In the Loop – May 23, 2024

May 23, 2024

KEY RESOURCES IN LANGLEY

HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

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

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

Co-Teaching Models I On Demand Learning Feature
We will discuss the benefits of co-teaching and how to implement them into your classroom. Co-teaching allows for more flexible student grouping. It decreases the student-to-teacher ration. Co-teacher can decrease teacher isolation and increase teacher support as you work together.

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Culturally Responsive Assessment in BC Classrooms | More info
The UBC Faculty of Education is pleased to announce an exciting new series offered fully online this Fall. The Assessment for Equity program uncovers the ideals of formative assessment in varied cultures across the globe. With B.C. classrooms welcoming students from a wide variety of countries and an unprecedented influx of newcomers over the past few years, educators are faced with new challenges in developing strategies that will address cultural diversity to support their learners. Featuring guest scholars and practitioners with culturally varied expertise, this course will provide you with authentic and carefully curated strategies and resources to facilitate teaching and learning in a culturally diverse classroom.

Transformative Educational Leadership Program (TELP) | More info
Now in its 10th year, the Transformative Educational Leadership Program (TELP) from the UBC Faculty of Education supports K-12 educators who are interested in system transformation. Participants collaborate and interact with innovative researchers, practitioners, and world-class scholars at internationally respected universities across the globe. Join this dynamic, innovative program and expand your leadership horizons in new and exciting ways! The application deadline for this year’s cohort is July 14, 2024.

Key themes include:

  • International and local perspectives on system change.
  • Managing and leading through simplicity and complexity.
  • Creating cultures of deep learning and innovative practice.
  • Exploring Indigenous worldviews.
  • Leading professional learning for adaptive expertise and system change.
  • Innovative learning environments – learning with and from other systems

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

KPU welcomes you to their free, all-ages, KPU Community Day | May 25, 2024 | Sign Up
We’re inviting our Cloverdale neighbours on campus for a fun-filled day of discovery for all ages. Make memories, build connections, and learn all about how you can get involved in KPU initiatives in your community. It is taking place on Saturday May 25, 2024 from 12pm to 2pm at KPU Tech Cloverdale, 5500 180 Street. This year they are celebrating the community of Cloverdale, its residents, their staff and students with:

  • Games
  • Refreshments
  • Live entertainment
  • Campus Tours
  • Networking Opportunities

Empower Your Students: Join the STEM Competition Mentorship Program | Millennium STEM BC | More info | Sign Up
Do you want your students to explore their passions in STEM? Do you want them to build teamwork and creativity? Introduce them to the new Brilliant Blue Mentorship Program!!
As a youth-run STEM non-profit, we understand through personal experience how all teenagers just need a push in the right direction to step out of their comfort zone and turn their potential into tangible skill. To learn more about our organization, please view this introductory slideshow.
The mentorship program supports teams of high school students to compete in an international STEM competition called the Brilliant Blue Challenge. This is a free program that aims to challenge students to develop technological innovation through connecting them with motivated peers and equipping them with necessary tools. If students are interested in participating in this program, please have them sign up at the link above. This is an individual signup form, however, they can indicate teammate preferences so that they could partner with friends and schoolmates.

Bike to School Week | More info
All schools across B.C. are encouraged to participate in a province-wide Bike to School Week between June 3-9. Bike to School Week encourages students and their parents to get out of cars and onto their bikes. By participating, you will promote physical activity and mental alertness, reduce carbon emissions, and build school spirit. Two participating schools will win $1,000 to support active transportation. Register through the GoByBikeWeek for Schools Guide and find out more information at the GoByBike BC website link above.

LEARNING RESOURCES

Veterans Affairs Canada | More info
As the school year is nearing its end, there is still time to use the free bilingual learning resource from Veterans Affairs Canada. See more information on some special military history milestones coming up:

