School Goals 2015-2016

Goal #1: To provide an authentic and effective learning experience for ALL learners, regardless of cognitive ability, demographics, physical ability, gender, race, or academic level

LEARNING SUPPORTLearning Support is available for all students every block in the Learning Centre room 214.Extra support is also available from the Educational Assistants in room 123 Monday to Wednesday from 3:10 – 3:25 pm.

“Expand your Horizon”Parkland Middle School 1115 – 2nd Avenue South Cranbrook, B.C. V1C 2B4Phone: (250) 426-3327 Fax: (250) 426-6334Mr. Scott Holt – PrincipalMrs. Kaley Wasylowich – Vice Principal

Parkland News

Check Out Our Web Site!!pms.sd5.bc.ca

All sorts of great information about PMS right at your

fingertips!

December 2015

DATES TO REMEMBER

Dec 4th Non Instructional Day – (No School)Dec 7th – 11th Western Week (during lunchtime)Dec 10th School Dance 6 pm – 9 pm Dec 14th – 18th Star Wars WeekDec 18th Last Day to Purchase 15/16 YearbooksDec 21st -Jan 1st Winter Break – First day back Jan 4th

From the Office Tips For Encouraging Your Child to Read at Home

Set an example. Let your child or teenager see you reading books, newspapers, and magazines on a regular basis

Have the right materials. It is difficult to encourage reading if you do not have reading materials in your home. If possible, subscribe to your local newspaper and use it to discuss current events with your child. Buy a magazine that you and your child can enjoy together. And most important, have books in your home. Remember that borrowing books from your local library is an inexpensive way to introduce new books to your child or teenager.

Create a reading environment. Have a quiet place where family members can go to read, without television, radio, or video games. If dedicating a separate space is not possible, pick a time during the week for family members to enjoy some quiet time reading.

Get a library card and use it. Regular trips to your public library will help promote an interest in reading. Allow your child to pick books on subjects that interest him or her, and encourage him or her to read each book cover to cover.

Ask about reading. Over a meal or during other free time, ask your child what he or she likes or does not like about the material. Talking about what children have read helps them to better understand what they are reading.

Did you know that good readers make good problem solvers, spellers, thinkers, and writers? By promoting good reading habits at home, parents can help instil qualities that will help their child succeed in school.

HAPPYHAPPY HOLIDAYSHOLIDAYS

SCHOOL DANCE

The 2nd Parkland Dance will be Thursday, December 10th from 6-9 pm. If you are available to chaperone, please leave an email for Mrs. Kirkpatrick at frances.kirkpatrick@sd5.bc.ca. We will be combining our dance with Laurie school as they are unable to use their own gym due to the fire.

ABORIGINAL EDUCATION

Tis almost Christmas and the first report card has been issued. If you would like to discuss your child’s progress, please give myself or Susie Palmer a call. We are happy to inform you that for the 2015/2016 school year, Aboriginal perspectives will be integrated into the entire learning journey rather than just specific courses and grades. We look forward to supporting staff with this process. Aboriginal Education has arranged many Cultural Activities for the next six weeks including; Drumming with Janice Alpine, Ktunaxa Language with Juanita Eugene and Dorothy Alpine, Residential School presentation at the Key City Theatre for all Grade 9s, as well as many Metis activities and presentations, Cooking Metis meals in Foods 8 & 9, the Trial of Louis Riel in Drama 9, and Metis Jigging with Amy Cross for all PE 7 classes. Cultural activities may take place for specific Aboriginal Students throughout the year. We will send additional information and permission forms home when these activities are offered.

We would like to let parents know that they can stop in anytime to discuss their child/children’s needs or progress. You can also give us a call or send an email if that works best for you. Susie Palmer and I are available for extra support with academics and organization if needed.

All students who identify themselves being of Aboriginal Ancestry are eligible for Support Services through the Aboriginal Education Program. Examples of support: advocacy, communicating between home and school, home and community, classroom presentations and student support. Every year students with Aboriginal Ancestry (or their parents/guardians) have not identified

themselves as Aboriginal because they mistakenly believe they need status or a Metis card. This is not the case. If you know you or your children have Aboriginal Ancestry (First Nations, Metis, Inuit), your word is all that is required. Please share this information with others to help ensure all Aboriginal students receive support.

If there are any parents willing to come in and share their culture with students, please feel free to contact us.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach Alison Farkvam or Susie Palmer at 250-426-3327 ext 206 or email us at alison.farkvam@sd5.bc.ca or susie.palmer@sd5.bc.ca

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED WITH OUR SCHOOL’S SALAD BAR PROGRAM!

