In the Loop - June 11, 2026

When a Child is Learning

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

Featured DLC Resource:

Just a friendly reminder to please return all DLC materials as soon as possible. Please check your email for reminders if you are unsure of what materials you may still have! We would like to have all DLC items returned before the end of the school year.
Borrowing will begin again in September!

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

*NEW!* Follow us on our UDL/Mentorship Instagram! @sd35mentorshipmoments

We post lots of events, teacher tips, UDL strategies, and more!
  
Upcoming Events: 

  • Year-End Celebration | Monday, June 15, 2026 4-6pm, SBO HUB | 

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HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Canadian Sports Hall of Fame | More info
To celebrate National Indigenous History Month, Canada's Sports Hall of Fame is proud to provide free programs and resources that introduce students to inspiring Indigenous role models. From a live virtual speaker session to Indigenous education materials and digital storytelling, there are a variety of ways for youth to explore the stories and lasting legacies of Indigenous sport heroes.

  • Celebrating Indigenous Sports Heroes Live Stream with Ted Nolan | June 11, 2026 | Register | Lesson Plan
    Born into a large family on the Garden River First Nation in 1958, Ted Nolan’s drive, resilience, and pride in his Ojibwe heritage propelled him to the top of the ice hockey world. He quickly rose through the ranks of minor hockey and was drafted by the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings in 1978. Though his playing days were cut short by injury, Ted’s career would really take off behind the bench. He coached his former junior team, the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, to great success, winning the Memorial Cup in 1993.
  • Indigenous Sports Heroes Education Experience | Digital Book | Education Hub
    The Indigenous Sport Heroes Education Experience offers ready-to-use lesson plans and interactive educational activities that spark conversations about diversity and inclusion through the world of sport. Free for educators, this initiative is designed to both highlight the significant contributions Indigenous athletes and sport builders have made to sport and encourage meaningful dialogue and a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives.
  • Educator Resource Spotlight
    • Storytelling Series: Celebrating Indigenous Sport Heroes Lesson Plan | Grade 4-6 | Lesson Plan
      These supplementary activities are designed to expand the curricular relevancy of the Storytelling Series: Celebrating Indigenous Sport Heroes, which brings to life the remarkable stories of Hall of Famers through live, virtual keynotes and digital storytelling.
    • Indigenous Sport Heroes: Land Lesson Plan | Grade 9-12 | Lesson Plan
      The Indigenous Sport Heroes Lesson Plans are designed as entry points to help integrate holistic teaching methods that recognize the many distinct Indigenous histories, cultures, pedagogies, traditional languages and traditional knowledge systems.
    • Indigenous Sport Heroes: Education Package | Grade 4-8 | Lesson Plan
      These activities complement the Indigenous Sport Heroes Education Experience and the Taking the Higher Ground program, enhancing their curricular relevance and providing a comprehensive learning journey for students over several weeks.
June is National Indigenous History Month
With National Indigenous History Month starting next week, we wanted to share some new or newish Indigenous resources with all Langley educators.  There are resources on the list below that would be excellent for use with students in your classrooms as well as a number of books or resources that would be useful for adults as we all continue our journey in Truth and Reconciliation.  There is a link to order directly from the publisher, although please also do consider ordering from your local bookstore.  Thank you for supporting Indigenous authors and illustrators and for celebrating and sharing joy, truths and love during Indigenous History month.

Ages 4-10

  • Little Brown Girl by Leona Prince and illustrated by Paige Pettibon | Link
  • Tess’s Red Dress by Carolyn Roberts and illustrated by Kelsey Mata Foote |  Link
  • Kohkum’s First Drum by Monique Gray Smith and illustrated by Karlene Harvey | Link
  • Springtime in Kitkatla by Kim Spencer and illustrated by Karlene Harvey | Link

Middle Grade/High School

  • 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing | Link
  • Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Written by Robin Wall Kimmerer and Adapted by Monique Gray Smith with illustrations from Nicole Neidhardt | Link

DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Intermediate Social Studies Activities: Beyond the Textbook with Larissa Kondo | On-Demand Learning Feature
Often, social studies classes take the form of reading comprehension assignments. In this workshop, I will share different strategies and free resources teachers can use to explore social studies with their intermediate students. Strategies will align with BC social studies competencies and some Indigenous principals of learning.

