GORDON PUBLIC SCHOOL, 468 Thorold Road West, Welland ON, L3C 3W6 FEBRUARY 2017

T. D’Alessandro Principal

905-734-3730

G. Watson Vice-Principal 905-734-3730

W. Hahn Superintendent 905-641-1550

S. Barnett Trustee

905-734-7110

FEBRUARY

IS:

OPTIMISM

MONTH!

Dear Parents,

What an extremely busy month of January we have had and February looks just as busy. I am so

very proud of our students and the effort they are putting forth each and every day. This is our

"Grizzly Pride". We would like to encourage any future Junior or Senior Kindergarten parents to

please join us on Thursday February 2nd from 10am –6pm or simply drop by the school any day to

pick up a registration form. The weather has been a challenge on a few days. We encourage all of

our students to wear appropriate clothing and outerwear depending on the conditions. We are opti-

mistic that things will dry out sometime soon. Term 1 report cards go home Friday, February 10th.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, kindly give us a call to schedule a time to discuss.

Lastly, we have had some vandalism to the school property in recent months. If at anytime you see

anything that is suspicious kindly report it to the police so we can keep our property vandal free.

Tony D'Alessandro

Proud Principal of Gordon Public School

The French Immersion program (offered at French Immersion sites) is open to all

students in Senior Kindergarten. If you want your child to develop a high

proficiency and fluency in Canada’s two official languages, French Immersion has

a great deal to offer.

FEATURES OF THE FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM:

Development of French language skills in speaking, listening, reading and

writing from grades one to twelve.

Designed to be a second language program for children whose first language is

NOT French.

Current enrolment of over 2,000 elementary students.

Certificate of French Immersion Studies awarded upon successful completion of

the elementary and secondary Immersion program.

Promoting understanding of different cultures.

Providing additional opportunities for employment using French as the working

language.

An increased ability to communicate and interact with confidence in French.

Registration will close on

February 21st, 2017 at 9:00 a.m.

For more information about French Immersion in the District School Board of

Niagara visit www.dsbn.org/fi or speak to your school principal.

NOVEMBER RECOGNITION RECIPIENTS

Class TEACHER ACADEMIC CHARACTER - Responsibility

1-1 Mrs. Filion Isaiah. S Ellie. W

1/2 Mrs. Gaspich Johnny. C McKenna M

1-1 FI Miss Sauve Reese. A Austin M

1-1 FI Mr. Verwey Marlow R Sam G

2-1 Ms. Degelman Jocelyn Y Kaylee D

2-1 FI Mrs. Benson Lily T Sophie B

3-1 Mrs. Moore Elizabeth M Cooper L—Brianna M

3-2 Mrs. Knockheart Ayla B Quintin B

3-1 FI Miss. Gardiner Ashlyn A Natalia L

4-1 Mrs. McQueen Jack I Aiden S

4-1 FI Miss. Stickles Ian M Abbye S

5-1 Mrs. Slaght Elizabeth R Matthew G

5/6 Mrs. Bendlis Alex B, Presley K Charlotte.M, Izzy.N

5/6 FI Mrs. Chatel Ivy C Marlee A. V

6/7 Mr. Costantini Jordyn P Abaigail A

6/7 FI Mr. Munderich N/A Emma W– Brayson B

7-1 Mr. Charles Kyle J Noah C

7/8 FI Mrs. Timlock Lily C Jessica G

8-1 Mrs. Rush Josh D Victoria S

French Mrs. Colonna-Spagnolo Dylan L Emma B

DECEMBER RECOGNITION RECIPIENTS

Class TEACHER ACADEMIC CHARACTER - Integrity

1-1 Mrs. Filion Jordan M Elijah G

1/2 Mrs. Gaspich Noa H Lucas H

1-1 FI Miss Sauve Katelyn B Layla V

1-1 FI Mr. Verwey Hannah L Elizabeth M

2-1 Ms. Degelman Jackson H Adrian J

2-1 FI Mrs. Benson Rachel M Jeremy H

3-1 Mrs. Moore Maximus DV Katie K—Dolan L

3-2 Mrs. Knockheart Abigail M Thea H

3-1 FI Miss. Gardiner Stirling K Lorelei D

4-1 Mrs. McQueen Ayden D Dorris R

4-1 FI Miss. Stickles Zachary S Reese M

5-1 Mrs. Slaght Brooke B Zoe V

5/6 Mrs. Bendlis Corinne S—Emma B Brody G

5/6 FI Mrs. Chatel Lauren C Holden S

6/7 Mr. Costantini Larissa R Corey P

6/7 FI Mr. Munderich McKenna M Faith G

7-1 Mr. Charles Madelyn G Matthew M

7/8 FI Mrs. Timlock Caitlyn T Avery T

8-1 Mrs. Rush Owen P Karli S

French Mrs. Colonna-Spagnolo Sarah G Nathan H

MONDAY, FEB. 20th

NO SCHOOL

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE A HUGE SUCCESS!!

