Spartan Speaks - Stouffville District Secondary School

March 8, 2019

Interim Report Cards All students received their Interim Report Cards in class on Thursday March 7, 2019. Any student with a spare first period were able to pick up their Interim Report Cards in the main office.

Student Progress Interview Evening

You may schedule an appointment to discuss your child’s progress to date with teachers on March 21, between 6:30 to 8:30. Details will be emailed soon. Save the date!

Congratulations on your silver medal Girls Hockey Team! Congratulations to the Girls Hockey team who did us all proud this season. After an undefeated season we made it to the York Region final, where we ran into a tough St. Max team who we took to overtime, losing by one goal in the 3rd and deciding game. You should be proud of this team, Ms. Bubnic and I are. The girls played their hearts out but fell 1 goal short of our goal to make it to OFSAA-The provincial championship. It was an amazing game. I especially want to thank our graduating seniors for their splendid 4 years on this team. A finer group of young women you cannot find-Lindsay W., Abby R., Sammy P., and our leader and captain, Alexis F. Your leadership, positive example and fabulous play were never taken for granted. Thank you again, team, for a terrific season. Can’t wait for next year! Mr. Shankman

Congratulations Dylan!

A big shout out and congratulations to our own Dylan M. who competed in the Freestyle BMX Canadian Championship and placed 5th. It was a National competition with competitors from all over Canada. Fantastic job Dylan!

Say No to Hate Community Forum

We invite you to join us in saying no to hate and to attend an important community forum. April 8, 2019, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts This is a free event. Individual registration is required and space is limited. To register, please visit http://bit.ly/saynotohate

Prom – May 2, 2019

For Grade 12 students interested in attending this year’s prom scheduled for May 2, ticket sales will begin online https://www.schoolcashonline.com on Monday March 25 and will conclude Friday April 5, 2019. This year’s prom theme is The Enchanted Forest and it will be held at Le Parc Banquet Hall in Thornhill. Students wishing to purchase their PROM tickets in person or those bringing a guest outside of SDSS must pick up a contract in the main office next week and submit it with payment during periods three and four lunch on April 4 and 5, 2019.

February Character of the Month – RESPECT

SDSS it’s that time again where we celebrate those who have demonstrated great character. The month of February we recognize Respect; meaning that we respect ourselves and treat others with courtesy, dignity, and positive regard. We honour the rights of others. We respect their belongings, the environment and the world around us. SDSS staff have nominated the following students they felt exhibited RESPECT. Congratulations to: Nick Z., Jason S., Lauren R., Benjamin C., Makson Z., Emily M., Jacob H., Matthew W., Mason P., Arathi S., Brock M. Congratulations and remember SDSS, good character matters.

News from Guidance

Graduate Responsibilities Effective Deadline Location

Grade 12 Students - Commencement, Cap & Gown Now March 7th SchoolCashOnLine

Commencement, Cap &Gown cost is $40 or in Office

*Size Chart is on line

- Scholarship Applications & Resume Now April 4th Guidance

- Volunteer Hours Submission Now June 10th Guidance

- Private School Marks Submitted Now June 14th Guidance

- Graduation Gown Pick Up TBA

- Commencement Ticket Pick Up TBA

- Commencement June 25 th TBA

- Diploma, Transcript, Report Cards TBA

*Must be signed for by the Student

*Summer Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 9:00 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.

Grade 12 Returning Students

- “Request to Return to SDSS Pink Form” Now Feb 20th Guidance

- Familiarize yourself with the 34 credit threshold (http://www.yrdsb.ca/Students

- Signed Course Selection Form Now Feb 21st Guidance

Post-Secondary Deadlines Date

College - Offers of Admission Feb 1, 2019 (earliest date)

Semester 1 Final Marks Transmission to OUAC & OCAS Feb 2-14, 2019

College – Deadline to Confirm College Admission Offers May 1, 2019

University – Latest Date for Offers of Admission May 29, 2019

Semester 2 Midterm Marks Transmission to OUAC & OCAS

Week of April 25, 2019

University Admission Confirmation Deadline June 3, 2019

Semester 2 Final Marks Transmission to OUAC & OCAS July 4, 2019

Summer School Grades to OUAC Aug 1, 2019

Ontario Science Centre School Earn grade 12 math and science credits and get the experience of a lifetime. Selection is based on your written application, academic record and recommendations from two teachers, one of whom must be a science or mathematics teacher. Up to 30 students are selected from across Ontario for each semester.

