Shortreed Weekly Newsletter

At Shortreed, we believe school is a place to build relationships, explore interests, take risks, celebrate successes, and grow together. We are committed to supporting the learning, growth, and well-being of every child while fostering curiosity, play, and discovery. We want every student to feel known, valued, and connected, with opportunities to discover their strengths and shine. Above all, we want every student to know: You Belong Here!

Families of Shortreed,

It’s been wonderful to see our students learning, connecting, and enjoying so many great experiences. Below are a few highlights, along with a look at what’s coming up!

Ms. Henry and Ms. Schmidt's Grade two classes enjoyed a wonderful fall adventure at Taves Farms! Students had a great time exploring the pumpkin patch, and engaging in all the fun fall activities. The day was full of smiles, laughter, new learning, and unforgettable moments with friends!

Our Shortreed Eagles were back at it for Week 3 of cross-country! Our runners showed great determination as they pushed themselves and cheered each other on. We are so proud of their effort and the way they represented Shortreed. A big thank you to our parents for your continued support and encouragement of our runners. I'd also like to extend a special thank you to Jessica Wright, a former parent and longtime supporter of our school community, who came out to help and cheer on our students. Way to go, Eagles!

One of our goals at Shortreed is to help children grow into confident, kind, capable, and increasingly independent learners. That work extends beyond the classroom and is strongest when families and schools work together.

Throughout the year, we will use this space to share some of the approaches we use at school to support students as they learn to manage big emotions, solve problems, navigate conflict, take responsibility, and build healthy relationships. Many of these practices are informed by child-development research and the work of Dr. Bruce Perry, whose research highlights the importance of relationships, connection, and regulation in helping children learn and thrive.

We are sharing these ideas for a simple reason: children thrive when the important adults in their lives are working together and sending consistent messages.

From time to time, we'll offer strategies you may wish to try at home. We'll also share what students can expect from us at school and how families can partner with us when challenges arise.

We know that none of us get it right all the time. Everyone makes mistakes, children and adults. What matters most isn’t being perfect, but helping children learn from their mistakes, work through challenges, and build the confidence and resilience they need to grow and handle life’s ups and downs.

School Spirit Day Survey Results

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent School Spirit Day survey! There was a clear favourite. Crazy Hair Day earned 51 votes (56%), making it the top choice among our students and families. Superhero Day came in second with 22 votes (24%), followed by Career Day with 14 votes (15%), and Book Character Day with 4 votes (4%).

We love seeing the excitement and creativity our students bring to spirit days. Based on these results, keep an eye out for a Crazy Hair Day coming soon.

Fall weather is around the corner, and at Shortreed that means rain, puddles, mud, and lots of outdoor play! Students will continue to go outside for recess and lunch in most weather, so please send your child prepared with a rain jacket, appropriate footwear, and clothes that can get a little wet or muddy.

A change of clothes at school is also a great idea, especially for our younger students.

Monday, October 26- Learning Updates go home this week, K Field Trip 10:45-1:15

Tuesday, October 27 - XC Championship Run

Friday, October 30 - Wettstein and Cheema Field Trip 9:00-11:30, Spooky Gym, Costume Parade
Tuesday, November 3 - Photo Day Retakes

Thursday, November 5 - Lockdown Drill 10:05
Friday, November 6 - No Stone Left Unturned
Sunday, November 8 - Indigenous Veterans Day

Tuesday November 10 - Remembrance Day Assembly
Wednesday, November 11 - Remembrance Day Schools Closed
Friday, November 13 - PAC Dollar Sale

Tuesday, November 17- Dornian Field Trip, Fire Drill 1:10
Friday, November 20 Design/Assessment Day No School for Students

Saturday, November 28 Shortreed Winter Market

Monday, November 30 - Fire Drill 1:10

You can view our digital school calendar here.

We also encourage families to add the Shortreed school calendar to your phone or device

Spooky Halloween Gym is this upcoming Friday. We still need volunteers. If you are able to help volunteer in the gym, please see the sign up here

Dollar Sale PAC will be accepting dollar sale items starting on Nov 2nd.

Please drop off donations at the PAC office during school hours (9 am to 2pm). If you have a lot to donate, please contact the PAC to arrange for a drop off time at shortreedpac@gmail.com.