We'd like to thank all of the families who graciously contributed to our Holiday Food Drive. Every year Gordon families donate food items to the Salvation Army who distribute the food to needy families in our community. This year, to help promote this worthwhile cause, there was a small competition between classes to see which class could bring in the most items per student. The Top 3 classes who earned a Pizza Party are Mrs. McQueen, Mrs, Knockaert, and Mrs Slaght.

Thank you for your generosity!!

MITTEN TREE A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT!!!

One of the ways Gordon Cares is to collect

mittens, hats, scarves, etc. for needy families

in our community.

This year, the response from

the Gordon community was

incredible with over 100

items decorating our "Mitten

Tree".

Thank you!!!

Gordon Public School Night at The Ice Dogs Thursday March 2, 2017 @ 7:00pm at the Meridian Centre St. Catharines, Ontario. Come cheer on the Ice Dogs as they face off with their Western Conference oppo-nents, the Kitchener Rangers. The Gordon P.S. community will have access to the Meridian Centre ice from 5:00 - 5:50 pm before the game to partake in a pre-game skate. ALL GORDON STUDENTS MUST WEAR

A CSA APPROVED HOCKEY HELMET. Afterwards the school choir will be singing the national anthem prior to puck drop! Tickets are now available via School Cash Online.

GORDON GRIZZLIES CARE It’s Caring Month at Gordon. The Grizzlies have taken action to show how much they care by supporting the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. Students have been purchasing raffle tickets and all proceeds, $ 714.35 to be exact, have been donated to help purchase life saving equipment for premature babies. Special guest and Foundation representative, 2 time World Curling Champion Marilyn Bodogh, was on hand to draw the lucky winners. A huge thank you is extended to Rose City Pizza, Pita Pit Welland, Staples Welland, and Mrs. King for donating the amazing prizes. Thank you to all staff and students for purchasing tickets and contrib-uting to the cause. The Foundation’s motto, “Champions Start Small” could not be truer. Well done, Grizzlies!

Please Help! With the winter months and cold and flus, we are going through a astronomical amount of Kleenex. We are hoping you can help us out….we are in need of tissue/Kleenex for the school. If every child can donate one box to their classroom that would help us out tremendously and get us through the winter months. Thank you in advance for your continued support.

WE’VE BEEN TWEETED!

Kids Are Sweet Enough Without Added Sugar

The Niagara Healthy Kids Community Challenge (www.healthykidsniagara.ca) has teamed up with communities across Ontario to launch the Wa-ter Does Wonders Pledge Cam-paign. Why Pledge? To be part of the solution! Kids are drinking way too many sugary drinks, which has a negative im-pact on their health, their teeth, and their minds. We can all help by making water easier to access and by not serving sugary drinks to children. By taking the pledge, you are affirming your commit-ment to improved health for our kids. Sign the pledge at www.waterdoeswonders.ca! If you choose to be recognized, your family will be featured on our Hall of Pledges. Your pledge will also help Niagara earn Top Community status on the Hall of Pledges.

DSBN PINK SHIRT DAY IS FEBRUARY 22ND

Pink Shirts are available to order through School Cash Online from February 1st to February 9th. The cost of the shirts are $9.00.

WAY TO GO GORDON!

Mad Science, the world’s leading provider of educational and entertaining science programs for children is coming to Gordon School! They will be getting kids excited about science with fun, entertaining and exciting activities and demonstrations. Students and teachers in Grades 1-6 will be thrilled on Friday February 10th when Mad Science comes to the school to do a Spectacular Science show. The assembly will be educational, entertaining and also the kick off to the Mad Science Club. The Club is a 6-week science enrichment program offered to the

students. Students who join the Science Club will go on a voyage of discovery designed to support the Ontario Science and Technology curriculum. The topics will be different this year than when Mad Science was last at the school.

The Club will take place on Tuesday, Mar 21, 28, Apr 4, 11, 18, 25 from 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM. Registration information (cost, etc.) will be coming home following the assembly on Feb. 10th.