A HUGE thank you to the two FANTASTIC parents who volunteer with our school's Salad Bar Program!If any parents are able to help with Salad Bar, we are looking for additional volunteers that would be able to help on Tuesdays during one of the following times:

Please contact Meghan if you’re interested in volunteering or would like more information (250) 426-3327 (ext. 207) or meghan.driver@sd5.bc.ca

BREAKFAST CLUB

This club is open to any students needing breakfast whether it is once in a while or every day. Breakfast Club is operating in the Youth Care/Aboriginal Education room from 8:05 until

9:00-10:30am Food Prep (washing /chopping veggies etc.)

12:30-2:00 Clean up (dish

8:25 am. All students should feel free to stop in. We would like to thank the East Kootenay Credit Union and our School Board office for supporting this program.

PARKLAND RAIDERS

Volleyball season is now over. Congratulations to all the players and coaches for a great season. Our grade 7s finished up

their season in a fun play day at Parkland on Saturday, Nov 21st. A special congratulations to our Grade 8 boys’ team who won the East Kootenay Championships!

Basketball season is now well underway. We have coaching positions filled for all the teams! Basketball fees are $150 for grade

8s and 9s and $30 for grade 7s.  Players will get permission forms and athlete code of conduct forms to be filled out and returned with fees once teams are chosen.

Archery will be starting in January.  This sport is free to all Parkland students.

We will be hosting tournaments at all levels and would like to remind spectators to follow the BC School Sports spectator code of conduct as shown below.

COUNSELLING CORNER

Components to a Healthy Self-Esteem

Having a healthy self-esteem places children in a much less vulnerable position as they work their way through the difficult years of adolescence. Individuals with a healthy self-esteem are more able to make better choices, be true friends, and feel a sense of happiness. There are five components to developing a healthy self-esteem. Ask yourself if you are helping your child achieve these feelings: A feeling of security at home, school,

and within the neighbourhood A positive identity – feeling noticed for

one’s strengths A feeling of belonging – emotional

needs are being met A sense of purpose – goals have been

set which provide meaning to his/her life

A feeling of competence – being good at something one enjoys

STAR WARS WEEK

During the last week of school, we will be celebrating Star Wars and ending the week with all our students attending a showing of the new movie at the Columbia Theatre. The cost for tickets will be covered by our PAC and proceeds from our vending machine. Refreshments will be the responsibility of the students.

Youth Care Worker ReportFood for the Holidays

THE SALVATION ARMY533 Slater Road/Phone: 250-426-3612Sally Ann Shopping Cart

Items are purchased in bulk, and sold in small, affordable quantities(pickup Monday – Friday, 9:30am-12:30pm)

Breakfast Open for breakfast at 9am on the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Monday of the month (FREE)

Lunch Open for lunch at 11:30am-12:30pm on Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri (Cost: 50 cents)

Supper Wednesday Service and Supper 5pm (FREE)Christmas Hampers

If you would like to apply to receive a Christmas Hamper, anyone in need must phone to make an appointment with Nancy (Community Ministry Worker)***Applications must be made by December 16th***

Free Perishable Foods

Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11:30am-12:30pm

CRANBROOK FOOD BANK SOCIETY104-8th Avenue South/Phone: 250-426-7664Food Hampers Food hampers are available which include a variety of food items including

meats, fresh produce, and dairy when supplies are available. Families may pick up a food hamper once every 30 days. Identification for each family member is required.Pick up times: 10am-2pm, Mon/Wed/FriTo set up a pick up time, individuals must phone or drop in to the centre. For same day pick-up, please phone or drop in no later than 1pm.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNEREagles Hall, 711 Kootenay Street, CranbrookThursday, Dec. 17th, 2015

36th Annual Community Christmas DinnerDoors open at 4:30pm, dinner served from 5:00pm-6:00pm. Santa arrives at 6:00pm! FREE, everyone welcome.Questions, contact (250) 426-8019, ext. 1

Parents are welcome to contact me directly if they would like to arrange for support. I can be reached by phone at 250-426-3327 ext. 207 or by email meghan.driver@sd5.bc.ca.

Many students across the district access daily breakfast, lunch, and snack programs that are available within each individual school. These programs

provide nutritious daily meals and snacks to students who may not have sufficient access to food at home. Over the winter holiday, some parents may worry about providing enough food for children who are no longer being supplemented with meals at school. Within Cranbrook there are various opportunities available for

families to obtain healthy food while on a limited income.