The below information is for SCDSB families for the month of May.
Days of Awareness 2023-24
Please review the Days of Awareness (NM1)
www.scdsb.on.ca/about/equity_and_inclusion.
Feedback, recovery, and improvement days (for secondary only)
At the end of each semester, all secondary schools will run feedback, recovery, and improvement days for students. Culminating assessments such as portfolios, essays, examinations, and interviews will take place during instructional days and will be returned to students with feedback.
The last day of regular instruction for students in Semester Two is Friday, June 21. The period from Monday, June 24 to Wednesday, June 26 is reserved for students to receive feedback from an assessment, to rescue or recover a credit, or to improve on an area of missed expectations. Teachers and support staff will communicate with students who will benefit most from attending this opportunity; however, all students will be invited to attend. There will be no new instruction these days. Feedback, recovery, and improvement days are an opportunity for students to work closely with their teacher if they require feedback, recovery, or an opportunity to improve on an area of missed expectations.
SCDSB Equity Advisory Committee seeks parent/guardian members
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is committed to identifying and removing barriers within our system to ensure that all students and staff are offered supportive, inclusive, and respectful learning and working environments. To support this work, the SCDSB has an Equity Advisory Committee (EAC) comprised of parents/guardians, trustees, students, community partner organizations or associations, and board staff.
The SCDSB is seeking new parent/guardian members for the EAC. Applications are open until May 20, 2024. Applicants must:
• be a parent/guardian of a current SCDSB student
• be from a community that has traditionally experienced barriers to equal access, opportunities, and resources
• reside in Simcoe County
• not be an employee of the SCDSB
The role of the EAC is to work in partnership with the SCDSB on the review, development, implementation, and monitoring of initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The EAC supports members of the SCDSB community and encourages equitable outcomes, sense of belonging, student achievement, and well-being, in alignment with the SCDSB Strategic Priorities.
Apply to be a parent/guardian member of the EAC by visiting the following link:
www.scdsb.on.ca/about/equity_and_inclusion.
Interested in learning more about the ways that the SCDSB supports students with special education needs and their families? Join us for a virtual special education information series
During the 2023-24 school year, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is hosting virtual special education outreach sessions to assist parents/guardians in learning more about programs, supports, and ways that we work together to support students with special education needs.
Every day mental health strategies
May 14
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Participants are asked to register in advance. Information to access the sessions will be shared via email with individuals who have pre-registered. Learn more about each session and how to register on the SCDSB website:
www.scdsb.on.ca/elementary/special_education/special_education_outreach_sessions.
Registration now open for summer eLearning!
Create flexibility in your timetable and earn a credit! The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school eLearning courses in July 2024 for current high school students or adult learners who are interested in creating flexibility in their schedule, earning a new credit, or upgrading a previous mark. Students can advance online learning skills, earn missed credits, or fast-track preparation for graduation or post-secondary in just four weeks.
Summer school program details can be found on the Learning Centres website at
www.thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school.
The SCDSB also supports secondary students in participating in a variety of EDUTravel credit programs in July and August. EDUTravel programs are offered in a variety of destinations including Canada, USA, and Europe. For more information including costs, destinations, credits, and dates of commitment, visit:
www.edutravelforcredit.com.
Summer learning programs in the SCDSB (elementary)
The SCDSB continues to support student achievement and well-being throughout the summer months by providing a range of elementary summer learning programs. This summer, the SCDSB is offering programs that will focus on reading (Grades 1-3), math (Grades 4-8), multilingual learners (Grades 1-8), and students with learning disabilities who use assistive technology at school (Grades 4-8). The programs will be delivered through both a virtual synchronous learning format (Google Classroom) and in-person (Terry Fox Elementary School). The programs will run from July 8-26 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily.
Interested families are asked to contact their children’s school principal for further details and registration information. Registration is completed through the SCDSB website (
www.scdsb.on.ca/elementary/summer_learning) beginning on Monday, April 29. The deadline to register is Friday, May 17.