Applications Due: April 2, 2019 Visit: OntarioScienceCentre.ca/School/ScienceSchool

Click here for Summer Co-op / SHSM Programs 2019

Updates from the SDSS Library Learning Commons (LLC)

The LLC this month

We are excited to have partnered with the Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library to promote their Teen Tech Week. On Monday and Wednesday of this week, students were invited to visit the WSPL booth set up outside the SDSS LLC to learn more about the fun technology available though WSPL. Students were also able to sign up for a library card so that they are able to access the print and digital resources which complement those we have here at the SDSS LLC. Students under 16 only require a parent signature on the application form to obtain a library card. Parents no longer have to appear in person at the branch.

Starbooks Cafe Book Club is happening on every other Monday during periods 3 & 4. Students are invited to join us during their lunch at the beginning of the period. We will be reading 10 different all-Canadian books. You can sign up in the Library Learning Commons at the circulation desk or using the QR code

The Library Learning Commons wants to celebrate ALL of the countries and various heritage represented by staff and students at SDSS. Students and staff are invited to come by to pin their country on our map. We can add ALL of the countries of our heritage using the Google Form accessible via the QR code:

Upcoming events in Stouffville

Mobyss – Youth Walk-in clinic Confidential medical, sexual and mental health services are free for youth between the ages of 12-25, including health care from a Nurse Practitioner, specialized youth mental health worker, and peer support specialist. Mobyss is available at Stouffville DSS on the following Wednesdays on March 20th, April 3rd & 17th, May 1st, 15th and 29th, and June 12th and 26th in the school parking lot. Mobyss.ca 289-879-2376

Online Safety

Dear Families,

As you may be aware, there has been recent media attention on an Internet challenge that may cause concern for families. The Internet provides access to many engaging learning opportunities, but requires responsible use and digital citizenship. Parents play an important role in ensuring their child’s safety, including on the Internet. It’s important for parents to talk to children about the importance of being safe, protecting their personal information and stressing that they should never disclose personal details that would allow someone online to contact them in real life.

Here are 12 tips to promote safe online behaviour:

● Children should never give anyone their name, address, telephone number, computer password, or any

other personal information on the Internet without parental or guardian consent.

● Children should only use social media and websites approved by their parent or guardian.

● Internet use should be encouraged in a central place in your home where you can supervise children’s

online activities.

● Don’t allow a webcam in a child’s bedroom.

● Watch for children quickly minimizing sites when you enter the room.

● Reinforce that people online may not be who they say they are.

● Consider using parental controls like Internet filters or blocking software.

● Remind children that everything said online stays in cyberspace forever, whether or not it is deleted.

● Talk to your children about Internet safety and clearly define your rules.

● Never respond to messages that make them feel confused or uncomfortable.

● Pay attention to the games your children may download or copy.

● Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they meet online.

Reinforce a sense of safety. Some Internet content can evoke a sense of fear or lack of safety in your child. It can be difficult for some children to discern fact / fiction online. Try to offer reassurance that your child is safe. Children and youth take their emotional cues from the significant adults in their lives. Your reactions can help to model calmness to your child. Recognize that some children may be concerned about something bad happening to themselves, family or friends. Explain to them the safety measures in place and reassure them that you and other adults will take care of them.

Be a good listener and observer. Let children guide you to learn how concerned they are or how much information they need. If they are not focused on the issue, do not dwell on it. However, be available to answer their questions to the best of your ability. Young children may not be able to express themselves verbally. Pay attention to changes in their behaviour or social interactions.

Reach out. Reach out to the school if you feel that your child may be showing a significant reaction to online material. We may be able to offer some classroom strategies that could help reduce stress. It may also be

important to seek additional support from a school mental health professional (i.e., social worker or psychologist) to cope with overwhelming feelings experienced by children and youth.

Clubs & Councils and Athletic Teams at SDSS

Please click here to see a comprehensive list SDSS Athletic Teams and

SDSS Clubs & Councils

Follow SDSS on twitter!

