Families of Douglas Park,

We hope you are having a wonderful May long weekend!

Last week was another awesome week at Douglas Park. Our students continue to amaze us with their hard work, determination, creativity, and growth. From the kindergarten classrooms to the upper grades, their enthusiasm for learning is inspiring. There are so many great learning activities happening around the school, and it is awesome to see our kids working hard and having fun.

One of the egg-citing (pun intended!) learning experiences at Douglas Park over the last few weeks has been the hatching of chicken, duck, and quail eggs in our primary classrooms. The anticipation for the new baby birds was easy to feel as students watched the eggs in their incubators, waiting for that magical moment when tiny beaks would break through the shells. The wonder and curiosity in their eyes were contagious. Questions flowed freely: “How does the chick breathe inside the egg?” “Why does it peck from the inside?” And when those fluffy baby birds finally emerged, it was as if the classroom had transformed into a cozy barnyard. Our young learners wasted no time naming their feathered friends. Bob, Steve, and Pickles are just a few examples of the creative names the kids came up with. The baby birds have become more than just classroom visitors; they’re cherished companions. Students take turns holding them, feeling their downy feathers, and watching closely as the little birds explore their surroundings and grow before their eyes.

These hands-on experiences provide rich learning opportunities for our students. They spark curiosity, encouraging students to ask questions about life cycles, habitats, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Whether it’s measuring the birds’ growth, observing their behaviours, or reading bird-themed stories, our classrooms are abuzz with excitement. These experiences also offer important life lessons in empathy, responsibility, and wonder.

As we approach the final month of this academic year, we are so proud of the hard work and growth of our students. The kids have grown into confident learners, building proficiency in their academics and demonstrating incredible progress as learners. We want to thank our families for their ongoing support of our students and school community. We look forward to continuing to support the development of our students and celebrating their remarkable achievements.

Wishing you a restful long weekend, filled with joy, laughter, and perhaps a few more sunny days. 

Looking forward to another awesome week at school!

Mr. Touzeau

Proud Principal

As always, we want to acknowledge that the Langley School District works, learns and plays on the unceded ancestral lands of the Matsqui, Kwantlen, Katzie and Semiahmoo First Nations.

Good Things to Talk About

Painting with Big Buddies - Ms. Yoon’s class joined their big buddies in Ms. Di Sabatino’s class to design and paint the flower planter in front of their classrooms. The planter has been part of our school for many years and was in need of some care after becoming weathered over time. Together, students worked collaboratively to bring it back to life, planning their design and carefully painting it to make it bright, welcoming, and beautiful again. It was a wonderful example of teamwork, creativity, and school pride.

Butterfly Learning - Ms. Olafson’s class has been learning all about butterflies by watching their caterpillars grow and change through the life cycle. This week, the butterflies emerged from their cocoons and students had the special experience of releasing them into one of our school gardens. Alongside this, students explored symmetry by painting one side of a butterfly, folding the paper in half, and then opening it to reveal a symmetrical print, helping them see how symmetry works in a simple, hands-on way. 

Learning About Measurement - Ms. MacKay’s class started their measurement unit this week. Students began by discussing what it means to measure and different ways we can measure objects. They then used Unifix cubes to explore non-standard measurement, starting by measuring their shoes before moving on to find and measure items around the classroom. This hands-on approach helped students build their understanding of measurement through practical, meaningful exploration. 

Compound Words - Ms. Shaw’s class has been learning about compound words. Students have been practicing identifying, writing, and using compound words in both words and sentences. Through these activities, they are strengthening their understanding of how smaller words can be combined to create new meanings, while also building confidence in their writing and sentence structure.

Science Experiments - Ms. Egmore’s class has been exploring a range of science experiments in groups as part of their learning. Students have researched, planned, and recreated experiments to demonstrate scientific concepts to their classmates, including water filtration systems, elephant toothpaste reactions, and the Coca-Cola and Mentos reaction. Through these hands-on activities, students are learning about chemical reactions, how different variables can affect outcomes, and the importance of observation, teamwork, and explaining their thinking clearly.