Grade 8 students – register now for summer eLearning! (elementary)
Earn a reach-ahead credit with summer eLearning in the SCDSB! The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school eLearning courses in July 2024. Current Grade 8 students are invited to complete a reach-ahead credit, creating flexibility in their high school timetables!
For summer 2024, courses available to students entering Grade 9 are:
• CGC1D - Issues in Canadian Geography
• PAF1O - Healthy Living and Personal Fitness Activities
• CHC2D - Grade 10 Academic - Canadian History since WWI
• CHC2P - Grade 10 Applied - Canadian History since WWI
• CHV2O/GLC2O – Civics/Careers
eLearning is fully supported by certified teachers who are available electronically daily. Summer school program details can be found on the Learning Centres website at
www.thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school.
Kindergarten registration for September 2024 is open!
Kindergarten is the beginning of a wonderful journey of learning, and we want your child to begin their journey in a SCDSB school! Do you have a child who is turning four in 2024? If so, we invite you to register your child for Kindergarten. To register online or for more information visit:
www.scdsb.on.ca/kindergarten.
Kindergarten orientation
Kindergarten orientation sessions will be held throughout the SCDSB in the spring of 2024. These sessions provide families with the opportunity to engage with their school community as their children prepare to enter school. Learn more about the sessions and find out when your child's school is holding theirs:
www.scdsb.on.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=210982&pageId=8385299.
Before and after school programs 2024-25 school year
Register now for before and after school programs for the 2024-25 school year. Please contact the child care operator directly to discuss fees and to register. More information and contact numbers can be found at
scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/childcare_before_after.
Mental Health Week, May 6-12, 2024 - A call to be kind
Annually, Mental Health Week is acknowledged during the first full week of May with an emphasis on children's mental health. Join us for Mental Health Week May 6-12 by promoting positive mental health through being kind and having compassion for oneself and others. We can all use a little more compassion, whether it is at work, at school, or in our day-to-day lives. We know that being compassionate can make an enormous difference for ourselves and in the lives of others.
Visit the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) website to access the Compassion Toolkit (
cmha.ca/mental-health-week/toolkits/) where you will find easy-to-use resources for spreading the message about how #CompassionConnects us all throughout our community. The toolkit includes resources on:
• What is compassion
• The mental health impacts of compassion
• The practice of self-compassion
• How to create compassionate classrooms
• How to create compassionate workplace cultures
• A week-long compassion journaling activity
Mental Health Week is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health, reduce stigma, and increase understanding. We also encourage you to participate by wearing the colour green and/or taking part in an outdoor physical activity to support mental wellness. The colour green is used during this week and signifies new growth and hope.
At the SCDSB we will be shining a spotlight on how mental health is supported in our school communities by sharing on social media using the hashtags #CompassionConnects, #MentalHealthWeek, #ShineGreen, and tagging @scdsb_mhwb, @scdsb_schools, and @SMHO_SMSO.
Mental health promotion strategy of the month - Four Finger Affirmation
Well-being is a Strategic Priority in the Simcoe County District School Board, and our well-being department provides monthly strategies to support student and family well-being.
This month’s strategy is
Four Finger Affirmations. Parents/guardians can guide their child to think positively in the face of stress or challenges by using affirmations to promote confidence, a growth mindset, self-regulation, and resiliency.
To practice
Four Finger Affirmations at home, work with your child to generate four words that make them feel calm and confident. It might be a sentence of just four words. For example, "I am loved today" or "breathe, listen, smile, love." Explain that each word will match a finger on their hand. Have them say the words (affirmation) aloud or in their head and connect each finger with their thumb, one finger per word. Invite your child to use their
Four Finger Affirmation to feel more confident in stressful situations. View School Mental Health Ontario’s social-emotional learning poster series (with audio) for a Four Finger Affirmations classroom poster that can also be used at home:
smho-smso.ca/online-resources/sel-posters/.
