We had another spirit day at school on Friday, with most of our school wearing something backwards! Some classes even had the morning message backwards and had a chance to practice their names backwards! Thank you to all who had some fun participating!

Introducing our Lunch Leaders – We introduced our new Lunch Leaders at Friday’s assembly! These are a group of dedicated grade 5’s who have volunteered to help out on the playground at recess and lunch. They will be wearing blue shirts and green vests and are there to support our younger students with any of the smaller problems they may have (ie. taking turns, minor disagreements and injuries, and helping to get an adult when needed). This will not only help our younger students but also build capacity in our grade 5’s!

ELL and Literacy Support – We are thankful for the efforts and support of our ELL team as they have been focusing on literacy and language support in the classrooms. In the mornings, they push into classrooms and help with small group or 1:1 support with literacy; in the afternoons, they pull out small groups and support language development and learning for our students who are English Language Learners. We love the co-teaching model and are seeing a lovely impact.

Brainiacs!  Our kindergarten students learned about the parts of the brain with Mrs. Kirk this past week. They took some time to make their own Playdough versions of the Guard Dog (amygdala), Wise Eagle (prefrontal cortex), and Elephant (hippocampus). Helping students understand their brains helps them use their brains differently and more effectively. Be sure to ask them what each of these does to help us!

Div 18 – Tree-mendous Learning – Ms. Bowers’ class has extended their Fall leaf learning to include the different types of trees and the job of each part of the tree. They are currently focusing on Evergreen trees and why they stay green in the Winter. The students are excited to head back outside, see more of these trees, and apply their learning in our forest!

Div 16 – Robo-Math – Ms. Gostelow’s class had some fun practicing their learning of geometric shapes as they did a Roll a Robot math game. They rolled dice and then had to use the corresponding shape to draw their robot. When Mr. Wejr popped by, some started creating a Robo-Wejr… which might come in handy to get some stuff done around the school! The kids in this class are always so pumped to share their learning!

Div 14 – Routines For the Win! Every single morning, Ms. Anderson’s class participates in small group instruction (with the support of our Early Literacy teacher, Mrs. Russell) and reading practice/reading games. These literacy routines help the students grasp the concepts and ensure that they “stick” in their brains. Students are always so excited to show their reading progress when we come into the class. We love seeing their worlds open up when they start to read!

Div 12 – On a Snowy Day – With the snow falling this month, Mrs. Datema’s class showcased their writing growth as they wrote about what they liked to do on snowy days! They also drew a self-portrait of themselves holding their writing! Be sure to check out all the fun things they do on snowy days on display outside their classroom (and posted on social media).

Div 10 – When I popped into Mrs. North’s class, they were completing their weekly literacy assessments, so I didn’t want to interrupt. I will share more from Div 10 next week!

Div 8 – The Salmon Have Arrived! Mrs. Thompson’s class was excited to welcome the new salmon eggs to their class this past week. As part of the Salmon Enhancement Program, they will have these salmon in their classroom until they can be released into the Nicomekl River. They are starting to understand the salmon’s life cycle and the various phases they will see in their classroom.

Div 7 – The Cycle of a Snowflake – Ms. Johnson’s class has been learning all about the science of snow, including how it starts and ends. They had a chance to share their learning of the Cycle of a Snowflake with their little buddies from Mrs. Datema’s class as they put together their own display of the snowflake cycle.

Div 6 – Going Ducky With Their Writing!  If your child has been in Mr. D’s class, they will remember learning about the different types of ducks and the differences between diving and dabbling ducks. When I popped into the class, the students were writing and sharing their learning of dabbling ducks. They have also been learning about different land formations that are around us (and the animals and plants within/around these!).

Div 4 – Coooookies! Ok, well maybe this is not about cookies but the name of the template sure makes me want a cookie. Mrs. Loverock/Mr. Li’s class has been practicing their writing, and this past week, they learned more about persuasive and opinion writing. They used the OREO template to help them set up their writing structure with Opinion, Reason (their why), Examples (evidence), and Opinion (re-stating) providing the content of their writing.

