In the Loop - November 5, 2026
KEY RESOURCES IN LANGLEY
- Guide to Key Websites and Resources: Here
- Instructional Services Website: For all your district-vetted resources K-12! Check it out!
- Aboriginal Resources vetted by the District: Here
- TCS Sites: Key resources are still being placed in these Teams. If you need access to one of these Teams, please email dzurbuchenjonker@sd35.bc.ca.
- TCS SS-Grade 3 - General | TCS Strong Start - Grade 3
- TCS Grade 4-8 - General | TCS-Grades 4-8
- TCS Secondary - General | TCS-Secondary
DISTRICT LEARNING COMMONS
The DLC is a lending library of classroom and teaching resources available to all school staff in the Langley School District. All of our items are available to view and book online through the Insignia Library system. We also deliver and pick up all the items you request through district mail twice per week (check with your admin assistant to see which days your deliveries are on).
Click here for more information, including login instructions: SD35 District Learning Commons
Featured DLC Resource:
Now available at the District Learning Commons! Math Place Number & Operations kits for grades 1-3
Math Place is a comprehensive Canadian classroom resource that focuses on balanced instruction through conceptual understanding and foundational math skills. Math Place strikes the perfect balance for primary teachers with embedded teacher support in every lesson, built-in assessment opportunities through observations and conversations, as well as three-part lesson that outline actual prompts for teachers to ask and highlight key math features.
Math Place B.C. features:
- Embedded professional learning, math content knowledge, and recent research assessment criteria
- First Peoples Principles of Learning woven through teaching material
- Purposeful discussions and 'math talks' within lessons
- Balanced instruction through guided, shared, and independent instruction
- Promotes positive attitudes and growth mindsets towards math
HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Indigenous Department November Newsletter | Read here
Above please find a link to the Langley Indigenous Department's November Newsletter. The newsletter is a fabulous resource of information around Indigenous education and learning and also includes links to some excellent teaching resources and lesson plans.
Indigenous Veterans Day & Indigenous Veterans Poppy Project | Veterans Day | Poppy Project
Jessica Bedard, Indigenous Education Department, and Brianna Parsons, Teacher Librarian at Shortreed Elementary, have created an Indigenous Veterans Day resource package to support classroom learning leading up to November 8.
The package includes a ready-to-use slide deck, Indigenous Veteran biography cards, discussion and reflection questions, and the Indigenous Veterans Poppy Project. Together, these resources help students learn about the service, sacrifices, experiences, and contributions of Indigenous Veterans while centring their individual stories.
The package includes resources for both K–3 and Grades 4–7, allowing teachers to choose materials appropriate for their learners.
ODYSSEY 2027
Call for Presenters | More info
Preparations are once again underway for Odyssey 2027 which will take place on Monday February 8, 2027. We are once again looking to fill our Odyssey program with workshops and breakout sessions facilitated by Langley School District staff. If you are interested and willing to offer your expertise or ideas at Odyssey 2027 this year, please see the flyer at the link above for more information as well as the link to the form to submit a workshop proposal. Please note that all workshop proposals are reviewed by the Odyssey planning team to determine suitability for the event.
DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Guided Reading Expeditions in the Middle Years with Stacey Bernier | On-Demand Learning Feature
The bookable National Geographic Theme sets from the District Learning Commons are an excellent resource! District Inclusion Teacher Stacey Bernier walks you through the differentiated student booklets and teacher planning guide so that you can begin planning, or add to your intermediate/middle school Guided Reading Program. Each theme set is linked to curriculum and are high interest, engaging books that you can start using to build or enhance your guided reading program.
Level-Up AAC! Augmentative & Alternative Communication | November 20, 2026 | Register Today!
This half-day workshop (select your time block when registering) provides an introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and how it can support students with complex communication needs. It explains the different types of AAC, from gestures and visual supports to speech-generating devices, and emphasizes that AAC is a student's voice rather than simply a tool for making choices. The presentation highlights evidence-based strategies such as presuming competence, modelling language throughout the day, building strong relationships, and supporting a wide range of communicative functions beyond requesting. It also encourages educators and support staff to create inclusive, communication-rich environments where AAC users can fully participate, connect with others, and develop meaningful language skills.
Supporting Students with Autism: Practical Strategies for Success | November 20, 2026 | Register Today!
This half-day workshop (select your session upon registration) will provide educators and support staff with practical, evidence-informed strategies to better support students with autism in school settings. Participants will explore the use of visual supports to increase understanding, independence, and predictability, learn how to develop and implement no-demand plans during times of stress or dysregulation, and examine the importance of pairing and preference assessments to build positive relationships and increase engagement. through discussion, examples, and collaborative problem-solving, attendees will leave with tools and strategies that can be immediately applied in their classrooms and learning environments.