Often, social studies classes take the form of reading comprehension assignments. In this workshop, I will share different strategies and free resources teachers can use to explore social studies with their intermediate students. Strategies will align with BC social studies competencies and some Indigenous principals of learning.

POPARD's Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis 5-Day Course | August 31 – September 4, 2026 | Register Today!
This is a 5-day course offered by SD35 and will be facilitated by the Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders (POPARD). Completion of this course provides the participant with an overview of ABA history and theory, with an emphasis on practical application in school settings. Participants will learn how discrete trial and task analysis are carried out, and learn how ABA principles are applied to other teaching situations and to program development for students with autism spectrum disorders.
 Goals of this course:

  • to learn basis ABA theory and definitions
  • to learn how to implement basic ABA instructional strategies and techniques
  • to learn how to collect reliable and consistent data when working with students

SAVE THE DATE! - MathUP Virtual Kick-Off Launch | September 23, 2026
Join us on September 23rd from 3:00–3:30 PM for the official MathUp Kick-Off Launch! This short virtual session on TEAMS will introduce educators to MathUP resources, key features, and exciting ways to support meaningful math learning in the classroom. Best of all, because it’s online, participants can join directly from their schools, no travel required! Come connect, explore, and get inspired for the year ahead in mathematics learning.

To see our full calendar of offerings, visit www.thinklangley.com.

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Part-Time Online Training to Become a School Psychologist at UBC | More info
Interested in a flexible option to train to become a school psychologist? The University of British Columbia (UBC) will host a three-year part time Master of Education program in School and Applied Child Psychology primarily online beginning in July 2027. For more information, check the link above.

Register for the Learning First Peoples Summer Institute | August 25-26, 2026 |  Register
Registration is now open for the Learning First Peoples Summer Institute taking place on August 25-26 in Richmond. Hosted by the First Nations Education Steering Committee and First Nations Schools Association, the institute is designed to support teachers to bring quality, authentic First Peoples teaching and learning into B.C. classrooms.

Workshops:

  • August 25, 2026 (9 am–3 pm):  English First Peoples 10 and 11/12 Teacher Resource Guides (revised 2026)
  • August 26, 2026 (9 am–3 pm):  BC First Peoples 12 and BC First Nations Land, Title and Governance Teacher Resource Guides
Teaching French in the Fraser Valley | More info
Would you like to learn to teach French this coming fall?  UFV is offering a program that is available to current K-12 teachers and EAs who are looking to expand their language teaching skills.  Check out the flyer for more details.

BCAMT Fall Conference | Info coming Soon
It is never to early to start thinking about plans for the October 2026 Provincial Pro-D Day! The annual BC Mathematics Conference will be held at Gladstone Secondary and the workshop options include Langley's very own Calvin Leung, who will be offering the workshop below at the conference:

Let’s Count On Math: Seeing Structure and Building Meaning From K-12  
From K-12, students often make their way through a series of disjointed experiences causing a disconnect between students and math; resulting in weak numeracy and understanding of “what math means.” The easy to apply and understand structure of “counting” can be used in and between classrooms K-12 to make meaning and help students understand the procedures and algorithms we teach. The algorithms and processes remain unchanged, only a slight change in how we approach them makes them more accessible and relatable to students.  
With over 75% of instructional time spent covering: number concepts and operations, algebra, measurement, and probability, “counting" is the unifying framework that will allow students to see interrelationships between concepts, processes, and algorithms to make sense of and organize their math learning. Weaving this thread through the K-12 journey will help students have a greater understanding of how things are related and make concepts easier for teachers to teach and students to learn, retain, and apply. 
Registration is not quite open yet, but mark your calendars and bookmark the site for registration - more details will be available soon! 