Div 2 – Spaces to Share Their Learning – Ms. Cho’s students spent some time reflecting and uploading content to their Digital Portfolio using the Spaces program. This program provides a platform for them to share their learning with parents/caregivers and peers, receive feedback from Ms. Cho, and collect artifacts of their learning. This provides a huge window into their learning and bridges the gap between home and school.

The Week Ahead

Monday – Gr. 5 Basketball vs James Hill 3:00
Tuesday – Gr. 5 Basketball 7:45; cutoff for first Hot Lunch order
Wednesday – EcoTigers 12:00
Friday – Gr. 5 Basketball 7:45; Shortreed Dance Sessions (gr. 2-5) 7:45 in Ms. Kaur’s class; PAC Movie Night!

Month at a Glance

Monday, Feb 5 – Gr. 5 Snowshoeing trip
Wednesday, Feb 7 – Club Wednesday 1:15
Friday, Feb 9 – PAC Meeting 9:00
Monday, Feb 12 – BC Lions Energy Assembly 1:15; Gr. 5 Basketball vs Douglas Park 3:00; Blueberry forms due
Tuesday, Feb 13 – Gr. 5 Basketball at Nicomekl 3:00
Wednesday, Feb 14 – Club Wednesday 1:15
Friday, Feb 16 – Pro-D Day
Monday, Feb 19 – Family Day – schools closed
Tuesday, Feb 20 – Gr. 5 Basketball at Parkside 3:00
Wednesday, Feb 21 – Club Wednesday 1:15, PAC Treat Day
Thursday, Feb 22 – Spirit Day – Crazy Headwear Day
Friday, Feb 23 – Lockdown Drill 1:00
Monday, Feb 26 – Design and Assessment Day (no school for students)
Tuesday, Feb 27 – Gr. 5 Basketball at Simonds 3:00
Wednesday, Feb 28 – Club Wednesday 1:15

You can download a list of the important dates in the district for 2023-2024 here.  

PAC Info

Minutes from the last PAC Meeting can be found here.

PAC is hosting a Movie & Pizza Night of Friday, Feb.2! Everyone is welcome!

Hot Lunch orders for Spring and Summer are now open at munchalunch.com! Lunch options include Chopped Leaf, Tim Bits, Brick Alley Bistro and more! Hot lunch is a fundraiser for the PAC to keep fun things going at the school! Some purchase prices on food has gone up and PAC has done our best to keep prices as low as we can.

• Returning Parents: Sign in at munchalunch.com/login
• New Families: Visit munchalunch.com/schools/Shortreed and click on the “Register Here” button and follow the instructions. Once your account has been created you can add your child(ren) to your account. You will need their teacher and division #.
• Payment Options:
  – Pay online through munch-a-lunch
  – Cash or cheque orders: Email PAC (shortreedpac@gmail.com) to arrange special arrangements.
  NOTE: If any of your orders are left unpaid after the cut-off date, (either online, cash, or cheque) it will be automatically removed.
• Order Options:
  You can order all meals and treats ahead and pay for everything OR
  Order the food and pay for the food individually. You CANNOT order all meals and treats but pay in increments. What is ordered MUST be paid IN FULL before the cut off.
• Absent on Hot Lunch Day: If your child is absent on a hot lunch date you can email PAC (or let the admin assistant know) to have your child’s lunch set for pick up at the office (will be available after 12:30) or you can donate your child’s lunch to a child in need.
• WE ARE NOT ABLE TO TAKE SPECIAL REQUESTS OF WHO A DONATED LUNCH GOES TO.
• Late orders will not be accepted.
• Forgot to Order? Some extras will be available for purchase on the day of hot lunch/treat days, but we cannot guarantee what will be available and cannot hold these items for students.

Blueberries are back!!!

ATTENTION SHORTREED COMMUNITY we need your HELP!!

Information and Reminders 

• Please note that we have had a significant increase in students requesting snacks at school. The snacks given out at our Eagles Nest are designed to be for students who cannot afford snacks, have forgotten snacks, or, on the odd day, may need a bit more food. Students in these situations are welcome to use the snacks program. We also have a fruit and veggie program that is also available.