Ukeru Training 2026-2027 | Multiple Dates, 2026-2027 | Register Today!
Special Education Assistants (SEAs) in the Langley School District are expected to renew their Ukeru training every two years. Content of this session includes Trauma-Informed Care, De-escalation Strategies, and Personal Protective Skills. This is single-day training. Only register for one day. If you need to change the day you are attending, please reach out to Professional Services (thinklangley@sd35.bc.ca), and they will assist you. Questions regarding the teaching should be directed to Cathy Gracie. This training is open to all district staff to whom these practices may apply.
EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Take Back Your Weekends From Marking | Canadian Assessment Centre | November 7, 2026 | Register
Join CAC Co-Founder Natalie Vardabasso (co-author of Rehumanizing Assessment) for a practical, research-aligned session exploring how to:
- Make feedback more meaningful so students actually use it
- Reduce the time spent writing comments without sacrificing impact
- Shift more of the thinking, reflecting, and improving back to students
BONUS: Attend live and receive Natalie's Feedback Toolkit for Student Ownership, filled with practical, ready-to-use resources.
Powerful Read Alouds with Adrienne Gear | November 17, 2026 | Register
Celebrate reading with Adrienne Gear and Powerful Read Alouds! Join this webinar for an exploration of the power of the read aloud and the joys of reading. Adrienne will share
how intentional read alouds can deepen and enrich literacy learning
how the right book can build joy, curiosity, and engagement
how to use read alouds to foster connections, discussion, and deep thinking
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES
Aldergrove Secondary Model United Nations (AMUN) - November 18 - AMUN 2026 Promo Poster.png
As diplomatic and political affairs continue to shape our world, it is more important than ever to develop informed global citizens who can navigate these complexities with sophistication and ease. Model United Nations (MUN) provides students with an invaluable opportunity to research global issues, debate solutions, negotiate resolutions, and deepen their understanding of their place in the world.
Aldergrove Community Secondary School (ACSS) is proud to invite you and your students to the second annual Aldergrove Model United Nations conference on Thursday, November 19, 2026. Following the success of our inaugural event, we are thrilled to expand our invitation beyond our district to welcome schools from Abbotsford and neighboring communities. Our MUN club students and staff have been working diligently to ensure this event produces an exceptional learning outcome for all attendees.
To provide a glimpse into the collaborative environment we are building, please watch our short video documentary showcasing highlights from last year’s conference. We invite your students to be part of this incredible event, stepping into the shoes of UN delegates to advocate for their assigned countries and collaborate with other world leaders.
This Year's Committees and Topics:
For this year's conference, we have expanded to offer dynamic committees to challenge our delegates:
European Union (EU): EU Trade Relations
Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM): Regulating AI and Digital Safety
World Health Organization (WHO): Healthcare Access in Conflict Zones
Historical Crisis: Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962
International Criminal Court (ICC): Reforming the ICC
Event Details and Logistics:
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026. Check-in begins at 8:45 AM, and the conference will run from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
Location: Aldergrove Community Secondary School (26850 29 Ave, Aldergrove, BC V4W 3C1).
Cost: There is no cost to attend; the event is completely free.
Supervision and Capacity: Each participating school is required to have a teacher sponsor accompany their students for the event. There is no limit on the number of delegates that can attend from each school.
Catering: A free lunch will be provided for all attendees.
Requirements: Schools are asked to ensure that permission forms are provided for registered students for the event.
Registration: Students can use this registration form to sign up. Registration closes on November 5th.
For any questions or concerns regarding the conference or logistics, please contact our MUN staff sponsors, Mr. Brendan Perry (BPerry@sd35.bc.ca) or Ms. Debbie Cave (DCave@sd35.bc.ca).
Help Us Find the Next Generation of Terry Fox Humanitarians | Application deadline December 2, 2026 | More info | Poster
Somewhere in your school, there’s a student with an idea that could make a real difference in their community. They might just need a little encouragement to take the next step. The Terry Fox Humanitarian Award offers $30,000 to help young Canadians turn their ideas for positive change into action. By putting up the poster and sharing this opportunity with students, you could help a young changemaker bring their vision to life. You never know which student might be ready to change things. Thank you for being there to help them get their idea off the ground.
The Bold Ambition Index | Education+ | Try It
Try out a new classroom activity from Shift Failure and have your students test their entrepreneurial spirit. The Bold Ambition Index gives each student their own score and opens up a great conversation about trying new things, taking chances, and bouncing back when things don't go as planned. This is a national survey from Shift Canada.