Field Trip to the Zoo - Ms. Mackenzie’s and Ms. Knight’s classes had an awesome field trip to the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Students enjoyed exploring the zoo, seeing a variety of animals up close, and learning more about their habitats, behaviours, and how zoos support conservation and animal care. Trips like this are a great opportunity to bring classroom learning to life while also giving students the chance to spend time together, build friendships, and create lasting memories. It was a fun and memorable day of learning for everyone. 

Martial Arts - We were excited to welcome Excel Martial Arts coach Leanne to our school, who worked with our Grade 4 and 5 students to introduce a variety of martial arts skills. Students learned foundational movements while building coordination, balance, strength, and agility through fun, hands-on activities. Coach Leanne also emphasized the importance of focus, respect, and perseverance throughout the sessions. Our students participated enthusiastically, trying their best and challenging themselves as they learned new skills. It was an engaging and active experience that supported both physical development and personal growth, and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from such a skilled instructor.

Learning About Camouflage - Ms. Regier’s class has been very excited to have baby quail hatch right in their classroom as part of their learning about animals. Students have been learning about animal adaptations, including how camouflage helps animals stay safe in the wild. After learning about this, students created their own camouflage quail and then challenged Mr. Touzeau to try and find them hidden around the classroom. It was a fun activity that showed how well students understand camouflage while also bringing a lot of excitement and engagement to their learning.  

Opinion Writing - Ms. Carter’s class has been learning about opinion writing. Students have been practicing how to share their ideas clearly and support them with reasons, using sentence starters to help organize their thoughts. They have been working on expressing their opinions in complete sentences and learning how to explain why they think a certain way. This has helped students become more confident writers and better at sharing their thinking with others.

Novel Studies - During small group novel studies in Mr. Boehmer’s class, students spend time working closely with their teacher to deepen their understanding of the story they are reading. They focus on exploring new vocabulary, using dictionaries and context clues to figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words. Students also discuss the text together, share ideas, and practice using evidence from the story to support their thinking. These small group sessions help students build reading comprehension, strengthen their vocabulary, and become more confident readers.

Literacy Centres - During literacy centres in Ms. Mackenzie’s class, students rotate through different activities to help them practice and build their reading and writing skills with support from teachers. They take part in guided reading with their teacher, word work with another teacher, listening to reading, and reading with a partner. These activities help students build vocabulary, improve their understanding of stories, and practice reading both independently and with others, while growing their confidence as readers. 

Morning Journals - Students in Mr. Lee’s class start each morning by writing in their journals about important or memorable events from the day before. They use a “first, next, last” structure to help organize their ideas in order and make their writing clear and easy to follow. This daily routine gives students time to reflect on their experiences while also practicing how to retell events in a logical sequence. Over time, this helps students strengthen their writing skills, build confidence, and become more thoughtful storytellers.

The Week Ahead

Monday

• Victoria Day (School Closed)

Tuesday

• Lunch Time Hockey for Grade 4s and 5s

Wednesday

• Choir Practice at 2:45 pm
• TeamUp Soccer from 6:00 - 7:30 pm on Back Field

Thursday

• TeamUp Basketball from 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Friday

• Lunch Time Hockey for Grade 3s
• PAC Freezie Friday at 2:30 pm (See Poster Below in PAC News)

Month at a Glance

May 18th - Victoria Day (School Closed)

May 25th - May 29th - Operation Waterproof for Grade 5 Students

May 27th - Regional Track Meet

June 2nd - Class Pictures

June 9th - Talent Show

June 10th - Earthquake Drill

June 13th - Langley Community Days

June 16th - Beach Day

June 18th - LSS Grad Walk

June 23rd - Grade 5 Farewell Ceremony at 12:30 pm

June 24th - Sports Day

June 25th - Last Day of School (Dismissal at 11:30 am)

PAC News

Message from the PAC – We are looking for parents to join our Parent Advisory Council (PAC). The purpose of the PAC is to organize activities and events and to encourage parent involvement in the school. PAC meetings are the place to bring ideas for creating social events for fundraising or simply to bring the community together. Meetings are held once a month and you are welcome to bring your little ones to our meetings. Some examples of what the PAC does are:

• Movie Nights
• Hot Lunch
• Popcorn Day
• Chess Tournament

Please join us, we’d love to have some new PAC members and we look forward to meeting you. Upcoming meetings are in the school newsletter!