Parents/guardians should consider practicing
Four Finger Affirmations at home with their child at the end and/or start of the day. Find more easy and fun mental health activities to do at home by visiting:
smho-smso.ca/online-resources/easy-and-fun-mental-health-activities-for-home/.
Follow along the Mental Health and Well-being social media accounts (@SCDSB_MHWB) to see how well-being is being supported in our schools.
Add math to your family’s daily routine!
New math problems, games, and activities are added to Math at Home monthly. Visit
www.scdsb.on.ca/MathatHome to find fun, engaging ways to support your child in learning math.
May cyber awareness topic: digital wellness
Digital wellness aims to promote healthy habits essential to using technology in ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. While engaging with technology has many benefits, a balance of online and offline experiences will help foster digital wellness for each of us. This month's tip sheet includes suggestions to help us improve our digital wellness and encourage the establishment of healthy habits.
Access the ECNO cyber awareness tip sheet for May (
https://ecno.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ECNO-CAM-Calendar-23-Aug3023_DigitalWellness.pdf) to stay informed about this month’s theme and explore additional resources.
French as a Second Language (FSL) resources for families
SCDSB families can access activities, supports, and resources through the FSL Family Toolkit located on the SCDSB website. This toolkit is for families to participate in their child's learning of French, either in the core FSL program or French Immersion program. To view this toolkit, visit:
www.scdsb.on.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=210982&pageId=35122481.
Getting your child ready for school
Children start Kindergarten at different stages of development, with different backgrounds and experiences. Plan early to help your child have a smooth transition to school and get the most out of Kindergarten.
Help your child think of learning and starting school as enjoyable, exciting, and useful by:
• Listening and talking to your child about what Kindergarten will be like (for example, the new friends they will make and the fun things they will learn)
• Being upbeat and enthusiastic about Kindergarten so that your child is excited to start school
• Connecting with your child’s caregivers and early childhood educators (preschool or child care) so that everyone can work together and communicate consistently
Introduce your child to new surroundings and activities. Child and family programs, such as EarlyON Child and Family Centres allow you to:
• Learn and play with your child
• Connect with other families and caregivers
• Find out about other family services and supports in your community
EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free, high-quality programs for families and children from birth to 6 years old. Children can learn through play and inquiry-based activities. EarlyON Child and Family Centres are found across Simcoe County. Learn more:
https://www.earlyonsimcoenorth.ca/hubfs/GRFK.pdf
Information provided by EarlyON Child and Family Centre Simcoe North
Tick talk- let’s keep ticks away!
As the weather warms up and we spend more time outside, it is important to know how to protect yourself and your family against ticks and Lyme disease.
Follow these tips and enjoy your time outdoors:
• Cover up with long sleeves and pants when playing in grassy or wooded areas.
• Use an approved bug spray with DEET on uncovered skin and clothing.
• After outdoor play and before bed, inspect skin and clothing thoroughly, paying extra care to armpits and behind ears.
• Remove attached ticks from your body as soon as possible.
Let’s have fun outside while staying safe from ticks! For more information call Health Connection at 877-721-7520 or visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit Ticks and Lyme Disease webpage:
www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/DiseaseInformation/FactSheetsIL/lymedisease.aspx#f7d284d1-f099-47cb-bacd-fbf66ad87c60.
Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka
District Health Unit
Did you know vaping relieves nicotine withdrawal, not stress? (secondary)
Vaping increases feelings of stress and anxiety in several ways. For example:
• Vapes contain nicotine, a highly addictive drug. When someone is addicted to nicotine, their body feels stressed when it does not get the nicotine it is used to (this is called withdrawal). Vaping makes those uncomfortable feelings go away for a little while, but before they know it, the stressful feelings (withdrawal) return making them feel the need to vape again. This is nicotine addiction.
• Stress hormones. Nicotine causes adrenaline to be released – one of the same hormones released when a person is stressed. When vaping, the body responds in a similar way to how it does when it is stressed or anxious.
The good news is, there are supports to help youth quit. Talk to your child about vaping, they listen more than you think! Learn more at
NotAnExperiment.ca/parents.
Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit