In the Loop -February 12, 2026

It is all about relationship

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
    • TCS Grade 4-8
    • TCS Secondary

DISTRICT LEARNING COMMONS

The DLC is your one stop shop for useful resources to enhance your teaching available to all school staff in the Langley School District. You don’t need to buy everything for all of your lessons yourself! We deliver and pick up all the items you request through district mail twice per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays). Links to all the info below:

  • View and book online through Insignia Library system | Here
  • Find instructions, an area to check out new resources, request new resources and report lost or damages kits | Here
  • Sign out instructions | Here

ChompSaw now available through the DLC
ChompSaw is a specialized, kid-safe power tool designed to cut cardboard, paper, and foam for craft projects without using traditional blades. Operating like a high-speed, reciprocating, small-scale hole punch under a protective guard, it prevents injury to fingers, hair, and clothing. It is ideal for STEAM education and building 3D cardboard structures.  

 The set includes essential accessories: a detachable safety guard, adjustable guide rail, and a multi-angle miter box for accurate cuts. Ergonomically designed handles ensure comfort and control during extended use. Ideal for classrooms, makerspaces, and hobbyists seeking reliable performance.

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Check it out here! Don't forget to log in!

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

*NEW!* Follow us on our UDL/Mentorship Instagram! @sd35mentorshipmoments
We post lots of events, teacher tips, UDL strategies, and more!

Interested in Becoming a Mentor? 

We are looking for Mentors in the following areas:

  1. Resource (Middle - LSS family of schools)
  2. Science/Chem 10 (REMSS family of schools)
  3. General secondary - Gr 9/10/12 (REMSS family of schools)
  4. Math/Science 9 (LSS family of schools)

Please email teachermentorship@sd35.bc.ca if you’re interested in becoming a Mentor in any of these areas or for other upcoming Mentees.  
 
New to the District or a New Role? 
If you’re a newer teacher looking for mentorship, please fill out the Mentee Information Sheet on the LTA website. Once completed, please email it to teachermentorship@sd35.bc.ca to join our program! 
 
Upcoming Events: 

Book Club: Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian Reserve, a White Town, and the Road to Reconciliation.  

1) February 24th: 4-5pm TEAMS 

2) April 14th: 4-5pm TEAMS 

3) May 5th 4-6pm SBO HUB 

HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Climbing the Mountain Educator Guidebook - Niigaan Sinclair | CTM Educator Guidebook
Niigaan Sinclair, our Keynote Speaker at Odyssey, has shared this incredible resource, the Climbing the Mountain Educator Guidebook.  The Guidebook contains activities and educational materials that embody the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and is an exceptional way to train and retain employees and produce healthy relationships with Indigenous communities, breaking new and important ground, while reminding us that change comes from courage, strength and innovation in this work. The guidebook is a useful tool for all educators.  You can access and share the guidebook which can be found at the link above.

DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

The Power of Playful Inquiry with Susan Harris MacKay | On-Demand Learning Feature
Children use play to understand their worlds - so schools should take advantage of this evolutionary strategy for meaning making. Playful inquiry supports lifelong engagement in an evolving world, advancing participation, voice, and perspective-taking. This approach to learning invites adults and children to negotiate uncertainty and ambiguity in a community of people with divergent beliefs and values. Through processes that reflect a strong image of the child, and heighten empathy, reflection, and imagination, playful inquiry supports communities characterized by courage and collaboration.

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Livestream Event with Dr. David Fainstein | POPEY | February 13, 2026 | More info | Register
POPFASD is hosting a livestream Prevention Literacy: Building Tier 1 with Protective Factors. This session explores how Tier 1 scaffolds and functional literacy act as a protective foundation to stabilize processing gaps and prevent student burnout. By using this proactive approach, educators can reclaim instructional time and preserve their own wellness while ensuring that every student has the external brain support they need to succeed. 

Free Webinar: How Literacy Drives Mathematical Problem Solving | February 19, 2026 | Register
Declining literacy levels are having a growing impact on student learning — and mathematics is no exception. Join us for a FREE live webinar with Tanya Grambower as she explores the powerful connection between reading engagement and mathematical reasoning, particularly in problem-solving contexts. This session shares real classroom insights and practical strategies to strengthen learning outcomes across subjects.

MyPita Conference | Provincial Intermediate and Middle Years Teachers Association Conference | April 17, 2026 | More info | Register
Join the 2026 Provincial Intermediate and Middle Years Teachers Association - myPITA Spring Teachers Conference on April 17, 2026, in Whistler, presented in partnership with the British Columbia Art Teachers Association - BCATA and the BC Teacher-Librarians' Association - BCTLA. This year's conference will feature:

  • Leyton Schnellert
    • Engaging All Learners in the Middle Years
    • Project-Based Learning: Integrating Curriculum and Competency Development
  • Hands-on Art Workshops
    • Art History in Cats: A Hands-On Painting Experience 
    • The Monsters in My Head – Exploring Imagination Through Sculpture and Mixed Media
  • English Language Arts and Inclusion Workshops:
    • Board Games in the Classroom to Build Community and Support Learning
    • Every Student Seen: Centering Diversity in Your Book Selections
    • Engaging Young Creators with Audiobooks, Radio Ads, Podcasts, and More!
    • Visual Literacy Through Graphic Novels

Strong Roots: Rising Up | NOIIE Symposium Conference | May 8 & 9, 2026 | More info | Register
If you're inspired to learn about nature-based education, eager to spark curiosity, committed to supporting Indigenous learners, and driven to advance equity, quality and instructional excellence, then join this NOIIE Symposium. A highlight will include Ron Berger, who is the author of An Ethic of Excellence: Building Culture of Craftsmanship with Students and founder of Expeditionary Learning. There will be interactive sessions where you will dive into nature-based and Indigenous education, assessment, math, literacy, story workshop and more, featuring educators from BC and across the globe.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

Bright Futures: Energy Changemakers | BC Hydro | February 27, 2026, March 6 &7, 2026 | More info | Register
Student Energy SFU, in collaboration with Student Energy UBC is sharing an upcoming student program. Bright Futures: Energy Changemakers is a 3-day youth program running on Feb 27, Mar 6, and Mar 7, designed for young women and gender-diverse students aged 14-24. The program includes two online workshops on clean energy and sustainability, followed by an in-person case competition in which students collaborate, think creatively, and propose innovative energy solutions. Participants in the case competition will have the chance to win up to $300 in prizes. Interested students are invited to fill out a short interest form at the link above.

MiniEnterprize 2026 Business Case Competition | Late Registration Now open until Feb 23, 2026 | February 28, 2026 | More info | Register
Late registration for miniEnterprize 2026 (miniE), one of Western Canada’s premier high school business case competitions, is now open! Hosted at the UBC Sauder School of Business on February 28, 2026, and sponsored by Porte Global, this year’s conference is designed to inspire students to think strategically, solve real-world business challenges, and present innovative solutions to a panel of experts.
If you are new to case competitions, miniE is an excellent way for students to build essential skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and public speaking. Teams collaborate to analyze complex business problems and deliver well-thought-out strategies in a competitive yet supportive environment.
MiniEnterprize 2026 offers participants the chance to connect with industry professionals, learn from business leaders, and compete for exciting prizes, including:

  • $2,000 for the first-place team, along with a luncheon with Porte’s Founder and UBC Sauder's Assistant Dean Dharm Joshi 
  • $500 for the second-place team
  • $300 for the miniCase winner
The SFU-Cmolik Grant Program | Applications due April 13, 2026
SFU's Faculty of Education is once again offering the SFU-Cmolik Grant Program, which is an endowment that is intended to provide B.C.’s K-12 public education professionals and community members with an opportunity to receive funding for the purpose of implementing classroom, school, or district-based projects focused on innovation and enhancement initiatives, including utilization of technology. The goal is to improve the educational experience for students and motivate their love of learning, while developing critical thinking skills. There are two funding tiers available - $10,000 and $25,000.  Each District is allowed to submit one application from their District for each tier of funding. If you are interested in submitting an application for consideration, please submit your proposal via email to both George Kozlovic and Matt Williams no later than 3 pm on Monday April 13.  
 If you would like to learn more about the program and the application process, please see this link. 
If you would like to learn about which proposals were awarded the grant last year, please see this link.

Science After School Clubs from Science World | University of the Fraser Valley | More info | Partnership Info
Super Science Club (SSC) is an after-school science club program offered here in the Fraser Valley through a partnership with Science World and the University of the Fraser Valley. This is a great program, with science curriculum and training provided by Science World, and program delivery offered by UFV science students. Best of all, every child who participates in the program gets a free one-year family membership to Science World! UFV is looking to offer this program to any interested Langley schools in the Spring. Through a grant, they are estimating the cost of the 4 to 5 week program would be in the range of $200 to $500. If your school is interested and would like to learn more, please contact Robin Endelman at UVV at Robin.Endelman@ufv.ca  Please see links above for an overview of the SSC Programs as well as an outline of what the partnership entails for each party.

LEARNING RESOURCES

Beyond the Podium - Stories that Inspire | Curio | Log-in
The world is watching as the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games take center stage, but the value of sport isn't just found in the medal count — it’s in the lessons of perseverance and identity that are so relatable for students. These stories offer powerful entry points for discussions on resilience, adaptation and community. Use these videos to energize your students and demonstrate that even a champion’s journey is rarely a straight line.

  •  Paralympics Snowboard Champion | Secondary | Video
    After a skydiving accident led to a double amputation, Tyler Turner didn’t just walk again—he became an Olympic gold medalist! Witness how this 'fun hound' uses extreme determination and aerial tactics to dominate Para snowboarding as he heads to the Milano-Cortina Games.
  •  Uphill Skiing | Secondary | Video
    Forget the chairlift! In ski mountaineering, or 'skimo', athletes trek up mountains before racing back down. Discover why this grueling test of endurance is officially returning for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
  • Liam and Marcus Ruck | Elementary, Secondary | Video
    With 'twin telepathy' on the ice, these teen brothers may be hockey’s next big stars. See how their rare chemistry is powering their journey toward professional hockey and the international stage.

Resources available from Vancouver Avian Research Centre Society | More info

  • Class presentations | Amazing Hummingbirds | Grades 5-7 | Book
    Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds in Canada. In this presentation, students will explore their dazzling colours, rapid wingbeats, nesting habits, migration journeys, and more. With interactive visuals, fun facts and engaging questions, this session is designed to spark curiosity and connect students to nature.
  • Teaching Resources | Science and Nature Units | S&N Units
    Looking for ready-to-use resources? Download the Science and Nature Units, complete lesson plans, presentations, and activities for Kindergarten to Grade 8.
  • Class Activities | Texture Treasure Hunt | All Ages
    Take students outside or bring nature indoors with a texture-based exploration. Challenge them to search for items that match different textures, things that are soft, rough, smooth, bumpy, or fuzzy. This can be done as an outdoor walk where students observe or gently touch natural items (fallen leaves, bark, pinecones, moss, etc.) It could also be done as an indoor sensory station with a collection of safe natural items gathered beforehand. Afterward ask students to describe how each item fells and where they found it. For younger students you can add matching cards or do a "guess the texture" game with blindfolds. This would take around 10-15 minutes.

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL READINGS

Assess THAT Podcast: AI Didn't Break Assessment: It Exposed It (and what that means for Integrity) | Podcast
AI has sparked fear, urgency, and a wave of reactionary policies in schools, but what if the real issue isn’t the technology itself? In this episode, Tom and Natalie argue that AI didn’t break assessment; it exposed long-standing weaknesses in task design, clarity, and how we define academic integrity. Rather than framing AI as a cheating problem to be solved through bans and detection tools, they invite listeners to reconsider what meaningful evidence of learning actually looks like in an AI-present world. Through real-world composite examples and reflective dialogue, this episode reframes academic integrity as a design and culture issue, not a policing one. Tom and Natalie explore how clarity, transparency, and intentional assessment practices reduce misuse, strengthen trust, and keep learning at the center. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by AI or unsure how to respond without compromising your values, this conversation offers a grounded, assessment-literate path forward. To listen to this episode, click on the link above.

Blog: 8 Family Tech Habits to Build in 2026 | Screen Agers | Blog
Thoughtful family tech rules help protect kids’ wellbeing, learning, and sleep while strengthening connection at home.  Using the fresh start of a new year, the blog post at the link above shares eight practical tech habits families can discuss and adapt together.

TECH TIPS

AI Community of Practice for K-12 Leaders | Advanced Learning Partnerships | February 17, 2026 | Register
School districts across the U.S. and Canada are doing the hard work of building thoughtful structures for responsible AI use. Now comes the real question: How do we help educators actually use AI in ways that matter—sustainably, confidently, and at scale? That’s exactly what will be explored in the next live session:

  • February 17, 2026 at 1:00pm
  • March 17, 2026 at 1:00pm
  • April 21, 2026 at 1:00pm

The educator bringing this conversation to life is Marcus Blair. Marcus is a classroom teacher who doesn’t just talk about innovation - he lives it. In this session, he’ll demonstrate how educators can:

  • Be innovative in their own classrooms

  • Be impactful across their school and district

  • And extend their influence at the Provincial / State level

Spaces: Family Management System | Inviting Family to Spaces | Get Started with SpacesEDU
Spaces Family Management system is back online! Now you can easily invite your students' families to view and comment on your student portfolios in Spaces. Check out the link above for a how to guide on Inviting Family to Spaces. Remember that digital portfolios are a great way for students and families to see growth over time. Check out the link above if you're looking to get started!