In the Loop – January 16, 2025

January 16, 2025

KEY RESOURCES IN LANGLEY

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Interested in Becoming a Mentor?
We are in great need of experienced teachers with five or more years in the profession to support and guide newer educators as they transition into their roles.

We have many brand-new or early career teachers looking for a mentor. We need mentors at all grade levels but especially primary (K-5) and middle (6-8).

Time Commitment as a mentor: Mentors need to commit to ONE 45-minute learning-focused conversation every 3-5 weeks. There are optional workshops, networking and learning sessions available.

https://langleyteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Mentor-Info-Sheet.pdf

New to the District or a New Role?
If you’re a newer teacher looking for mentorship, please fill out the Mentee Information Sheet here. Once completed, email it to teachermentorship@sd35.bc.ca to join our program!

Upcoming events: 

Ongoing: Classroom Library Kits – let us know if you would like one! Fill your classroom library by borrowing books from us – Kits for K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 available!

January 21, 2025 – 3:30-5pm @SBO – SEL Workshop – combined presentation from IS, LSS, and Mentorship. Start the new year with a self-care workshop and SEL strategies to include in your classroom. Form to sign up to come.

January 28, 2025 – 3:30-5pm @Wix-Brown – Part 2 of Rewiring Reading Routines workshop – Come join us as we slice into the second workshop on science of reading and learn how to create new brain synapses in the minds of all your favourite readers in a fun, meaningful and engaging way!  Side effects may include: reading proficiency, less stress, easier planning, a love of reading and more.

HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Centering Indigenous Pedagogies in Mathematics Education: Assessment | Jan 22, Feb 26 and Apr 16, 2025 | More info
This 3-part series focuses on assessment practices in math education guided by Indigenous pedagogies and perspectives such as Indigenous Storywork, teachings from the land, and culturally responsive mathematics education. The webinar is geared towards teachers and TOCs and there is no cost to join.

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

Odyssey – Monday Feb.10, 2025 I Register TODAY | Odyssey Booklet 2025
The Langley School District’s annual Odyssey Conference will be taking place on Monday February 10, 2025 at the Langley Events Centre, RE Mountain Secondary and Peter Ewart Middle School.  All District Staff are invited to attend and participate in this wonderful day of learning!

New workshops added to ODYSSEY

Setting up an explicit Literacy Program in the Primary Classroom: A Four Part Series | January 15, 2025, January 22,2025, February 19,2025, February 26, 2025 I Register
Are you looking to set up an evidence-based literacy program but unsure where to start or how to support small groups? We will start with discussing the Scope and Sequence to guide your instruction, then look at assessment tools that will inform your practice and allow for creating groups based on targeted skills. Then, we will go over ways to support instruction in the different areas such as decoding and fluency. Finally, we will have a check in to see what has worked and what next steps could be.

Learning in the Primary Years: A Four Part Series | Final Part on January 20 2025 I Register
Curious educators are invited to learn and think together about the newly released “Learning in the Primary Years” Ministry document with connections to playful practice. Register for one session or all, just select the appropriate pass during registration. Dinner will be provided to those who attend in person.

Emotional Literacy for Educators I January 21,2025 I Register
This 90-minute interactive workshop provides educators with practical, research-based tools to help students regulate their emotions, fostering a classroom environment conducive to teaching and learning. By blending Marc Brackett’s RULER approach with Leroy Slanzi’s breathing techniques, participants will gain effective strategies to reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve emotional resilience in their students. Through hands-on activities, role-playing, and discussion, educators will walk away with actionable methods to create a calm, focused learning space and strengthen students’ social-emotional skills.

SD35 Staff: JasperActive Microsoft Office Online Course | Professional Development – SD35 Career Education
The Langley School District is pleased to launch a FREE, online, self-directed course for any interested staff who wish to learn more and become certified in Microsoft Office 365 programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Interested staff are encouraged to learn more by visiting the link above and submitting a form response.

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Affirming Black Identity Throughout the Year | Jan 23, 2025 | More info
This webinar will help educators understand how to use Sankofa K-3 to centre Black identity beyond Black History Month. Come join this webinar of learning, using the Sankofa resource as a tool to support learning in the classroom and school. The audience is for anyone but it is a K-3 focus.

Virtual Historical Thinking Institute | More info
Canada’s History Society is a not-for-profit organization that strengthens understanding of the complex and diverse histories of our country. Join an online professional development series that will deepen your understanding of historical thinking and inquiry-based learning. This series is designed for educators working in a variety of settings, including classrooms, museums, archives, and heritage organizations. It will be held online from January-April 2025. The series is available in both English and French.

Provincial Outreach Programs (POP) Conference 2024 – Recordings | More info
Back on the October Provincial Pro-D Day, the Provincial Outreach Programs (POP) hosted a virtual day of professional learning. Each POP presented on their “greatest hits”, i.e., domain knowledge, skills and strategies that are essential for specific groups of learners but also often useful for all students regardless of their unique profiles.  The Recordings from the virtual day of professional learning curated and delivered by  (POPs) on October 25, 2024, are now available on the website.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

BC Agriculture in the Classroom 2025
As we welcome 2025, I hope you included some BC Agriculture in the Classroom resolutions on your list! If you happen to be among the 50 percent who didn’t set a resolution this year, there’s still an opportunity to create one focused on BC Agriculture in the Classroom.

