Diamond Trail - School Improvement Plan February 2016 Our academic goals include: Literacy: Building confidence, risk taking, and a community of readers and writers Students thinking about reading and communicating their thinking Students being able to organize and express their ideas in writing (including topic development) Numeracy: Building a community of mathematicians - celebrating mistakes, explaining our thinking, justifying our answers, being risk takers, and building confidence Students being able to solve multi-step math problems Developing a deeper understanding of balanced mathematics and making connections between strands These goals are currently being reviewed by staff. We will post any revisions as they occur.

CRITICAL THINKING “Critical thinking is the identification and evaluation of evidence to guide decision making. A critical thinker uses broad in-depth analysis of evidence to make decisions and communicate his/her beliefs clearly and accurately." A SUPER-STREAMLINED CONCEPTION OF CRITICAL THINKING Assuming that critical thinking is reasonable reflective thinking focused on deciding what to believe or do, a critical thinker: 1. Is open-minded and mindful of alternatives. 2. Tries to be well-informed. 3. Judges well the credibility of sources. 4. Identifies conclusions, reasons, and assumptions. 5. Judges well the quality of an argument, including the acceptability of its reasons, assumptions, and evidence. 6. Can well develop and defend a reasonable position. 7. Asks appropriate clarifying questions. 8. Formulates plausible hypotheses; plans experiments well. 9. Defines terms in a way appropriate for the context. 10. Draws conclusions when warranted, but with caution. 11. Integrates all items in this list when deciding what to believe or do. Try these strategies with your child(ren) at home:

Ask open-ended questions. Asking questions that do not have one right answer encourages children to respond creatively without being afraid of giving the wrong answer. Categorize and classify. Classification plays an important role in critical thinking because it requires identification and

sorting according to a rule, or set of rules, that kids must discover, understand and apply. If you play classification games at home, be sure to follow up the activity with questions about the similarities and differences between the groups. You can sort everything from dirty laundry to Legos to produce to doll clothes to promote critical thinking.

Work in groups. In a group setting, students are exposed to the thought processes of their peers. Thus, they can begin to understand how others think and that there are multiple ways of approaching problems — not just one correct way.

Make decisions. Help your child consider pros and cons, but don't be afraid to let her make a wrong choice. Then evaluate the decision later. Ask your child, "How do you feel about your decision? What would you do differently next

time?"

Pam Spero Principal

905-734-3208

Amy Morocco Vice-Principal 905-734-3208

Wes Hahn Superintendent 905-641-1550

Sue Barnett Trustee

905-734-7110

Cell Phone Policy

At Diamond Trail, we recognize the fact that many of our students bring cell phones to school, and also that parents may prefer that their children have phones with them on the way to and from school, for safety reasons. We certainly support anything that contributes to the safety and well being of our students. However, we also take into consideration that cell phones can have a negative impact if they are misused in the school environment. A student with access to a cell phone during a lesson can become distracted from his or her learning, and there have been numerous accounts of students texting one another during class. There have also been accounts of cyber-bullying occurring during the school day through cell phone communication.

With this in mind, our policy is to allow students to bring cell phones to school, provided that they remain out of sight and are not used on school property without teacher approval. If a student needs to call home, they will be allowed to use the school phone. If parents need to contact their child, they may call the school. Should a student refrain from complying with the cell phone policy by using their cell phone without permission at school, the following steps will be taken. The first time, the student will be asked to put the phone away. The second time, the phone will be taken away and returned to the student at the end of the day. Parents will be informed. The third time, the phone will be taken away and the parent will be asked to come and pick up the phone. Thank you for helping to support student success.

DREAMBOX LEARNING MATH PROGRAM

Diamond Trail 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. Your child can access DreamBox from any computer, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 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. The link to use from home is https://play.dreambox.com/login/42cv/diamondtp You can also receive additional support by contacting DreamBox Client Care at 877-451-7845 or email sup-port@dreambox.com.

Pink Shirt Day (and Everyday)

Here is a snippet of the Globe & Mail article:

“David Shepherd, Travis Price and their

teenage friends organized a high-school

protest to wear pink in sympathy with a

Grade 9 boy who was being bullied [for

wearing a pink shirt]…[They] took a stand

against bullying when they protested

against the harassment of a new Grade 9

student by distributing pink T-shirts to all the

boys in their school. „I learned that two

people can come up with an idea, run with

it, and it can do wonders,‟ says Mr. Price, 17,

who organized the pink protest. „Finally,

someone stood up for a weaker kid.‟ So Mr.