TRY AT HOME ACTIVITY - ZOOM BALL Materials: • Two 1 litre plastic pop bottles • Scissors • Optional: Coloured construction paper • Masking tape • Ribbons • Two plastic ring six pack holders • Two 2.4 metre strings• An adult helper 1. Ask your adult helper to cut the bottoms off of the two plastic pop bottles. 2. Fit the bottles together so there is a neck on either end. Tape the bottles together to form a football shape. 3. Cover the bottles with construction paper and ribbon if you want to decorate your zoom ball. 5. Take the six-pack holders and cut the rings apart to make four two-loop handles. 4. Thread the two strings through the bottles.6. Tie a set of handles to the ends of each string. 7. Get at friend and you are ready to play. Each player holds onto two handles and pulls on the strings until they are tight. Slide the zoom ball to one end. When it is at your end snap your hands apart to send the zoom ball back to your friend. To catch the zoom ball, keep your hands together. EXPLANATION: The pushing action of the strings sets the zoom ball in motion. When the zoom ball reaches the other end of the strings, an opposite pushing action, your friend snapping the strings, stops the ball for a moment and then sends it in the reverse direction.

FLOOR CURLING FEVER HITS GORDON! On January 16th and 17th, students in grades 1 through 8 were treated to an introduction to curling in the Gordon gym. The Brock University Varsity Curling Teams generously donated their time to help us learn the basics of the game. From the amount of excitement and enthusiasm shown by all our students the program was a hit! Special thanks go to the Ontario Curling Council for providing this fun, free program.

New this year to School Cash Online, is a PERMISSION ONLY OPTION. During the school year we attend many events that has no cost to families. This new convenient option will not only provide more convenience to families but will also be more eco -friendly and save on printing and paper costs. How it works: You will receive an email alert that a new item is

being offered on school cash Check off permission Add to cart Go to checkout Click continue Click complete order

SCHOOL CASH

ONLINE UPDATE!

SIGN UP TODAY!

www.dsbn.org/schoolcash

NO CHANGE ? NO WORRIES!

DOG ATE YOUR

PERMISSION FORM?

NO WORRIES!

DREAMBOX LEARNING MATH PROGRAM

Gordon School has purchased DreamBox Learning’s Math Program. This is an exciting and fun online math program that helps all students achieve better, faster math proficiency. The expectation is that students work independently and without aid. (i.e. parental/calculator). Your child can access DreamBox from any computer, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Just go to the Gordon School website and follow the Dreambox link on the main page. There is no software to download. All you need is a high-speed internet connection and Adobe Flash. Adobe Flash is free and is included with many internet browsers. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher. You can also receive additional support by contacting DreamBox Client Care at 877-451-7845 . support@dreambox.com.

Water Does Wonders Pledge Campaign

As part of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge (HKCC), Niagara has teamed up with communities across Ontario to launch thewww.waterdoeswonders.ca Pledge Campaign to encourage organi-zations and families to make it easier for children to choose water over sugary drinks. Why Pledge? To be part of the solution! Kids are drink-ing way too many sugary drinks, which has a negative impact on their health and on the environment. We can all help by making water easier to access and by reducing the amount of sugary drinks we serve and sell to children. By taking the pledge, you are affirming your commitment to help children sip less sugar. What can you do? Sign the pledge atwww.waterdoeswonders.ca. Your pledge will help Niagara earn Top Com-munity status on the Hall of Pledges. Print your pledge certificate and display it prominently Check out the resources available atwww.waterdoeswonders.ca Spread the word using #WaterDoesWonders to inspire others

Communication to Schools

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURES

There may be times during the school year where inclement weather or other situations could cause transportation cancellations or school closures. At times when student transportation has been cancelled and schools remain open, the decision of whether or not to have children in school on that day rests with the parent or guardian. Should you decide not to send your child to school in the event that transportation is can-celled but schools remain open, or if your child is ill or late, please ensure that you call your child’s school to inform them of your child’s absence. A key resource in any emergency is the DSBN Emergency Information form that you filled out at the beginning of the school year. Please let the school know of any changes in contact information or procedures you wish to be followed throughout the school year. For secondary schools it may become necessary to cancel late buses. Notice will be provided via school announcements and on the websites and subscription features by 11:30 a.m. Information about transportation cancellations and school closures will be available as soon as it is available through the following channels: Websites: www.dsbn.org www.nsts.ca Subscription Features:

DSBN Facebook or Twitter NSTS Transportation Delay or Cancellation Alerts Phone: Niagara Student Transportation Services 905-346-0290 Voice Auto Attendant

Radio Stations:

Television Stations:

CHCH – Hamilton CTV Toronto

CityTV Breakfast Television Cogeco Channel 10

CKTB (610 AM) St. Catharines CHRE (105.7 FM) St. Catharines

WAVE (94.7 FM) Hamilton CHTZ-FM (97.7 FM) St. Catharines

CKOC (1150 AM) Hamilton 2DayFM(105.1 FM) Niagara Falls/Fort Erie

CHML (900 AM) Hamilton K-LITE-FM (102.9 FM) Hamilton

CHAM (820 AM) Hamilton GIANT FM (91.7 FM) Welland

Y-108(107.9) Hamilton

STUDENT PICK UP AND DROP OFF

Regardless of whether students are late or leaving early, we ask that all students check in at the office. This enables the office staff to ensure that all stu-dents are arriving safely to class or being dismissed to the appropriate person. Furthermore, we would like to re-quest that parents/adults wait at the office at all times. If your child requires assistance getting to class, one of the office staff would be happy to escort them. Any information you would like to convey to teachers can also be conveyed by the office or through your child’s agenda. Once classes have started we want to minimize the disruption to other students that are participating in the instructional day.

