In the Loop – March 7, 2024

March 7, 2024

KEY RESOURCES IN LANGLEY

HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Announcing RCtv: Honouring Truth and Reconciliation | More info
Join us for a nationwide conversation reflecting on Canada’s legacy of Indian Residential Schools and pathways towards reconciliation. Showcasing a powerful short documentary by legendary Abenaki filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin, the programme involves three simple steps:

  1. Watch Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair with your class between April 3 and April 17
  2. Join the discussion with special guests on Wednesday, April 17
    (see time below)
  3. Ask questions through our online platform

The programme also includes lesson plans, sensitivity support resources, extension activities, and access to the film – all completely FREE OF CHARGE. Can’t make the date? You can still watch an interactive recording any time afterwards.

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

NEW Workshop! Nurturing Young Writers (K – 3) with Matt Glover – Session 3 | April. 16, 2024 I Register
One of the challenges teachers face is determining what to teach each day during a unit of study in writing workshop. Even when teachers have curricular plans and resources that give teaching possibilities, only teachers can determine what their students need each day. In this session teachers will learn and use a process for designing writing units that meet curricular goals and respond to the individual needs of their students

Microsoft Office Certification Program for Langley Staff | Jasperactive for SD35 Staff.pdf
Are you wanting to become more skilled using the Microsoft Office applications that are available to you and to increase your productivity?  The Langley School District offers a Microsoft Office Certification Program that is free to all SD35 Staff.  The program is called Jasperactive and allows staff to learn how to better utilize the Microsoft applications such as Word or Excel in an online, live-in-application program which allows staff to do their own self-directed learning within the application that they choose to explore.  To create an account profile and get started on your learning journey, please see the instructions at the link above.

NEW! Getting Started with Book Creator | On-Demand Learning Feature
Curious about Book Creator? Book Creator is a District approved app that is available to teachers to use with their classes that allows students to create and publish high-quality books as part of a rich classroom literacy program. If you would like to learn more about Book Creator and get an introduction to how you could get started with Book Creator in your classroom

The Path to Reconciliation: Embedding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into Our Schools with Len Pierre | On-Demand Learning Feature
In this second session in our Ensouling Our Schools series, Len Pierre focuses on decolonization, reconciliation, and cultural safety in schools. Setting out with the intention to focus on good, culturally safe practices for educators, Len outlines a number of cultural strategies for school districts to embed in their practice at the classroom, school and district and district level. As well, Len also shares some exciting, promising practices and resources that he has encountered in this work that offer continued hope for ensuring cultural safety lives in our classrooms and schools.

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

SEL Coffee Talks: A Conversation About Student Mental Health | March 13, 2024 | Register
A Social and Emotional Learning webinar series to connect and support educators across the US and Canada. The webinar provides educators with safe space to deepen their understanding and build content knowledge to support the social and emotional needs of their students.

PD Opportunity for Teachers | Dive into Indigenous ways of knowing using NFB films | March 13, 2024 | More info | Zoom link
In this session, you will understand the importance of traditions, family and culture; how these elements intersect and form indigenous identity. Dr Carmen Rodriguez de France whose career in education spans almost 40 years, will facilitate the session. Join the zoom link above.
Two mini lessons are available for the below:

  • Stories are in Our Bones is a layered short film, where filmmaker Janine Windolph takes her young sons fishing with their kokum (grandmother), a residential school survivor who retains a deep knowledge and memory of the land. The act of reconnecting with their homeland is a cultural and familial healing journey for the boys, who are growing up in the city. It’s also a powerful form of resistance for the women.
  • Our Maternal Home is tracing their origins to the Cree Nation of Waswanipi, a family confronts the impacts of generational and cultural disconnection, discovering a potent form of medicine: the bonds of kinship.

