Have a great summer!

It’s hard to believe the school year is almost over.  It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming our students into the classroom. Although no one could have predicted how the school year would end, we must congratulate our students for their resilience and perseverance during this time. As we enter our final week of school, we would like to thank you for a wonderful year and we hope you have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Drive By Goodbye

This Friday, June 26th, teachers will be stationed on the front lawn of Simons Valley School from 11:00AM - 12:00PM.  We welcome you to drive by with your child to wave goodbye to us for the summer.  Please be considerate of current social distancing guidelines and stay in your vehicle and/or six feet away from anyone outside of your family cohort. We look forward to seeing you then!

Food Drive

Simons Valley School will be hosting one last food drive of the year to help support our families. The food drive will be taking place from June 23rd-25th.  Items can be dropped off in the green bins by the bus ramp any time from 9:00AM - 3:00PM. Thank you for supporting our families!

Math

Next week, students will be calculating probability by completing four activities.  They will be creating a tree diagram, shooting hoops with scrap paper, creating various kinds of ice cream combinations, and playing a dice game.

Literacy

Students will be reading two cases from a book entitled You Be The Jury.  After reading each case, students will have to decide if they think the accused is guilty or innocent.  They will have a chance to debate their thoughts with their classmates through Google Classroom.

Science

We will end our year in science by recapping all four of our science topics (Wetlands, Chemistry, Electricity, & Weather) by playing through a trivia game called Kahoot.

Upcoming Dates

• June 23rd - June 25th: Return all library books and borrowed Chromebooks from 9:00AM - 3:00PM.  Please contact Mrs. Davidoff if you are unable to return your Chromebook during this time. A labeled drop off site will be set up by the Kindergarten area.
• June 24th - Report Cards Available Online
• June 26th - Last Day of Online Learning
• June 26th - Drive by Teacher Goodbyes from 11:00AM - 12:00PM
• June 29th - Appeals Day (Teacher available until 12:00PM)

June 5th - Week Review

The students are continuing to do an amazing job working through the on-line activities and learning that we have been sending out on a daily basis.  We encourage the students to join us for our weekly help sessions if they are struggling with any concepts or just need any questions answered, and it is always great to see everyone on our weekly Friday classroom meet!

Highlights

Math

We have been continuing to add and subtract decimals and we had a review check/in on Thursday. For the next 2 weeks we will be doing measurement topics such as area, perimeter, volume and capacity. 

Literacy / Social Studies

Students are continuing to learn about Canadian History and the various people and events that shaped Canadian History.  Each Monday we are assigning four  important Canadian history topics with activities and writing tasks to go with each topic.  Please encourage your child to read through these topics and tell you how they have impacted our Canadian History.

Science

We are continued our look at Electricity. Over the next few weeks, we will be exploring our last Science topic of the year: Weather!

Art

This week we assigned the students an interactive slideshow with lots of information about Vincent Van Gogh and then included an art activity for the kids to draw and colour. 

Reminders

-Brown Bagging is continuing to offer lunches by the Community Ice Rink Sheds from 11-1.

-We are here to help! We host two school work help sessions a week.  During these times, students can join and get one on one or small group help on their school work through video meetings with the teacher.  You can check the Stream page to stay updated on the dates and times of these sessions.  If you feel like your child is struggling and would benefit from additional help, please contact the teacher to set up a private one on one video call.

-Given COVID-19 restrictions, June report cards will be made available online by June 26 through MyCBE/PowerSchool. Once logged in, select the “Report Card” tab to view the report card. If a printed report card is required, please contact the school to arrange a time to safely collect it during school hours

Upcoming Dates

• June 23rd, 24th & 25 - School will be open for Pick- Up of : IPP’s,  Hard copy of Report card, TECHNOLOGY drop off (more information for times of these pick-ups will be sent out in the next few weeks)

• June 26th - Last Day of On-Line Learning

• June 29th - Appeals Day (teachers are available until noon)

A Note From Mrs. Davidoff

Dear Parents,

Please help us plan yellow school bus routes for next year by pre-registering before June 14, 2020.
We know that there are many unknowns and we do not yet know what September will look like for return to school. We understand that you may not have finalized your decisions for September. However, if you do not pre-register by June 14, we will not include your address as bus routes are planned. It may take up to 4 weeks to add a bus stop for you, and congregated stop locations are only reviewed once per year. As a result, your stop location may be much further away from your home, as your address was not included in the route planning. There is no requirement to pay at the time of registration, and there is no financial penalty if you register for bus service and cancel before the cancellation deadline.