TOP 10 TIPS TO HELP YOUR CHILD WITH MATH

1. Connect math to daily life-Let them know the

importance of math! Talk about how you use math in your day-to-day life (at the store, in your job, around your house).

2. Counting can be fun and entertaining-Show them math can be fun! Sing songs (One, Two, Buckle My Shoe) and play games (card games, hopscotch, board games, dominoes, chess).

3. Start Easy and Work Up! - For example, after they’ve got counting by 1’s, talk about skip counting and count by 2’s, then 5’s and 10’s. Don’t jump ahead too fast.

4. Use household items for practice-Practice adding and subtracting with objects from the house like spoons or pots and pans.

5. Tap into your child’s curiosity—Go on a number hunt in your house.

6. Talk about time - Talk about seconds, minutes and hours, then count days and weeks. Ask them questions: How long until bedtime? How many “sleeps” until the weekend?

7. Practice mental math using coins—Count money or have them show you how much an item costs and practice making change for when they’re at the store.

8. Play the estimating game—Estimate meas-urements, distances, time and grocery bills and then compare to the actual.

9. Sports and Math—There is a lot of math in sports, such as batting averages, points per game and save percentages (discuss these as you watch the games or read the newspaper.

10. Computers + Math = Fun (there are lots of great computer games available to explore math).

VISITING? SAY HI AT THE OFFICE!! Whenever you are coming to Gordon, please be sure to stop in the office first to say hi. The safety of every stu-dent in this school is important to us. As a part of our Safe School policy all visitors MUST sign in at the office.

PARKING

Our back parking lot off Clare Ave. is reserved for staff parking and bus loading and unloading. Our bus-es will board immediately upon dismissal and depart Gordon at approximately 3:15 p.m. each afternoon. Parents dropping students off prior to the start of school may also use this lot if they wish. Our front parking lot off Thorold Road will be available for all parent and visitor parking. Students picked up or dropped off during the school day should enter/exit and sign in/out at the office. At the end of the day, Kindergarten students will exit out the Kindergarten door and students in Grades 1-8 will exit at the main office. Thank you for keeping our students safe!

PARENT PARKING CONSIDERATIONS

Please respect the areas designated No Parking., Fire Routes, Laneways and Handicapped on-ly.

Please use the designated sidewalk and paths at all times.

Please be patient in our parking lot.

Be safe and watch for children at all times.

Consider parking away from the school (ie. side street) and walking.

Gordon Public School

Principal: T. D’Alessandro Vice-Principal: G. Watson

468 Thorold Road West, Welland, Ontario L3C 3W6 Telephone: (905) 734-3730 www.dsbn.org/Schools/Gordon

Dear Parent/Guardian: The District School Board of Niagara is currently in the process of determining the viability of before and after school child care programs at all schools. In order to determine the need in a school that does or does not currently provide child care, we are asking that you register on the Niagara Region’s Child Care Reg-istry, OneHSN portal at https://niagara.onehsn.com. Registration on the Niagara Region’s Child Care Registry should take less than ten minutes to complete. For those schools that do not currently have a child care centre, and a sufficient number of parents indicate their interest in having before and after school child care at your school, we will be able to move forward in this process. In order to ensure that we continue to provide before and after school child care at the schools that currently provide child care, the Ministry of Education needs to know whether there continues to be enough interest in these services to sustain a viable program. If you currently use, or plan to use before and after school child care in your child’s school, it is imperative that you also register or update your child care needs on the Niagara Region Child Care Registry, OneHSN by choosing the specific school site from the drop down menu (e.g., DSBN – School Name) within the registry portal. Please be advised that child care will only be established in schools where there is sufficient demonstrated need for a viable child care program. All parents requiring any type of child care must enter/update their infor-mation online no later than March 10, 2017 using the Niagara Region Child Care Registry, OneHSN portal. If you have any questions regarding the Niagara Child Care Registry, OneHSN, please contact Jackie Galloway at the Niagara Region at 905-980-6000 Ext. 3817. For all other inquiries, contact Jennifer Smith, Early Years Consultant at 905 227-5551 x 52266 Sincerely, Mr. T. D’Alessandro Principal