Upcoming PAC Events

• Freezie Friday

Next Meeting Time

• TBD

Messages from the PAC

If you want to help us organize or assist with any event, please shoot us an email at pacdouglaspark@gmail.com.

– Douglas Park PAC

Updates and Reminders

Free Youth Football Camp - We are excited to share a FREE Youth Football Camp for students in Grades 2–5, running June 29–July 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the HD Stafford grass field. This fun, inclusive camp is open to students of all skill levels and focuses on building confidence, teamwork, skills, and connections in a supportive environment. Participants will receive a camp T-shirt, snacks, and drinks each day, and the week will conclude with a BBQ celebration on the final day. Registration details can be found on the camp poster, which includes a QR code.

Summer Reading Club - We are excited to share that the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) Summer Reading Club is back for another summer of reading, learning, and fun! This free program encourages students of all ages to stay engaged with reading over the summer in a fun and flexible way. Whether children are reading independently, with family, or listening to stories, every bit of reading counts. Participants can track their reading, set personal goals, and celebrate their progress along the way. The Summer Reading Club is a great way to help students maintain and strengthen their reading skills while enjoying books that spark their imagination and interests. Families can register through the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) website or at their local branch.

Support Our Library with Excel Martial Arts! - We’re excited to partner with Excel Martial Arts to support the Douglas Park library. For just $20, families can purchase a Promotional Activity Card that includes:

• One month of martial arts training in June
• A free Excel Martial Arts T-shirt

Best of all, 100% of proceeds go directly to our school library!

Only 50 passes are available. When purchasing, please include either:
• The name of a Douglas Park student to receive the pass, or
• “Student” if you would like staff to choose a student on your behalf.

Purchase online: https://sd35.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/87036/111/False/True
Cash payments (exact change only) may also be sent to the school.

Thank you for supporting our students and school library!

Communication Partner Summer Session - The Langley School District is offering a very unique learning opportunity this summer. The Communication Partner Summer Learning Session gives kids a fun chance to learn how to be great communication partners while helping a friend from their school. Through games, hands‑on activities, and trying out cool communication tools, they can grow their confidence and learn new ways to connect with others. Families also get time at the end of the day to meet with staff and learn how everyone works together to support all kinds of communicators. 

Location: Douglas Park Community School - 5409 206^th St. 

Dates: July 6-17, 2026

Time: Monday- Friday 9:00 am - 12:30pm. 

 Please see the link below for information about how to enroll your child. 

CPSLS-CP parent letter (DPCS).pdf

French Immersion Registration - If you are interested in registering your child for Late French Immersion (Starting in Grade 6), please see the poster below.

Community Schools Update: New Resource for Families - We’re excited to launch our new Facebook group, Douglas Park Community Connection—a dedicated space for sharing local community services, programs, and events for families.

Resources are organized in the “Guides” section, making it easy to:

• Search by topic (e.g., summer camps, food security, health services)
• Access important, ongoing community supports in one place

This is a growing hub and will be updated regularly with new opportunities. If you know of a helpful community resource, please contact klangford@sd35.bc.ca.

Join here: https://tinyurl.com/facebookDPCommunityConnection

Langley Flag Football – Now in Langley! - A great new opportunity for kids ages 4–16 to get active and have fun every Friday evening at Josette Dandurand.

This program is:

• Co-ed and non-contact
• For beginners to experienced players
• No travel, no cuts, and NFL-style teams/jerseys
• Focused on fun and learning the game

Financial support is available—fees can be waived and cleats provided if needed so every child can participate.

Questions: LangleyFlag@gmail.com
Learn more: https://www.langleyflag.ca/

Youth Vaping Information (from Fraser Health) - Health, safety, and wellness continue to be a priority in our schools. To help support our students and families, we are sharing important information from our community partner Fraser Health about youth vaping for school-aged children and youth. Please see below for helpful guidelines and resources to support your child.

Vaping is popular among youth. Daily or near-daily use can increase the risk of mental and physical health harm.

In 2023, 26 per cent of youth in grades seven through 12 in British Columbia reported having vaped. The most common age that B.C. youth first tried vaping was 13. 

How to support youth to prevent, delay or reduce vaping 

It is important to be supportive and recognize that setbacks may happen. You can help by being a positive role model and offering guidance in the following ways: 

·         Have open conversations about vaping. Listen to your child’s beliefs and offer accurate information to help them understand the risks involved. 

