In the Loop – May 9, 2024

May 9, 2024

KEY RESOURCES IN LANGLEY

HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Moose Hide Campaign
May 16 is the 13th Annual Moose Hide Campaign Day. This campaign is a grassroots movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys standing up against violence towards women and children. Women, girls and all genders are also very much welcome to support the campaign and its goals.

The campaign is targeted at men and boys because we know that women are far more likely to be victims of domestic violence and sexual harassment than men and while women have been at the forefront of efforts to end domestic violence, gender-based violence and inequality, men have largely been absent in these efforts.

In joining the campaign, you make a promise to:

  • Stand up with women and children and speak out against violence towards them.
  • Support each other and hold each other accountable.
  • Teach our young boys about the true meaning of love and respect and be healthy role models for them.
  • Heal ourselves as men and support our brothers on their healing journey.

By wearing a moose hide pin and taking part in other events, you will be demonstrating your commitment to giving women and children the respect, safety, and security they deserve. (Order Pins Here)

For more information, you can visit the Moose Hide Campaign K-12 Learning Platform to check out potential lesson plans. There, you can also find more educational resources such as a  curriculum guide for teachers, background information, preparing the environment and more.

DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
To see our full calendar of offerings, visit www.thinklangley.com

Ensouling Our Schools: An Introduction to Two-Eyed Seeing I Register
In the third and penultimate session in this year’s Ensouling Our Schools Series, Len Pierre introduces us to the concept of two-eyed seeing. In the simplest of terms, two-eyed seeing is looking at something from two perspectives. In the realm of Indigenous cultural safety, and other places in our lives, this is looking at where Colonial Values and Indigenous Values diverge and intersect, and how understanding and respecting both will guide us on our path towards decolonization and reconciliation.

Workshops

A Conversation with Len Pierre | May 17, 2024
Join us for a conversation with Len Pierre. Len is a member of our local Katzie first nation, and is also a parent in our district. He is a social activist, and a proponent for change in breaking down the colonial institutions in Canada by shining a spotlight on the damage these practices continue to have in our country.  “It is no longer enough to be not racist, but instead we need to be anti-racist.”  Len’s presentation will take place via Zoom on the morning of Friday May 17 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am and will be broadcast at all school sites as part of each school’s Professional Learning that day.

DEADLINE MAY 10 Occupational First Aid Level 1 (OFA1) | May 17, 2024 I Register
The WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid Level 1 course is an 8-hour program, including coffee and lunch breaks and is designed to provide life-saving first aid skills to workers in industry. Successful candidates must demonstrate competency in practical skills and achieve 72% or higher on a multiple-choice exam. Certification is valid for three years.

DEADLINE MAY 10 Lessons on the Land | May 17, 2024 I Register
Our climate is changing and so is education. Be a part of the shift to learning from the land, on the land, with your students. This workshop will empower educators to teach about climate change by including experiential outdoor learning. Langley Environmental Partners Society (LEPS) and Langley Environmental Educators Provincial Specialists Association (LEEPSA) have teamed up to provide this Professional Development Day workshop because we both believe that knowledge and nature connection can lead to positive action for the environment.

DEADLINE MAY 10 Educator Discovery Tour of Academy Farms | May 17, 2024 I Register
Academy Farms is a local and one-of-a-kind farm that has been operating in the Township of Langley since 2021. In addition to raising unique animals such as bison and water buffalo, the farm also takes great pride in their innovative, sustainable and modern approach to agriculture. On the District Pro-D Day, Friday May 17, Academy Farms will be offering an opportunity for educators to tour the farm and learn more about the educational programs and opportunities that are available for students and classes. The tour will run from 11 am to 12 pm with a lunch being provided by the farm immediately following the tour.  Staff interested in attending would start their day at their home school for the Ensouling our Schools Presentation with Len Pierre before heading to the farm for the start of the tour at 11 am. They would then return back to their home school after the tour and lunch for any school-based pro-d activities in the afternoon.

RC Garnett Demonstration Day | Friday May 17 | Register
As part of the District’s Professional Development offerings on Friday May 17, we will once again be offering Dem Day at RC Garnett on the morning of Friday May 17.  Demonstration Day at RC Garnett is an opportunity for classroom teachers to visit RC Garnett while it is in session, and observe RCG teachers in action with students. Classroom teachers from grades K to 5 will be providing instruction on a variety of relevant topics and will be demonstrating a multitude of instructional strategies and practices for attendees to take with them. Participants will be able to sign up for two different classroom sessions in the morning and then will be able to return to join the afternoon activities at their home school.  Space in each session is limited so be sure to sign up early and not miss out!

CUPE 1260 Spring Conference | May 17, 2024 I Register
Join us for a day of learning and professional development open to CUPE 1260 staff in the Langley School District. Begin your day with an amazing keynote presentation from Len Pierre! Learn the ins and outs of the District from payroll to clerical services to benefits and leave. Get a Microsoft Office certification, and so much more. You’ll also have a chance to connect with your colleagues in CUPE 1260. Snacks and a catered lunch will be provided!