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

Langley Book of the Year 2025: A District‑Wide Reading Celebration for Grade 4-8 | More info
This year’s Langley Book of the Year was a tremendous success. Students across the district engaged deeply with reading by exploring a curated list of 12 novels, graphic novels, and novels in verse. After thoughtful reading and discussion, students voted for their favourites.
We are excited to celebrate the top‑voted titles across the district:
Top Winners:
  1. They Call Me No Sam!
  2. Lion Dancers
  3. Uprooted
Runners‑Up:
  1. Across the Desert
  2. Forever Twelve
  3. The Lost Year
  4. Heroes
  5. The Grave Thief
  6. A Strange Thing Happened at Cherry Hall
  7. Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All
  8. Eyes on the Ice
  9. Game Face
Thank you to our students, teachers, teacher librarians and LBOY committee for supporting joyful reading, rich conversations, and student voice across our schools. It is not too late to read the Langley Books of the Year. All titles are available on SORA or through the Fraser Valley Regional Library.

Witness to History | More info
Witness to History is a pilot project between Betty Gilbert Middle School and Jackman Manor Elder Care Home in Aldergrove that was organized by Bruce MacNamara, a teacher from Betty Gilbert Middle School.  This project is a strong example of community-connected learning and a meaningful partnership between a school and a local elder care home.

What is Witness to History?
  • A community-based oral history project connecting Grade 7 students with local seniors, engaging with lived history through personal narratives.

  • Jackman Manor is within walking distance of the school, making the partnership easy to sustain.

  • Students conduct and record formal one-on-one interviews with residents.

  • Students complete written reflections based on the interview experience.

  • The completed projects are presented to participating residents.

  • The project concludes with a tea and cake celebration during which students gift residents copies of their project.

  • The project helps students get to know seniors as people with unique life experiences and stories.

  • Students build confidence by independently conducting formal interviews with adults they have never met before.

  • Students develop their listening, communication, and interviewing skills through authentic conversations.

  • Curricular connections: Social Studies (historical thinking and oral history), English Language Arts (oral communication, writing, reflection), and Career Education (communication, empathy, and community engagement).

  • One student has suggested expanding the partnership through sharing recorded performances by the school band

  • Teacher lead Bruce MacNamara has successfully facilitated similar oral history projects in previous school settings and would be happy to share his experience and materials with interested educators.
To learn more, check out the full project at the link above.  You can also contact Bruce MacNamara directly via Teams or email for more information.

Pen Pals for Water | 2026/2027 School Year | Living Lakes Canada | More info | Website
Living Lakes Canada is offering a program called Freshwater Exchange Program that is low-prep for Grade 5/6 students for the 2026/2027 school year. 
Pen Pals for Water connects classrooms across Canada through a guided letter exchange where students share stories about their local lakes, rivers, wetlands, and water experiences with peers in another province or territory. This peer-to-peer learning approach builds water literacy and helps youth better understand and value Canada’s freshwater systems. We provide ready-to-teach lesson plans and classroom materials.

The program is:

  • Low-prep for teachers

  • Flexible (single lesson or full unit)

  • Supported with ready-to-teach lesson plans, templates, and classroom materials

  • Designed to fit into science, ELA, or social studies

Living Lakes Canada also supports mailing costs to reduce barriers to participation. Interested in learning more? Reach out to kaite.martin@livinglakescanada.ca to explore how your classroom can participate with all costs and logistics covered by Living Lakes!

LEARNING RESOURCES

Belonging and Identity Resources for June from Curio
Whether it's National Indigenous History Month, Pride celebrations, or the lived experiences of new Canadians and fresh grads, June is a unique moment to reflect on who we are and where we are going. How does positive personal and cultural identity sustain us as we reach for our goals? These resources from Curio dig into self-worth, belonging and community. A reminder that Curio resources are free to access for all teachers in the Langley School District.