·         Practice refusal skills with your child by discussing ways they can say no to vaping, especially in situations that feel uncomfortable to them. 

·         Be honest about your own use of tobacco, cannabis or vaping products. Share any health impacts or challenges you’ve experienced. 

·         If you vape, avoid vaping around children to limit their exposure to second-hand vapour. Consider quitting or reducing vaping to improve your own health. For help, contact Quit Now, a provincially funded nicotine cessation program. 

·         Store vapour products securely and out of reach of children and youth. 

·         Tip sheet for parents: Talking with your teen about vaping  

Learn more about vaping products here.

For more information about child and youth substance use, including services, programs and resources available for children and youth, visit Fraser Health's website. 

School Community Coordinator - We are excited to share that Ms. Langford, a valued member of our team at Douglas Park Community School, has moved into a new role as School Community Coordinator. We are thrilled to see her step into this position and continue supporting our school community in new and meaningful ways. Please see the poster below for more details!

Reminder for Families: Electric Scooters - Electric scooters are not allowed on school property. In British Columbia, riders must be at least 16 years old and wear a helmet, and electric kick scooters cannot be used on sidewalks or public roads. The school will not be storing electric scooters for students, to help encourage following these safety rules. We ask that families talk with their children to make sure they understand and follow the age and safety requirements.

Inclusion Langley Family Support Group – We are excited to be hosting a family support group organized by Inclusion Langley. The group will be meeting once a month in the SWIS portable and exploring various topics for supporting families who care for children aged birth to 12 years old with support needs.

Langley Family Support Group at Douglas Park 2025:2026.pd

This month’s meeting topic is “Discounts and Special Offers for Persons with Disabilities.”

Date and Time: Friday, May 29, 2026 | 1:00–3:00 pm
Location: SWIS Portable, Douglas Park Community School, 5409 206 Street, Langley

Additional Information:
• Light refreshments will be provided
• Childminding is available 

How To Register:

To register or for more information, please contact:

Nellie Slater, Family Support Coordinator with Inclusion Langley Society
Phone: 604-996-5244 | Email: familysupport@inclusionlangley.com 

TeamUp Soccer  - TeamUp is excited to offer a free soccer program for Douglas Park students every Wednesday from 6:00–7:30 pm on the back field. Registration forms were sent home before Spring Break. If you didn’t receive one and would like to sign your child up, they can ask Ms. Di Sabatino for a form, or you can register in person at the field, where TeamUp staff will have extras available. Please see the poster below for more details:

Douglas Park Just Be Four (JB4) Preschool (Registration Open for September 2026) -Langley School District operates a licenced 4 year old preschool program at Douglas Park Elementary.  Registration is now open for September 2026-2027. Classes operate on Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays or Tuesdays/Thursdays from 12:45-3:15. Please complete the contact form below and our staff will connect with you regarding securing a space for your child.  Please contact Charlene Redekop at credekop@sd35.bc.ca for further information.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=rvqr_Ar4dE-2p7oVwqS7JIz2vmItILtGrl0qa8negQtUN1JaVkNWN1MxMTVOUTNBR0pIUTNPWFAyQS4u

The Mane Event - Saturday, May 23, 2026 - If you’re looking for something a little different this spring, The Mane Event is worth a spot on your calendar. Hosted at Thunderbird Show Park, this Kentucky Derby-inspired afternoon brings together community and world-class show jumping, all in support of Langley students. It’s a chance to step away from the everyday and experience something elevated, social, and meaningful. All proceeds support programs that help remove barriers for students, ensuring they have access to the opportunities they deserve. 

https://lsdf.org/mane-event/

Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL) Reading Advisor - FVRL Reading Advisor is a free resource for everyone living or studying in communities served by FVRL, including Langley. The Reading Advisor service offers personalized book recommendations for readers of all ages, making it an excellent support for students and staff across the Langley School District. All that is required is to fill out a short form about your reading interests, and trained library staff respond with a customized reading list based on genre, themes, age level, and preferred formats (print, eBook, audiobook, graphic novel, etc.) This is ideal for boosting reading engagement, supporting diverse learning needs, and possibly helping teachers quickly discover high‑quality texts for classroom use. This free community resource extends the capacity of school libraries and connects learners with a broader range of inclusive and accessible materials and would be a great resource to share with students and other staff to help them find some new great reads for over spring break. Happy Reading!