  • Becoming an Ambassador | More info
    Join our team of BCAITC Teacher Ambassadors and help bring the wonders of BC agriculture to your community! Ambassadors work with their local communities, and BCAITC to promote agricultural programs, connect teachers with free resources, & offer professional development opportunities.
  • Spring Agriculture Literacy Contest | Teacher Librarian Info session | Jan 22, 2025 | Register | More info
    Teacher Librarians join us on January 22 at 3:15 PM PST for an exclusive info session to learn about the Spring Agriculture Literacy Contest and how your students can participate. Attendees will be entered to win a $50 Indigo gift card. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage students with activities and resources highlighting how plants and agriculture contribute to wellness.
  • All the Farmers you will know | More info
    Explore exciting activities that connect students to agriculture & wellness. CALM’s featured book, All the Farmers You Will Know, explores the diversity of modern farms & the families behind them. 
  • Plant Something for Wellness | More info
    CALM’s featured activity, Plant Something for Wellness activity, invites students to explore how plants enhance well-being and design your own garden oasis.

Vancouver International Children’s Festival | May 27 – 30, 2025 | More info
The 48th annual Vancouver International Children’s Festival will offer In-Person programming to schools this spring. Plan your field trip and share the Festival’s exceptional music, circus, theatre, dance and storytelling shows with your classes. We can’t wait to delight, enchant and engage your students with performances from local and international artists including live Q&As. The full schedule and more information about our performers can be found on our website: Schedule & Performers.

Winter Generation Health Program | More info
Learn about healthy eating, physical activity, and building long-lasting habits as a family in Generation Health Community. This 10-week program for families with children ages 8 to 12 is FUN and interactive! Delivered through YMCA BC starting February 2025 on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings. Families who join this program will receive a complimentary YMCA membership.

Museum of Anthropology UBC | More info
MOA offers engaging, inquiry-based school programs and resources that connect elementary and secondary students with diverse artworks, cultural belongings, and perspectives. There are also professional development days for teachers at the museum.

The Great BC School Food Cook-Off | More info
An exciting new challenge is here for B.C. teachers and K-12 students! Running until March 1, 2025, the Great B.C. School Food Cook-Off invites classrooms to showcase their creativity in the kitchen by developing recipes that feature local ingredients from B.C.’s producers and processors. Participating classes will have the chance to see their recipes featured in a digital cookbook and win prizes along the way. This event is brought to you by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Public Health Association of B.C. in support of Feeding Futures.

Secondary Students: JasperActive Microsoft Office Online Course | More info
Do you know students who want to learn more about Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and become officially certified? The Langley School District is offering this certification program free of charge to all interested students through a self-directed learning opportunity, supported by a district teacher. Students will gain confidence with Microsoft Office 365 programs while adding to their resumes! Interested students can reach out using the contact form below and a Career Ed staff member will be in touch with the group code to register! Teachers interested in engaging in this opportunity with your students/class can also learn more by using the link above.

LEARNING RESOURCES

Veterans Affairs Canada Learning Resource January 2025 | More info

  • Invictus Games Learning Resources | Link to Resources
    Did you know that Canada is hosting the Invictus Games from February 8-16, 2025? The Invictus Games is an international sporting competition for wounded, injured, and sick service members and Veterans. Up to 550 competitors from 25 countries will travel to British Columbia to compete in 11 adaptive sports.
  • Black Canadians in Uniform Resources for Black History Month | Web Feature
    February is Black History Month. Veterans Affairs offers information on the contributions and sacrifices of Black service members in Canada’s military over the years. Check out the free, bilingual learning resources:

Canadian Primary Sources in the Classroom | Website
The Canadian Primary Sources website is an outstanding resource full of a ton of incredible and unique primary sources on Canadian History ready for use in the classroom.  The site is 100% free to access and is maintained and updated regularly by a retired Social Studies teacher from Burnaby.

TECH TIPS

Build Your Digital Classroom Confidently Webinar | SpacesEDU by myBlueprint | Register
Kickstart your SpacesEDU journey with a live session where you’ll learn everything you need to get your first class up and running. You’ll learn:

  • The essential steps to set up your first class
  • How to make ongoing documentation of learning a breeze
  • Quick ways to personalize learning for every student
  • Tips for boosting family engagement

Portfolio Power-Up Webinar: Strategies for Meaningful Digital Documentation | Video
Ever wish you had a secret sauce for student portfolios? Discover the power of combining different types of evidence – from conversations to classwork – to create a fuller picture of student progress. You’ll learn practical strategies for building portfolios that reduce bias, strengthen family communication, and truly capture each student’s unique learning journey.
In this on-demand webinar, you’ll learn how to:

  • Combine student evidence to create a complete, unbiased picture of student growth
  • Build engaging portfolios that strengthen communication between students, teachers, and families
  • Use a simple checklist to ensure your documentation captures meaningful learning moments

Instructional Services | #Think35

4875 222 Street, Langley
BC, V3A 3Z7
Phone: 6045347891
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