  • Graduation Day | Secondary | Video
    Set in James Smith First Nation (Saskatchewan), this documentary follows 18-year-old Sage and his grandmother, Connie, graduating high school together—a beautiful testament to the power of community, culture, and personal self-worth.
  • Bannock in a Hammock | Elementary (4-7) | Video
    Forest of Reading presents Bannock in a Hammock by Masiana Kelly. Read along with student reader Riker in Calgary to explore a popular traditional Indigenous food, and the many ways to enjoy it!
  • Explaining Powwow culture | Elementary  (8-11), Secondary | Video
    These important Indigenous celebrations honour deep traditions through song and dance. Join CBC Kids News contributor Sophia Smoke as she gets ready for a powwow and explains its rich history—and its journey from being banned to booming across North America.
  • Immigration: Innovation, Culture and Community | Secondary | Theme
    Discover how newcomers shape Canada’s vibrant identity. This collection highlights uplifting stories of belonging, from rich cultural traditions and economic contributions to diverse culinary scenes. Explore inspiring journeys of resilience and connection that define what it means to build a future and make Canada home.
  • Latin American Sanctuary | Secondary | Video
    Discover how Latin American immigrants are shaking up Canada’s food scene. This episode shows how newcomers build community, share rich traditions, and make major cultural and economic impacts in their new homes.
  • Pride History | Elementary (8-11), Secondary | Video
    Perfect for June and the approach of summer, this video explores the history of the Pride movement. Help students understand its roots, why it matters today, and how marking Pride fosters community.

Inquiry and Questioning Videos and Resources from Trevor Mackenzie | Website
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.

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL READINGS

Bridging the Reading Gap | Pembroke Publishers | Free Preview
Working on your professional learning this summer? Pick up a Pembroke book for practical teaching and learning that you can really use! Tackle structured literacy with your older students who struggle with the basics—Bridging the Reading Gap has what you need to make a difference. The comprehensive series of lessons addresses phonics, morphology, and vocabulary with upper elementary and senior students. Engaging activities and carefully curated lists scaffold instruction for emergent to competent readers.

Yes Genre Makes a Difference | Pembroke Publishers | Free Preview
Take a new approach to literacy with Yes, Genre Makes a Difference! Use genre to introduce reading and writing activities that deepen student understanding of all kinds of texts. This comprehensive guide offers everything a teacher needs to use picture books, novels, nonfiction, and poetry in Grades 2-8 classrooms. A wealth of practical literacy activites that will encourage students to read and write in all genres.

TECH TIPS

Back to School Summit | MyBlueprint SpacesEDU | August 17-20, 2026 | Register
The annual Back to School Summit is happening August 17–20 and will bring together educators and experts to make the next school year the most impactful yet. 
Join them for five practical, expert-led sessions designed to help you: 

  • Simplify assessment and collect meaningful evidence of learning 
  • Strengthen family engagement without adding more to your plate 
  • Support student ownership through digital portfolios 
  • Deliver clear, actionable feedback that drives growth 
Get practical, ready-to-use strategies to turn your prep into a plan. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and start the year strong!

SpacesEDU | Step by Step Guide
June is the perfect time to have students upload work into their digital portfolio!  
SpacesEDU is a digital portfolio and competency-based learning platform designed for K-12 students. It allows students to showcase their work, reflect on their learning, and connect their achievements to standards or competencies. The platform supports competency-based education by providing tools to assess and report on student progress, helping educators and parents visualize growth. 
Go to spacesedu.com to get started! You can also check out the guide above.
Remember, even just adding a few pieces of evidence of learning at the end of the year will help your students document their learning journey. 

SpacesEDU End-of-Year FAQs
See below for some important info for wrapping up the year, including managing Space Visibility Settings for student work access and how moving or graduating students can update their email addresses to retain access to their accounts, and more.    

  1. Review Space Visibility Settings (SpacesEDU Classes) - Space settings determine which posts are shared to the All Class Posts, which is a central hub in the student account for class-based posts.

    • Spaces that are set to Visible or Active sync posts to the All Class Posts, but posts in spaces set to Hidden are omitted. Teachers should review their space visibility settings to support student access/ownership of their work.

  2. Ask Moving / Graduating Students to Update their Email - Students can add a personal email by accessing their Account Settings. SpacesEDU recognizes both emails, so they can continue to log in with their district email for as long as their district email is live.

Students can also email hello@spacesedu.com to ask to change their email on their behalf.
Questions? Contact abaxfield@sd35.bc.ca