https://www.fvrl.bc.ca/my-reading-adviser 

 International Student Program Homestay Families - Embark on a rewarding journey of cultural exchange! The District is seeking homestay families to host International Student Program (ISP) students for the 2026-2027 school year and beyond. There are many benefits including learning a new culture, sharing your family traditions, and developing life-long friendships. Homestay families are provided $1200 per month to offset costs. Start your journey here: Students & Homestay

Homestay Families Poster.pdf

Privacy Reminder: Recording Devices in Schools - To protect the privacy and security of all students, staff, and visitors, the Langley School District reminds parents and students that digital recording devices, such as Meta Glasses and AngelSense Trackers, are not permitted at school for staff, students, nor members of the community. If parents have concerns about safety and supervision, please refer to our robust district planning (Student Success Plans, Plans of Supervision), and supervision schedules. If parents still have concerns about supervision, please reach out to your Director for guidance. This policy is in place to ensure compliance with the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the District’s procedures for responsible information management.

Parking Lot Safety Reminder - Thank you for helping us keep our students safe! A quick reminder that our parking lot is for staff only. The front area is a drop-off/pick-up zone—please stay in your car so traffic can keep flowing smoothly. If you need to park, street parking is available along 205 Street by the back field. Adding a couple of extra minutes to your commute helps ensure a safe and efficient experience for everyone. We appreciate your continued support in putting safety first!

Nut Aware Policy - At our school, the safety of all students is a top priority. While we cannot guarantee a completely nut-free environment, we are a nut-aware school. This means we ask families to avoid sending peanut or tree-nut products (such as peanut butter, Nutella, or almond snacks) to school, as even small traces can cause serious allergic reactions. Any food brought to school for sharing, such as for birthdays or classroom celebrations, must be store-bought with a clear list of ingredients so we can ensure it is safe for all students with allergies. Food from restaurants (such as Tim Hortons) is also allowed as long as ingredients can be confirmed. Please check with your child’s teacher before bringing in treats so we can make sure everyone is included safely. Students are reminded not to share food and to wash their hands after eating to help reduce the risk of accidental exposure. Families of children with life-threatening allergies are asked to provide the school with the necessary medical forms and prescribed EpiPens each year. Staff are trained to recognize and respond to allergic reactions, and emergency procedures are in place. By working together, we can help keep our school community safe and welcoming for everyone.

Breakfast Program – The breakfast program is open Monday – Friday from 7:30 – 8:27 AM. It is located in the Boys & Girls Club Portable. The program is FREE for all Douglas Park students. It is run by volunteers and supported through donations. You do not need to register for this program. Parents/guardians are welcome to join their child(ren). For more information about the breakfast program, please contact the school office.

Strong Start – Douglas Park Strong Start hours are 8:30 - 11:30 am with a first come first served limit of 20 children. To register for the 2025/2026 Strong Start year, please bring a birth certificate to be copied. A registration form can be filled out at your first visit.

Parent Code of Conduct - The Langley School District is committed to fostering safe and caring schools that promote mutual respect, cooperation, social responsibility, and support optimal learning. Trauma Informed Practices and Procedures promote the creation and maintenance of safe, inclusive, equitable, welcoming, and nurturing school environments. Families play an important role in helping students achieve success as well as helping create a compassionate learning community. Just as students are expected to follow the District’s Student Code of Conduct, there is an expectation for parents/guardians to uphold the District’s Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct. The District’s Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct can be viewed on the District’s website here.

Attendance – If your child is going to be away or late please be sure to call the office and leave a message @ 604-533-4491 or email DPCAttendance@sd35.bc.ca.

FaceBook – Be sure to follow us on Facebook for updated information

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Douglasparkcommunityelementary

Bell Schedule

8:42 – Warning Bell

8:47 – Instruction Begins

10:10-10:25 – Recess

11:47-12:20 – Lunch

2:30 – Dismissal

School Calendar 2025/26 – Please click the link below to access our school calendar for the year. It provides general dates about when the school is open and closed.

Douglas Park School Calendar 2025:26.pdf