Focused Education Resources | Book Creator Webinars | Register
Book Creator is an innovative, easy to use application for teachers and students to create content. Check out the two webinar sessions being offered this spring:

  • Intro to Book Creator Webinar | March 11, 2024 3:30 – 4:30 PM PT
    Just getting started with Book Creator? Join this 1-hour webinar with Jon Smith and learn all about Book Creator’s simple, yet powerful, features. Learn how you can use Book Creator in any subject and with any grade level K to 12! You’ll leave with so many ideas you’ll be able to start making books tomorrow.
  • Advanced Book Creator Webinar | April 8, 2024 3:30 – 4:30 PM PM PT
    You’ve used Book Creator before and love it. Did you know there are hidden tips and tricks? Have you seen all of our newest features? This webinar is full of advanced tips for users of Book Creator who already know the basics and are looking to dive deeper into all that Book Creator has to offer.

Network of Inquiry and Indigenous Educators Annual Symposium | May 10 & 11, 2024 | More info
The theme this year is Connections + Community: People, Practices & Promises. It is taking place on Friday, May 10 8:30-4:30pm & Saturday, May 11 8:30-12:30pm at The Westin Wall Centre, Richmond, BC. Make connections and strengthen community with colleagues committed to ensuring every learners crosses the stage with dignity, purpose and options.

Learn French Online or In-person with UBC Extended Learning this Summer | Bursaries available for BC Teachers | Apply here | More info
Applications for bursaries are now open for certified BC teachers to attend the 2024 Online or In-Person French Summer Institutes at UBC Extended Learning. One, two or three-week options are available in either format to suit your summer plans. Eligible teachers and non-certified teachers classified under Group 3 can apply for a bursary that covers the full tuition amount for the one, two and three-week Summer Institutes. Register in Beginner 2/Lower Intermediate or Intermediate/Advanced levels.  Placement tests will be done before the programs start to place teachers in specific levels.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

Youth for Youth Host Search | Apply to be a Host: deadline March 24, 2024 | Apply
The Walrus Lab is searching for hosts for the new season of Youth for Youth – a podcast by young Canadians, for all Canadians. They are looking for passionate individuals to lead insightful discussions on the pressing issues impacting young Canadians today. Seize the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in podcast production while driving meaningful conversations that resonate with their generation. Anyone between the ages 13-22 can apply.

Upcoming Regional Science Fairs | Science Fair Foundation | All locations
Regional science fairs are taking place all over British Columbia and Yukon Territory throughout March and April. Find the regional fair nearest you and visit the fair during public viewing to meet the next generation of science leaders, or reach out to fair organizers if you’d like to volunteer.

  • Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair | April 4-6, 2024 | Location: UBC in Vancouver | More info
  • South Fraser Regional Science Fair | April 9-10, 2024 | Location: Kwantlen Polytechnic University  in Surrey | More info
  • Fraser Valley Regional Science Fair | April 10-11, 2024 | Location: University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford | More info

2024 Governor General’s History Award of Excellence in Teaching | Apply by April 10, 2024 |  More info
Each year, Canada’s History Society recognizes six teachers for innovative and impactful approaches to teaching Canadian history through the Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award places a spotlight on teachers that foster a deep understanding of the past and actively engage students in historical work through meaningful projects and initiatives. The 2024 recipients will be awarded $2500 for their school, $1000 individual cash prize and a medal.
New for 2024 – Canada’s History Society is testing a two-stage application process to make it even easier for you to apply! If you or a teacher you know makes history come to life in the classroom, submit a nomination or apply online today! Stage 1 applications are due April 10, 2024.

Free Educational Opportunities Celebrating Sports in Canada | More info
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, alongside Special Olympics Canada and the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024 Legacy Fund, has proudly unveiled an extraordinary FREE national education program focused on the power of inclusion.