Shepherd and some others headed off to a

discount store and bought 50 pink tank

tops. They sent out a message to school-

mates that night, and the next morning they

hauled the shirts to school in a plastic bag.

As they stood in the foyer handing out the

shirts, the bullied boy walked in. His face

spoke volumes. „It looked like a huge weight

was lifted off his shoulders,‟ Mr. Price re-

called. The bullies were never heard from

again.” Diamond Trail challenges it staff and

students to commit to a bully-free lifestyle

and to consider wearing pink on Feb 24,

2016.

DRAGONS DEN ASSEMBLY

Wednesday, February 3rd at 11:30 am.

PARKING LOT SAFETY Before and after school our parking lot seems to be quite busy. We are asking parents to please be patient and careful while driving through the parking areas around the school. Often students are getting off the buses and are not thinking about the vehicle traffic that may be coming between the buses. We want to see every child arrive safely to school. PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE HANDICAP spaces unless you have a Handicap Parking Permit.

Schneiders Lunch Mate

Diamond Trail will accept any Schneiders Lunch Mate cardboard packaging. We are able to collect points to purchase learning materials for free. Check out lunchmateclub.ca for more details. There is a drop off box in the Office!

Upcoming Events @ the Library

Wii After School (5-12 years) Mondays, starting January 11: 4:00-5:00pm After a long day at school, what could be more fun than video games? The library has the Wii and the games. All you need to do is show up. (No session Monday, February 15.) Drop-in Storybook BINGO (family) Tuesdays, starting January 12: 6:00-6:30pm Learning to read can be fun! You and your child will be engaged in a game based storytime that will have you yelling out your favourite word…BINGO! No registration required. Craft Attack (family) Wednesdays, starting January 13: 4:00-7:30pm Drop-in, bring friends and craft away at our crafting table. Join us weekly and try creating an original piece of art. No registration required. Minute to Win It (8 years and up) Thursdays, starting : 4:00-5:00pm No challenge is too big or too small when your goal is to earn the title Champion of All. No registration required. Fantastic Flicks (family) Saturdays: 12:30pm Get in from the cold and enjoy the following family friendly movies: February 6: Pre-Release: The Peanuts Movie (93 minutes), February 20: The Games Maker (111 mins) After the Bell: Easy Cooking (8 years and up) Tuesdays, February 9-April 19: 4:00-5:00pm You and your friends are invited to learn how to follow simple recipes and create quick and delicious meals. Recipes include surimi sandwich, wacky dips, smoothies and more. In partnership with the Welland Neighbourhood Project, you'll also learn kitchen basics, health and nutrition tips and receive a book as part of the Read to Feed program. This program is free, thanks to the support of the Welland Neighbourhood Project.

There are new afterschool programs at the library this winter! Stop by and check them out.

PIZZA ORDERS Pizza order forms are sent home on Wednesdays and are to be returned by Friday.

EARLY RELEASE DAY Friday, February 12th

FAMILY DAY Monday, February 15th

NO SCHOOL!

SICK CHILDREN When to keep your child at home. Please keep your child at home and away from others if he or she has any of these symptoms:

Fever Diarrhea Vomiting Rash Frequent coughing or sneezing Yellow or green discharge from the

nose, ears, or eyes Sore throat

Contact your family doctor for advice about care and treatment. For more information, talk to your school nurse.

February is heart health month, a great time to assess habits and make healthy life-style choices to decrease your risk of heart disease; eat healthy, be physically active and reduce your stress level. Contact your school nurse for more information. Parent councils…why not organize a CPR training event for parents and caregivers? Visit www.heartniagara.com for more information.