Please only donate usable items. Unaccepted donations: used candles, used bath products, dirty/stained clothing (we do not expect clothing to be folded but clean would be nice, if possible, tie shoes together), broken toys and/or other broken/damaged items. Please no large items such as large furniture or mattresses.

We need your help to make our Dollar Sale a successful event. Please sign up here.

Purdy's Chocolate Fundraiser Our Purdy's fundraiser is now open!!

Orders Due Nov 12th.

Pick up on Nov 25th.

Customer number: 25514

Campaign ID: 000041891

Payment Options:

1. Credit Card via Purdy's website

2. Etransfer sent to email srpacfundraising@gmail.com Password: Eagles *Please include the name it was ordered under, students name and division.

3. Cash sent to the office in an envelope with the student's name and division

4. Cheque if total is more than $25 made out to Shortreed PAC with student name and division.

https://fundraising.purdys.com/fundraising/campaign/000041891

Information About School Status During Inclement Weather

Snow closures and power outages are an annual occurrence in Langley School District. So, where do you go to get information about the status of schools during periods of inclement weather? If you are able to access the internet via computer or smartphone, current information about Langley schools can be accessed on all school websites or www.sd35.bc.ca. Updates are also posted to X (formerly Twitter) @LangleySchools and Facebook at www.facebook.com/langleyschooldistrict. If you don't have internet connectivity but your phone is working, call a relative or friend in an area that has not been affected by the storm and ask them to check the district website for you. Local radio stations are also informed of school status in Langley. Tune in to CKNW 730AM, Country Radio 107.1FM, Pulse 107.7FM, CBC 690AM or CBC 88.1FM for updates.

In the event of inclement weather, the District may implement a delayed start or early dismissal at school sites. This information will be communicated to families via one or more of these methods: SchoolMessenger, email and/or text and on the District website. For District bus riders, schedules may change depending on the school status. Bus riders will be notified of changes via one or more of these methods: My Ride K-12 App, email, phone, and/or District website.

Please note that Langley District schools are all considered 'open' until a decision to close is required. Decisions on school closures are usually made by 6:30am. As always, it is a parent's decision whether to send their child to school based on safety and individual circumstances. If you feel it is unsafe for you or your child to travel to or attend an open school for any reason, please keep your child home and report an absence to the school.

Student Safety in Schools

The Langley School District is committed to fostering safe and caring schools that promote mutual respect, cooperation, and social responsibility, and support optimal learning. Trauma Informed Practices and Procedures promote the creation and maintenance of safe, inclusive, equitable, welcoming, and nurturing school environments. The District expects all students to follow the Student Code of Conduct AP 350. This expectation is also in line with the new Provincial Firearm Violence Prevention Act (FVPA).

The District is sharing a reminder that no one can have “any weapon for any purpose” on school property. This means that weapons are not allowed to be used as part of an educational project, drama production, or themed costume. Examples of weapons include but are not limited to knives, bb guns, and toy guns. Failure to follow these expectations may result in confiscation, intervention, and consequences.

Parent-Teacher Conferences Resource

Not sure what questions to ask your child’s teacher at your parent-teacher conference? The District is sharing this resource to help families plan for their meeting. Families can review this 3-page resource attached for some ideas, questions, and things to consider. Teachers, staff and families work together to ensure student success in our schools.

Parent Consent Forms on MyEDBC Ready for Families

Parent consent forms can now be received on MyEDBC. Families are asked to please log in to the MyEDBC parent portal and complete the process. A set of consent forms will need to be completed for each child attending a Langley school. It is advised to access MyEDBC and complete the parent consent forms using a desktop or laptop as the process requires the full site version (which is not mobile-friendly). For step-by-step instructions, please read here. More information can be found on the District website here.

Absences

We know that illnesses occur and absences can happen. 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 doing either of the following:

• E-mail SCEAttendance@sd35.bc.ca or call 604-856-4167 and follow the prompts for the attendance line, and leave a message with information including:

1. Student First Name and Last Name
2. Grade
3. Division
4. Length of Absence
5. Reason (illness, late, appointment, vacation.

Avoid long absences due to holidays, as this can seriously jeopardize your child’s academic achievement. Homework may not be provided as assignments based on lessons your child missed, as it can be more confusing than helpful. If you will be away for an extended period, please notify the school, as this may impact enrollment.

We STRIVE for FIVE absences or less at Shortreed. We know that children will get sick, but it's important to minimize absences.

* The below dates are tentative and subject to change.