• Mental Health Information – Fraser Health

  Health, safety, and wellness continue to be a priority in our schools. To help support our students and families, we are sharing important information about mental health from our community partner Fraser Health. Please see below for helpful tips to support your child.

  Know when and how to access mental health support for your child.

  Mental illnesses are common in children and young people, they can have a significant impact on their development, relationships and their performance in school. Getting help early can prevent symptoms from becoming more severe and support a faster recovery.

  Where do I start if my child or teen needs help?

  A good place to start is by talking with your child/teen about how things have been going for them and what you’ve noticed.

  Keep in mind that children and teens vary in their ability to talk about their feelings and experiences. They may not have the vocabulary to describe feelings. They also may not understand what’s going on for them or make the connections between something in their life and their struggles.

  How do I talk to my child or teen?

  Here are some tips to help start a conversation with your child:

  ·       Find a good time and place to talk. Driving to and from places, preparing dinner, or cleaning up after a meal are great opportunities to talk.

  ·       Ask how they are or if they’d like to talk about anything that’s going on for them.

  ·       If they say they’re fine or nothing is wrong, explain why you’re concerned and offer specific examples that you’ve noticed.

  ·       Acknowledge how it must be difficult for them.

  ·       Ask about what strategies/actions they find helpful. Acknowledge their strengths.

  ·       Discuss how mental health is part of everyone’s life – and not just about severe problems.

  ·       Talk about how sometimes it can take the assistance of others to overcome difficulties. Ask if they would like to talk with someone.

  ·       Ask them what they think would help or what they think they need.

  ·       Offer to make an appointment for your child/teen to see your family doctor – physical issues can sometimes have mental health symptoms associated with them. It’s important to check if there’s any physical issues.

  ·       Let them know you want to help and that they can always come to you.

  ·       If your child doesn’t want to talk, let it go and try again in a few days.

  If you have concerns that your child may be using alcohol or other drugs, get tips on how to talk to your child about drugs.

  Get more information about child and youth mental health: https://ow.ly/KgZZ50PehL0

• Our breakfast program is up and running! Please register by clicking this link.
• Friday Dance Sessions!  Does your grade 2-5 child love to move? Come to the gym at 7:45 on the last and first Fridays of the month to learn Bhangra, line dance, and other forms of dance!
  ” I dance to bring meaning, to bring possibility, and to bring inspiration to others. I dance because it makes me whole, so would you like to try some dance moves with me on Friday mornings!”
• If you are in need of boots and/or a coat, please check out our free Boot and Coat exchange near the office and gym. If you cannot find something there, please contact Mr. Wejr.

• Attendance/Absence – If your child is going to be absent, arriving late, away or leaving early due to an appointment, please notify the school of your child’s absence by emailing SCEAttendance@sd35.bc.ca or calling 604-856-4167.

• Our school parking lot is closed between 8:15-9:00 and 2:00-2:45 (other than daycare, buses, and vehicles for people with a disability). The church across the street graciously allows us to use their parking lot for pick-up and drop-off so please park there or along 28th Ave. Do not park in the “no parking” (coned) areas along the yellow curbs. No u-turns.
• West Coast Recess – As we have done over the past few years, every day is an outside day at Shortreed. Unless there is a severe rainstorm (or snowstorm), we will be heading outside. Please make sure your child has a coat to wear outside. We have a good selection of coats in our FREE Coat Exchange near the office, so come by and check them out.
• Not Feeling Well? If your child has cold or flu-like symptoms, please keep them home until they have improved and they are well enough to attend school. This will help keep our staff and students as healthy as possible.

Community Events and Information

Check out events and activities around Langley by clicking on the Community Bulletin Board.

Aldergrove Minor Baseball registration is now open for the 2024 season. Register at www.aldergroveminorbaseball.com.

Langley Thunder Box Lacrosse registration is now open for the 2024 season. More info at https://www.langleythunder.ca/.