Bring Black Canadian History to Life in Your Schools: 2027 Tour | Story Theatre | More info
Story Theatre is a Victoria based theatre company that is offering a 2027 touring production, Living Histories: Mifflin Gibbs, an engaging, interactive performance that brings an important and often overlooked chapter of Black Canadian history into BC classrooms. Through the remarkable story of Mifflin Wistar Gibbs, the first Black person elected to public office in British Columbia, students are invited to discover the people and contributions that have shaped our shared history. As school districts continue to prioritize inclusive learning and representation, this performance offers a meaningful way to bring those commitments to life through theatre.
LEARNING RESOURCES
The Memory Project | Historica Canada | More info
To mark the 25th anniversary of the start of the war in Afghanistan, the Memory Project brought together three former Canadian Armed Forces medical and nursing officers - Major (retired) Marc Dauphin, Major (retired) Ray Wiss, and Captain (retired) Mary Ann Barber - for a candid panel discussion moderated by former CBC Morning Live host Heather Hiscox.
- Hear from Afghanistan War Medics in Your Classroom | Panel Discussion
Through personal stories of their best and worst days, and everything in between, the veterans revealed what it cost to save lives on the front lines. Their reflections can help students understand and explore medical innovation, resilience, and the human impact of war. - The Wartime Propaganda in Canada Resource Kit | Access here
This Kit helps students analyze media and shape their critical thinking skills, using real historical examples. - The Memory Project Archive | Access here
Here you will find a collection of first-hand accounts and stories from veterans of the Second World War, Korean War, and various Peacekeeping missions. It is a great way to incorporate primary sources into your classroom. - Book a Speaker information | Book here
Looking for more ways to engage with Canadian history? Invite a Memory Project Speaker to hear directly from someone who served in the Canadian Armed Forces! This program is available year-round, from coast to coast, completely free of charge. Request a speaker today and bring history to life.
News in Review | Curio | More info
Powered by CBC News, News in Review is pulled from the headlines and produced for the classroom. Video reports connect students to the forces shaping their world — from Canada's big news stories and science breakthroughs to cultural shifts and future careers. Each edition comes with ready-made teacher guides, talk prompts, activities and more. It’s zero-prep current events done right! A reminder that access to Curio is free to all teachers in the Langley SD. The News in Review companion teacher guides empower classrooms to:
- Weigh diverse perspectives using a media-literacy focus
- Dissect complex current events through collaborative challenges
- Sharpen critical thinking through discussion, research, role-playing, reflection and more!
The Coast Metro Math Project/Numeracy Website is an excellent, free resource for K-8 teachers. It contains a ton of great resources and lesson ideas for teachers to use around math and numeracy instruction. The website has recently been supplemented to include Math Practice Questions based on requests from teachers across the province. Teachers can access the website through the link above.
Critical Thinking Consortium (TC2) Access and Resources
The Langley School District is excited to share that we are now a partner of The Critical Thinking Consortium (TC²), an organization dedicated to fostering critical, creative, and collaborative thinking. Through this partnership, teachers will have access to free resources and tools designed to support your teaching and learning.
Here’s how to get started:
- Create your TC² account: https://tc2.ca/register Setting up your account is quick and easy, and it’s the key to accessing your benefits.
- Explore and bookmark resources: Discover tools and materials that meet your teaching and learning needs, and build a personalized collection by bookmarking your favourites.
- Unlimited free online resources, including competency tools, inquiry units, lesson plans and ready-to-use teaching and student materials.
- A Professional Library filled with articles, podcasts, videos, and other resources for teaching and learning.
- The ability to bookmark and save resources to create a personalized collection.
- Discounts on TC² publications and professional learning services.
- To learn more about TC² and explore additional offerings, visit tc2.ca. If you have any questions, feel free to contact The Critical Thinking Consortium at mail@tc2.ca.
Are you interested in learning more about how to increase student engagement and learner agency through inquiry and enhancing your students ability to think critically and ask good questions? Trevor Mackenzie is a BC educator who specializes in this work and he has been providing some excellent videos and resources to help teachers implement inquiry and questioning routines into the classroom. Trevor was the keynote presenter at our Langley Middle School Conference back in October where he introduced teachers to inquiry, classroom provocation and questioning routines. In the folders below you can find the video of Trevor's keynote along with 4 subsequent folders with shorter, 30 minute videos and accompanying resources that build off Trevor's keynote and dive deeper into the subjects outlined next to each folder. Please feel free to use these resources and share with others. You can also check out Trevor's books and other resources at his website at the link above.
- Keynote and Inquiry Graphics | More info
- Follow Up Video #1 | Question Continuum
- Follow Up Video #2 | Feedback
- Follow Up Video #3 | Structures for Independence
- Follow Up Video #4 | Follow Up Video #4 - Co-designing Success Criteria
PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL READINGS
TECH TIPS