If you have not already done the following, please do so now:

1. Create a Parent CBE PowerSchool Account using your student’s CBE number above by following the instructions at this website: https://sis.cbe.ab.ca/public/home.html
Student and Parent / Legal Guardian Sign In
MyCBE / PowerSchool may, at times, not be accessible for various reasons, including system maintenance, and The Calgary Board of Education does not warrant or make any representations regarding the use, accuracy, timelines, applicability, performance, security, availability or reliability of MyCBE / PowerSchool;
sis.cbe.ab.ca

2. Sign up for school emails by “subscribing” to School Messenger: http://calgary.schoolmessenger.com/cbe_subscribe

May 25

Highlights

Math

Over the past week, students have been learning about decimal place value (tenths, hundreths, and thousandths) and that fractions and decimals are related.  They were asked to order decimals from least to greatest, to match decimals to their equivalent fraction, and to convert decimals to fractions and vice versa.  This week, students will be learning how to add and subtract decimal numbers.

Literacy

Students were tasked with completing one final book report on their book club book.  In the book report, students were asked to write about the main character and setting of their book, and to provide a brief summary of the plot.  They were also asked to write about their favourite part, and one thing that they would change about the book. They were also asked to rate the book out of 5 stars and give a reason for their rating.  Moving forward, we will start to incorporate literacy into our Social Studies and Science lessons.

Science

We have begun our look at Electricity. Students completed an electricity web quest by watching a Bill Nye episode and reading a few articles.  Students then learned about different ways to stay safe around electricity.  They will be completing an electrical safety mini project this week.

Social Studies

Students have started to learn a bit more about the history of Canada.  Over the next few weeks, we will continue to look at various people and events that shaped Canadian history.

Reminders

• The Simons Valley School Food Drive this Wednesday and Thursday at SVS from 9:00AM-2:00PM

• Brown Bagging is continuing to offer lunches by the Community Ice rink Sheds from 11-1. A School Messenger email will be sent about this.

• We are here to help! We host two school work help sessions a week.  During these times, students can join and get one on one or small group help on their school work through video meetings with the teacher.  You can check the Stream page to stay updated on the dates and times of these sessions.  If you feel like your child is struggling and would benefit from additional help, please contact the teacher to set up a private one on one video call.

May 8th - Week Review

Highlights

Math

• Over the past week, students have continued to learn about fractions.  We took a closer look at how to compare and order fractions from least to greatest and introduced equivalent fractions.  On Monday, May 11th, we will be posting a full fractions unit review.  Students would benefit from looking back at the pages we have covered before attempting the review.  We will be moving on to decimals next week.

Literacy

• Students continued to read their assigned book club books.  This week, they were given the task of completing one project from five possible choices.  They could recreate a scene from their book using a comic book making program called Pixton, film a video advertisement, create a board game or travel brochure based on their book, or they could have acted as their main character responding to various interview style questions.   We have really enjoyed seeing the work that students are submitting! 
• This week, students were asked to edit and revise their Secret Shortcut stories.  Specifically, students were tasked with editing their work for proper use of capital letters, punctuation, organization, and spelling.  Students will write the ending of their story next week.
• We wrapped up our look at commonly confused words by having students play through a Kahoot game.

Reminders

• We are here to help! We host two school work help sessions a week.  During these times, students can join and get one on one or small group help on their school work through video meetings with the teacher.  You can check the Stream page to stay updated on the dates and times of these sessions.  If you feel like your child is struggling and would benefit from additional help, please contact the teacher to set up a private one on one video call.

Upcoming Dates

May

• May 15th - Non-Instructional Day- No on-line Classes
• May 18th - Victoria Day- No on-line Classes

Checking In

Welcome to week 8 of isolation and week 5 of on-line teaching and learning. We hope that you are doing alright and are getting outside to enjoy the sunshine we have been having.