  • The tomb of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier
    On July 1, 2024 a new tomb of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier will be dedicated in St. John’s, NL. Our special Did he have freckles? learning activities are designed to help students make a personal connection to this powerful symbol of remembrance. Their mission? Use art to help us all imagine who the soldier laid to rest there may have been.
    From June 28-July 1, 2024, the remains of Newfoundland and Labrador’s unknown soldier will lay in state at the Confederation Building in St. John’s. Artwork created by students across Newfoundland and Labrador will be displayed as part of this historic event. Visit our website for information on how your students can take part. Looking for more? We also have a variety of other activities aimed at helping students of all ages learn about Newfoundland and Labrador’s contributions to the First World War. You can also learn about events marking the centennial of the Newfoundland National War Memorial.
  • Tune into D-Day and the Battle of Normandy
    The 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy is June 6, 2024. Some 14,000 Canadians came ashore on Juno Beach that day and our troops played a vital role in helping the Allies to victory. Explore our historical information, Veteran interviews and lesson plans to help young people learn more about this turning point in the Second World War. Your class could also take part in one of the many commemorative ceremonies taking place across Canada, or even organize your own special event. The two signature ceremonies at Juno Beach, France and Moncton, New Brunswick will be livestreamed on the Canada Remembers Facebook page and aired by Canadian national broadcasters.
  • RCAF100 – New remembrance dog tags
    2024 marks the centennial of the creation of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The RCAF’s many contributions to Canada’s military efforts over the years have come at a high price. Check out our new remembrance dog tags research activity featuring 100 aviators who made the ultimate sacrifice. You’ll also find some great STEM resources and activities on the RCAF100 website.
  • Indigenous people in uniform
    June is National Indigenous History Month. First Nations, Inuit and Métis people have a long and impressive tradition of military service. Explore our collection of educational resources about the brave Indigenous men and women who have often had to overcome great challenges to serve Canada in uniform.
  • Hello, my name is Pax!
    More than 3,800 students and members of the general public across Canada voted on the name of our new Remembrance Club animal character. Introduce Pax the sheep to your students and learn about the winning name with a short, animated video! Check back this fall to hear Pax’s stories about Canadian memorials and how we can remember those who served.

Curio | June is Indigenous Heritage Month | Log in
Curio is your go-to site for CBC/Radio-Canada content carefully selected for its relevance to every subject area. In addition to being a great resource that helps make learning come alive in your classroom, Curio is free to access for all teachers in the Langley School District.
June is Indigenous Heritage Month, an opportunity for us all to reflect on, and honour, the many achievements of Canada’s First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities. Explore our extensive collection of Indigenous titles and resources and fill your classrooms with inspiring, thought-provoking conversations about the history of Turtle Island, its first people, and the impact of their legacy and continued contributions. Check out the number of free resources that are available to teachers in Langley.

  • Land Acknowledgements | Elementary – 8-11 years 6 min | Video
    What are land acknowledgements? Why do we do them? Is there a right or wrong way to do them? Find out!
  • How to lose everything | Secondary 10 x 7 min | Series 
    An Indigenous series of animated short films that span nations, languages, and perspectives on heartache.
  • Telling Our Story | Secondary 4 x 44 min | Series
    11 First Peoples, 11 cultures, 11 languages: a multi-millennial presence whose story remains to be told.
  • Indigenous Youth | All Ages 35 titles | Theme
    This theme takes a closer look at the experiences and challenges of Indigenous youth in Canada. Topics include identity, education, the environment and law enforcement. Teaching guides available.

Elementary/Middle: Coast Metro Numeracy Website Update | Link
The Coast Metro Numeracy website has now been updated and includes weekly planning ideas, lesson plans and access to free resources on Measurement and Geometry in addition to all the previous numeracy topics that are available on the site.  A reminder that the site is completely free and can be accessed via the link above.

TECH TIPS

PD: Equip and support learners with AI tools from Microsoft | Start the course
Empower students by modeling the use of AI in the classroom. This module shows you how to help learners discover, interact, and create with AI and generative AI. Learn about responsible uses of AI and the art of prompt engineering to explore the possibilities of AI.

Quick Bits:

  • Meta is developing AI earphones with built-in cameras that will provide live translations and contextual information about surroundings.
  • Apple and Google are collaborating on an industry specification— Detecting Unwanted Location Trackers—that will alert users if their device is being used (unknowingly) to track them.

Informa (a UK publishing company) has struck a $10M deal with Microsoft to give it access to its data.

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL READINGS AND RESOURCES

Four Meaningful Activities to Mark the End of School | Article
This article is targeted at Middle and Secondary students as we draw nearer to the end of another school year.  The article provides teachers with some simple yet meaningful activities that middle and secondary teachers can incorporate into their year-end activities that will give students a chance to reflect on their past year and look ahead to the following school year.

Finishing Strong in Elementary School | Article
Similar to the article above, this one focuses on the end of the school year at the elementary level and provides some suggestions for classroom activities that teachers can use with their students as the year winds down to both provide connections between them but also keep them focused and engaged at a very hectic time of year.

Instructional Services | #Think35

4875 222 Street, Langley
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Phone: 6045347891
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