We are excited to announce that the SDSS twitter account has regular updates about school information, initiatives and it’s a fantastic way to learn about the amazing things happening at SDSS! Follow us @StouffvilleDSS

Current/Upcoming Events – March 2019

MONDAY

11

TUESDAY

12

WEDNESDAY

13

THURSDAY

14

FRIDAY

15 March Break

(no school)

March Break

(no school)

March Break

(no school)

March Break

(no school)

March Break

(no school)

MONDAY

18

TUESDAY

19

WEDNESDAY

20

THURSDAY

21

FRIDAY

22 Wear Green Day Grade 10 Lit Blitz

Period 3

After School Literacy

4:00pm

OSSLT Assembly 3:00pm

Student Progress

Interviews

6:30pm-8:30pm

Moderated and Facilitated by Lyndsay Thompson

Hummingbird Hub (6331 Main Street, Stouffville)

7pm Adults $10 Students $5 Winter / Spring

No Parking / Designated Fire Routes

presents

on

PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN DESIGNATED FIRE ROUTES

Any designated Fire Route needs to be clear of vehicles and ready for use by emergency vehicles. In an emergency (fire, medical, lock down etc.) time is of the essence and emergency vehicles need access. Fire Routes are signed “No Parking.” What does that mean? 1. This means that you cannot stop your vehicle and get out of the vehicle even for a short period of time.

2. You must obey the signs at all times regardless of the time of day or night. In 2017, the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville will adopt a zero tolerance approach to vehicles parked in designated Fire Routes. By-law Officers, Parking Officers, and Fire Prevention Officers will be issuing tickets when infractions are witnessed, to ensure the safety of all those using our schools and other buildings within the Municipality. If you have questions or concerns, please contact: Whitchurch-Stouffville Fire & Emergency Services at 905-640-9595 OR By-Law Department at 905-640-1900 Ext. 225

Important bussing information sent from our Student Transportation Services of York Region

School Bus Cancellation Notice To ensure the safety of students, school bus service may be cancelled due to inclement weather, extreme temperatures and/or poor road conditions. In these cases, parents and students should develop alternate care/transportation arrangements. Cancellation decisions will only be made after thorough consultation with the Safety Officers of school bus companies servicing York Region and are based on several factors including precipitation, air temperature, road conditions and weather forecast. Please note the following;

A decision to cancel school bus service will be region-wide meaning all school buses, vans and taxis will not operate. Both the YRDSB and YCDSB operate many regional educational programs. Students attending these programs are transported over large attendance areas encompassing several municipal boundaries which prevents the ability to cancel bus service using a municipality or zone methodology.

When bus service is cancelled all school tests and/or examinations will be cancelled and rescheduled.

Student trips involving the use of school buses will also be cancelled.

Unless otherwise stated, schools will remain open and parents can make arrangements to transport their children to and from school even if school bus service is cancelled. If buses are cancelled in the morning, they will not operate in the afternoon. Therefore students transported to school by parents will require the same transportation home.

A bus cancellation message will be available at www.schoolbuscity.com, by calling 1-877-330-3001, or by following @YRDSB and @YCDSB on Twitter. Parents, students and school staff may also access the following radio and television stations after 6:00 a.m. to receive bus cancellation information: RADIO 590 AM 640 AM 680 AM 860 AM 1010 AM 1050 AM 1540 AM 1580 AM 88.5 FM 89.9 FM 92.5 FM 93.1 FM 94.9 FM 95.9 FM 97.3 FM 98.1 FM 99.1 FM 99.9 FM 101.1 FM 102.1 FM 104.5 FM 100.7 FM 105.9 107.1 FM TELEVISION CITY TV CTV Barrie CTV Toronto CP24 GLOBAL NEWS

Please check out the following web sites for current Board and school information:

1) York Region District School Board - www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca

2) Stouffville District Secondary School - http://www.stouffvilledistrict.ss.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/

SDSS Contact Information: Rose Walker, Principal, 905-640-1433 Jeff Foran, Vice Principal, 905-640-1433 Karen Parris, Vice Principal, 905-640-1433 Elizabeth Terrell-Tracey, School Trustee- East Gwillimbury and Whitchurch-Stouffville, 905-953-0562