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week.  We know that mental health is a real concern as we walk through these difficult days. If your family is struggling, please reach out to us for help. We can reduce work loads or connect you with resources in our community that can provide support.
If your family is struggling or looking for support please note upcoming free webinars for parents.

• Kids Have Stress Too
• Crisis Survival Skills: Supporting your Child and Teen during Stressful Times
• Taming Anxiety Gremlins: Avoiding anxiety traps while promoting resilience
• Mindfulness as an Anxiety Management Tool
• Emotional Regulation Using Mindfulness

To access any of the above webinars please click this link and create an account.

https://community.hmhc.ca/sessions/?p=online&fbclid=IwAR1YlVL6AJM4Fu_yCI2LEvMVwFTOClEfSd5G05maOovsKVg02V5IEsFP5cQ

Upcoming

Over the next 8 weeks of teaching we will continue to be working through Literacy and Math activities and will be assigning some optional Social and Science activities.  If you have any questions in regards to workload or assignment instructions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Mr. Hobbs: jkhobbs@cbe.ab.ca
Mrs. Koch: tlkoch@cbe.ab.ca
Mrs. Baker: jkbaker@cbe.ab.ca
Mrs. Fuller: anfuller@cbe.ab.ca

We wanted to provide you with a list of a few of the curriculum objectives that we will be covering over the next few months within our Language and Math planning. 

Math

Algebra

• I can verify equations by calculating the expressions on both sides of the equal sign and verifying that they are equal. 
• I can write and solve easy addition and subtraction equations using models and equations.
• I can solve easy multiplication and division equations using the guess-and-check method and by writing the unknown by itself. 
• I can translate between mathematical phrases written in words and numerical expressions. 
• I can substitute values for the variables in algebraic expressions and translate simple word problems into algebraic expressions. 
• I can write and solve equations for one-step word problems involving sums or differences of parts. 

Fractions

• I can understand that fractions can represent equal parts of a whole and of a set.
• I can name fractions of a whole 
• I can understand how to find the whole length if given a specific fraction of the whole length. 
• I can look at pictures to compare and order fractions.
• I can compare fractions by using number lines.
• I can compare and order fractions based on the size and the number of fractional parts. 
• I can find equivalent fractions using multiplication.
• I can compare fractions with different numerators and denominators.

Decimals

• I can use decimal notations for fractions with denominators 10 and 100, place decimal hundredths on number lines, and order decimal hundredths using a number line. 
• I can compare and order decimal tenths and hundredths.
• I can express hundredths in terms of mixed units (tenths and hundredths).
• I can understand decimal place value as a natural extension of whole-number place value as each place value is worth ten times as much as the place on its right. 
• I can use decimal notation for fractions with denominator 10, 100, and 1000.
• I can write decimals and their equivalent fractions for tenths, hundredths, and thousandths.  
• I can use a number lines to compare decimal fractions and decimals. 
• I can use fractions (halves, quarters, and fifths) as benchmarks for decimals. 
• I can add and subtract decimals. 

Geometry

• I can identify faces, vertices, and edges of 3-D shapes;
• I can count vertices and edges of 3-D shapes using actual shapes and pictures.
• I can identify intersecting faces and edges in 3-D shapes.
• I can construct skeletons of triangular and rectangular prisms.
• I can compare skeletons with actual shapes.
• I can name and distinguish between prisms by the shapes of their bases; and explore intersecting and non-intersecting faces on prisms.
• I can name prisms and pyramids by the shapes of their bases and construct skeletons of prisms and pyramids with various bases; and
• I can use various properties to distinguish between prisms and pyramids.

Measurement

• I can estimate and measure the perimeter of shapes using appropriate units.
• I can explore how the perimeter of a figure changes when shapes are added to the figure in different places. 
• I can use square centimetres or square metres to measure the areas of regular and irregular shapes.
• I can determine appropriate units for measuring area. 
• I can express the formula for the area of a rectangle using variables. 
• I can use a formula to calculate the areas of rectangles.
• I can investigate how perimeter and area are related to but not dependent on each other. 
• I can find the number of cubes in a rectangular stack.
• I can develop the formula length × width × height for the number of cubes in a stack.
• I can develop and use the formula Volume = length × width × height for the volume of rectangular prisms. 
• I can use referents for litres and millilitres and convert measurements in whole number litres to millilitres.
• I can convert the measurement in litres (including decimal litres) to millilitres and solve problems involving converting units of liquid volume.