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Empowering Literacy: Building a Collaborative Approach In BC – Webinar Series | Sign Up
Join Dyslexia Canada and leading BC educators in a transformative workshop series where literacy leaders unite to examine and address the multifaceted challenges of literacy education in BC. Born from a commitment to equitable education, this series promises insightful dialogue, research-based instructional strategies, and actionable solutions. This workshop series is open to anyone in British Columbia interested in learning more about the science of reading, structured literacy, screening and the Right to Read. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with educators from across the province, share their perspectives and progress, and participate in crafting a coordinated advocacy plan to help British Columbia move forward with evidence-based practices.  To sign up, go to the link above. The series begins on May 22.

4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning 2024-2025 Course | More info
The BC Outdoor Learning School in partnership with over 50 non-profit organizations, is offering this course to support participants in deepening their understanding of Indigenous history, knowledge and perspectives while strengthening connections with the local Land and supporting more respectful, reciprocal relationships.
This course, designed for school system staff, runs from October to May. All participants receive:

  1. Access to Self-paced Learning Modules (30 mins/month)
  2. Monthly Virtual Gatherings with Indigenous Presenters (1 hour/month)
  3. Access to the Presentation Recordings
  4. $25 towards excellent Indigenous Learning Resources
  5. A Certificate of Completion

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

National Indigenous Youth Art contest | May 19, 2024 deadline | More info
To celebrate the rich cultural and heritage traditions of Indigenous peoples of B.C., FORED is again sponsoring its annual NATIONAL artwork contest with cash prizes for Indigenous youth. The theme is: “Traditional Knowledge & Medicine.” Three B.C. winners & a national winner will each receive a $150 prize. Group work eligible for shared prize. Artwork may include: drawings, paintings, photography or video featuring interviews with an elder or other traditional activity.

A Youth-Led Mental Health Forum | May 23, 2024 | Free Tickets
Join Langley Youth for a FREE presentation on youth mental health for parents, caregivers and young people. The keynote speaker is Dave Jonsson who is a professional speaker, skateboarder and resilience specialist. Panellists include Dee Koruz (School District Counsellor), Gail Markin (Counsellor and works for Kelty Mental Health) and Simon Bazett (School Psychologist). Dinner will be provided, Childminding is available if needed and the event is suitable for youth 12+ and their caregiver. There will be door prizes and a youth art gallery so reserve your free tickets today.

World Ocean Week June 1-8, 2024 | One Earth, One Ocean, Ours To Protect | More info
Scientific researchers wrote a fabulous article recently titled “The Oceans Are Talking To Us, And It’s Not A Pleasant Conversation”. This and many other new scientific research based news articles are found under the Ocean Hero In Action tab on the “More info” link above.
In San Diego the ocean temperatures are measured and the results are alarming. We have to continue to care for our watersheds and oceans. Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego research scientists collect data — by hand. Under the “Education Resource” tab there are activities for school use. ECO Team Awards are available from ECO Schools for elementary and high schools. https://ecoschools.ca/.

SpacesEDU Survey | Link to Survey
With the end of the school year fast approaching, we’d love feedback from educators on the impact that SpacesEDU has had this school year. Please take the 5 minute survey by May 31st. The survey is split into two sections:; Teacher (your feedback) and Student (this is teacher-driven and meant to be completed on behalf of students or together as a class).

LEARNING RESOURCES

Electrical Safety Resources | Power Smart for Schools | More info
Join teachers in delivering powerful lessons on electrical safety, including how to stay safe at home and at school. Activities cover:

  • How to spot a hazard or unsafe situation
  • Ways to stay safe at home, and in the community
  • When to call 911, and more

TECH TIPS

AI/Critical Thinking Discussion opportunity: Katy Perry and Rihanna didn’t attend the Met Gala. But AI-generated images still fooled fans. Deepfake images depicting a handful of big names at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual fundraiser quickly spread online Monday and early Tuesday. Read more

Heads up: Looksmaxxing – Mewing app | Common Sense Media

What?

  • This app takes advantage of various efforts that are taken primarily by tween, teen, and young adult men in the belief that it will maximize their physical appearance based on specific standards. These efforts can involve weight loss, muscle gain, and even jaw enhancement.
  • Now there are apps that allow people to submit a selfie and receive an AI-generated rating of their appearance, along with tips on how to improve. There’s also a community forum.
  • Because looksmaxxing is all about changing appearance, it can fuel eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and other issues.

What Adults Can Do:

  • Trends and all manner of media can affect kids’ perception of their appearance and what “attractiveness” is. To offset this influence, we can encourage media literacy and critical thinking, which can lead to questions like, “Who is really benefiting from these trends, and who might be harmed?” You can also look at media of the past to illustrate how these standards change—and how the media we consume perpetuates them.
  • If you hear students using these terms, or notice behaviors that indicate they might be looksmaxxing, be curious and try to get a sense of the context: Are they just discussing trends they’ve seen, or are they taking part in it? Consider ways to safeguard digital well-being.

Share with families: Help families deal with the unfortunate aftermath of a cyberattack. What Can I Do If My Kid’s Device or Account Has Been Hacked?

Instructional Services | #Think35

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