  • Introducing “Respecting the Game: The Story of Jackie Barrett” – a captivating journey transcending time and societal barriers. This groundbreaking program aims to ignite lasting social change by connecting youth to the legacy, impact, and invaluable lessons of Jackie Barrett, the first Special Olympics athlete to be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. The comprehensive four-module program celebrates the richness of diversity, fosters equity, and champions inclusion through the remarkable journey of an exceptional role model – inspiring youth to dream big by seeing themselves in a true sport icon.
  • In addition to this exciting asynchronous opportunity, we are thrilled to unveil the dates for our highly anticipated LIVE Hall of Famers on Tour program, connecting sport heroes with students in real-time to share their stories of how they’ve reached the pinnacle of their careers and are going “beyond their wins” to champion good in the community.

LEARNING RESOURCES

Book Creator – Be an Author Month | March 2024 | More info
Be an Author Month is dedicated to inspiring every student to embrace their creativity, articulate their thoughts, and harness the strength of their voice. Book Creator promotes Be an Author Month and their website has lots of resources and webinars for teachers to access and help engage students in writing and encourages all students that they have the ability to write.

  • Connecting Information Text to Expository Writing | March 11, 2024 3:30 PM | Register
  • In our Book Creator Era – New Caney ISD’s Top 10 Hits with the Digital Learning Department | March 20, 2024 3:00 PM | Register
  • TWIMA: A Global Read Aloud with Jon Smith & Randi Ahrndt | April 17, 2024 | Register

Learn and Win for World Water Day | March 22, 2024 | Power Smart for Schools | More info
This year’s theme is “Leveraging Water for Peace.” With the effects of climate change, there’s an urgent need for all of us to unite in protecting our most precious resource – water. Dive into the new curriculum-aligned, water-themed activities for K–7 classrooms and engage students in meaningful discussions about the importance of water conservation. If you take part, your class will be entered to win a prize package that includes water bottles for each student and fun resources for the classroom. Activities are available in English and French.

Prohibition and the Yukon | Historica Canada | Video
Amidst Canada’s Prohibition period in the 20th century, the Yukon found itself at the heart of national and international affairs. Many parts of Canadian life were impacted, such as (women’s) suffrage and the evolution of air sovereignty. Learn more about this fascinating moment in Canadian history with a new video from The Citizenship Challenge.

New Learning Tool on the Justice System in Canada | Download here
Have you seen the new learning tool on the Justice System in Canada? The tool presents an overview of the history and basic principles of the Justice System, includes critical thinking activities, and encourages students to become active citizens.

Veterans Affairs Canada | More info
Veterans Affairs Canada has many useful and timely resources for teachers to use in their classrooms with students. Some examples are:

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL READINGS AND RESOURCES

Reading Research – Beyond the Media Hype – Noella Mackenzie and Martina Tassone | Article
Definitely worth the read! This article analyzes how the media reports on reading research and education, and how it may create bias, misinformation, and confusion among the public and policymakers. It also reminds us as educators that we need to be critical and informed consumers of media stories, especially when it comes to reading instruction!

TECH TIPS

How-to’s

  1. Book Creator: The webinar session from last week is now available for viewing on the On Demand site on Think Langley – see link below for access. Home – Think Langley
  2. Easy to Read User Agreements: volunteer law students (Pro-Bono Students of Canada) identified and translated EULA passages that put users at risk into plain language. The passages were re-written in Q&A formats. Finally, the Q&As were designed as infographics by Graphic Arts students at Toronto’s Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts. Seventeen infographics are now ready for distribution, with more to come. Learn more: User Agreements in Plain Language

Digital Citizenship Terms:

  • Targeted advertising: When apps or websites use information, they have collected about you to show you certain types of advertisements.
  • Privacy policy: A legal document that an app or website must provide and that describes what user information they collect and how they use it.

Generative Artificial Intelligence Terms:

  • Unsupervised Learning: the computer analyzes data without specific guidance or labeled examples. It autonomously identifies patterns, clusters, or structures within the data, helping us uncover hidden insights or organize information without explicit instructions. It’s like the computer is a detective, searching for clues and connections in the data to make sense of it all on its own.
  • Cognitive Computing: involves the development of computer systems that can mimic human thought processes, such as learning from data, reasoning, and making decisions, to solve complex problems.

Instructional Services | #Think35

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