Probability

• I can identify the outcomes of events involving chance.
• I can identify situations in which the chances of an event are even.
• I can describe the likelihood of events occurring using the words "impossible," "possible," and "certain"; and
• I can compare the likelihood of two events using the words "less likely,"  
• ​"more likely," or "equally likely."

Writing

• I can represent and organize my ideas for writing visually
• I can use different forms of writing
• I can organize and present ideas in my own writing
• I can use my own experiences to find ideas for writing
• I can use clear organization to connect ideas and to help others understand
• I can organize ideas and information that focus on key parts
• I can use beginnings and endings that engage my audience
• I can use language that is appropriate for the situation
• I can express my point of view about things I have read, seen and heard
• I can explain how conflict is solved in things I write
• I can understand strategies for planning my writing
• I can use a variety of sentence types and beginnings in my writing
• I can explain/describe things I am writing about

Spelling & Grammar 

• I can use words and phrases to make my writing clear
• I can use different ways to accurately spell words in my own writing
• I can use criteria to revise my own writing
• I can edit my work for correct punctuation and grammar

Reading

• I can use prior knowledge to make sense of new ideas and information
• I can use reading strategies that are right for what I am reading
• I can use many strategies to figure out what new words mean
• I can express my own point of view about things I’ve read
• I can identify and talk about the similarities and differences of different types of readings
• I can identify the main problem in things I read
• I can summarize what I have read
• I can find evidence in the text for my thoughts and opinions

Upcoming Dates

May

• May 15th - Non-Instructional Day- No on-line Classes
• May 18th - Victoria Day- No on-line Classes

April 20th

We hope that everyone is staying safe, healthy and adjusting to our new normal.  The switch to on-line teaching has had its challenges but it also has given us an opportunity to learn new ways of reaching our students while learning new computer programs. 

We have now been on-line for 3 weeks and have been assigning daily assignments in all subjects.  Thank you to those of you who have been checking the Google classroom on a daily basis and completing all assigned work. 

However, we have noticed that some students are not logging in or turning in their work on a regular basis.  We understand that all families are faced with their own challenges around computer sharing, parents working from home, as well as students needing extra support with assignments. 

Please note that teachers are available during the day for emails and we have bi-weekly open chat times that the kids can log on and access us for help.  Please ask your child on a daily basis what assignments they are working on or what was assigned this week and if possible, assist them with the understanding of assignments.

Since each student’s experiences at home are unique, we have been asked to not send out individual reminders for students who are not completing assignments.

Reminders

• All assignments are posted on a daily basis by 8:30am and most do not have due dates as we understand that all students are working on assignments at different times.

• We have a weekly Google Meet on Friday.  Times will be posted on the Stream at the beginning of the week but we are trying to alternate times from morning to afternoon to accommodate different times that kids may have access to a computer. 

• Assignments should be turned in through Google Classroom.

• Jump math pages can be completed in student JUMP Math Books, printed PDF copies, or on an separate scrap piece of paper.  The day after each Math lesson,  the answer key is posted.  Students are to check their own work and then join us for our bi-weekly google chat for help if they are having trouble with concepts.

• Teachers are available for e-mail during school hours from 9-3:30. 

We know this has been a real change for everyone and we truly appreciate your patience while we navigate this new way of teaching and learning.

April 7th: A Few Reminders

The GREAT PICK UP

Just a reminder to check the Simons Valley School website for designated times of when you can pick up your child’s belongings. 

Student last name (A-L) ONLY pick up on Thursday and Student last name (M-Z) Tuesday only.

Please only come during your time. Wednesday April 15th is an alternate date only to be used if you are unable to come in this Thursday or upcoming Tuesday.

LIBRARY BOOKS and HOME READING BOOKS

All SVS library books/home reading books can be returned the day of your pick up.

FOOD DRIVE

In addition, to the ‘Great Pick Up’, we will also have boxes available for food donations.

The Salvation Army Berkshire Citadel Community Church has been at the forefront of supporting many of our SVS families and this is one way we can help replenish their supplies.  They are in need of canned fruit and vegetables but are grateful for any non-perishable items.

Be Brave, Be Kind, Stay Positive.