BELL TIMES

Time Activity Instruction Time

8:50-10:35

Instructional Block 1 100 minutes

10:35-11:20

Fitness/Nutrition Break

11:20-1:00 Instructional Block 2 100 minutes

1:00-1:45 Fitness/Nutrition Break

1:45-3:25 Instructional Block 3 100 minutes

Stop The Spread of Infection 1. Stay home if you are sick and return when

you are well

2. Wash your hands with soap and water or

use a hand sanitizer

3. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue

or in your sleeve

4. Keep your distance

5. Get a flu shot

For more information, talk to your school nurse

or go to www.niagararegion.ca/health

DIAMOND TRAIL SCHOOL COUNCIL

Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Febru-

ary, 23rd at 6:00pm. Please mark this date in your

calendar and plan to attend our meeting in the

Library conference room.

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 cancelled but schools remain open, or if your child is ill or late, please ensure that the school to inform them of your child’s ab-sence. 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 CKEY (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

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURES

BREAKFAST CLUB NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!!

MORE STUDENTS ARE ATTENDING OUR PROGRAM AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

FOOD DONATIONS

100% Apple Juice or Orange Juice, Whole Wheat Bagels, Whole Wheat Bread, Whole Pitas, Whole Wheat English Muffins,

Raisin Bread, Yogurt, Yogurt Tubes, Cheese Slices, Mild Brick Cheese,

Mozzarella Cheese, Shreddies, Life Cereal, Multi-grain Cheerios,

Blueberry or Whole Wheat Waffles, Pancake Mix, Syrup, Cereal Bars,

Whole Wheat Crackers, Oatmeal Cookies, Ranch Dip, Mild Salsa, Jam, Cheese Whiz, Carrots, Celery, Cucumbers,

Apples, Oranges, Any Fruit

MANY THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR

SUPPORT!!!

ATTENTION PARENTS!!!!

Bullying vs. Conflict

We need to clearly identify the difference between conflict and bullying, in order to appropriately respond to bullying

incidents. While the two seem similar in some instances, there is actually a distinct difference. Bullying is a persistent pattern of unwelcome or aggressive behaviour that often involves an imbalance of power, and/or the intention to harm or humiliate someone. Conflict on the other hand is generally a disagreement or difference in opinion between peers who typically have equal power in their relationships. It’s usually an inevitable part of a group dynamic.

Bullying or conflict?

Two female members of the school basketball team are arguing with each other over the loss of a recent game. One of the girls is blaming the other for letting the opposing team knock the ball out of her hands before she could throw it. The other girl is saying it’s her teammate's fault because she didn’t pass the ball to her during the last few seconds of the game. They continue to fight until their coach gets involved and tells the girls to stop arguing.

This is an example of conflict. Both girls have equal power and are disagreeing over the outcome of a game. Neither is threatened or harmed, and neither is showing signs of humiliation or distress. If one of the girls continued to blame the other and started calling her names, taunting her outside of the gymnasium or even getting others to gang up on her for the purpose of hurting her feelings or alienating her from her team and peers, that would be considered bullying.

Warning Signs Children and youth who are being victimized by a bully, or who have become a bully themselves, will often display changes in their behaviour. It’s important that you as a parent know the warning signs, and pay attention to any signs that your child may be exhibiting. It doesn’t necessarily mean they are involved in bullying, but it may indicate the need to start a conversation and check in with your child. Signs that your child is being bullied Children and youth who are being bullied by others will often display a change in behaviour or emotions, like:

Not wanting to go to school or participate in extra-curricular activities Anxious, fearful or over-reactive Shows low self-esteem and makes negative comments about him/herself or a former friend Regular complaints of stomach aches, headaches, and other physical symptoms without any particular cause Lower interest and performance in school (i.e. drop in grades, development of learning issues) Injuries, bruising, damaged clothing or broken items Unhappy and irritable Trouble sleeping, nightmares, bedwetting Frequent crying Threatens to hurt him/herself or others Significant changes in social life (i.e. no one is calling or inviting him/her out)

Signs that your child is a bully

Children and youth who bully may show signs that they are using power aggressively, such as: Little concern for the feelings of others Aggressive with siblings, parents, teachers, friends and animals Bossy and manipulative to get his/her own way Coming home with unexplained objects or extra money Secretive about possessions, activities or where they have been Easily frustrated and quickly angered Believe aggression is an acceptable way to resolve conflicts Abuse others physically or verbally Get into fights and blame others for starting them Have a need to dominate others Have two or three friends who are also aggressive Hang out with increasingly younger children