In the Loop - May 7, 2026

A Bad Day

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

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 | More info | RSVP by June 5, 2026

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HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Professional Learning Opportunities to Support the Development and Retention of Metis Teachers
Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) is implementing initiatives to support the development and retention of Métis teachers in K-12 schools including:
  • Mentorship Program: Pairs new and experienced Métis teachers for culturally grounded guidance and support
  • Community of Practice: Weekly sessions for collaboration, connection, and shared learning on topics of interest
Métis teachers interested in participating in either initiative can contact metiseducation@mnbc.ca.These initiatives are part of a broader Métis Teacher Recruitment and Retention plan designed to strengthen Métis pathways into teaching, support professional growth, and promote long-term retention.

Indigenous Youth Art Contest | For Ages 5-18 | Deadline May 22, 2026 | FORED BC | More info
To celebrate the rich cultural and heritage traditions of the Indigenous people of Canada, FORED is sponsoring its annual artwork, photo and video contest. $150 cash prizes are available for Indigenous youth, aged 5-18. This contest is a wonderful opportunity to find a mentor in the Elder community to pass down this important knowledge to Indigenous youth.
Theme: Indigenous Traditional Knowledge & Medicine
Prize: 4 x $150 prizes with at least one national winner. Group work shares prize. 

DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Truth, Trauma and a Fractured Landscape Called Reconciliation with Myrna McCallum | On-Demand Learning Feature
Drawing from a self-awareness model, this keynote will identify trauma in a collective context and examine how it fragments relationships while also offering insight into how the power of witnessing, acknowledging and practising empathy can repair fractures for the benefit of advancing reconciliation.

Basic First Aid for SD35 Staff | May 15, 2026 | Register Today!
The WorkSafeBC Basic First Aid course is an 8-hour program, including coffee and lunch breaks and is designed to provide life-saving first aid skills to workers in industry. Successful candidates must demonstrate competency in practical skills and achieve 72% or higher on a multiple-choice exam. Certification is valid for three years. 

What you will learn: 

  • Priority Action Approach
  • Primary Survey – Conscious patient / Unconscious patient 
  • Cervical spine control 
  • Airway and Breathing interventions 
  • Hemorrhage control 
  • One person CPR 
  • Minor injuries which require medical aid 
  • Management of soft tissue injuries 
  • Records and reports 

CUPE 1260 Spring Conference | May 15, 2026 | Register Today! 
Begin your day at RE Mountain Secondary, where you will be provided with snacks and fresh tea and coffee. Take this opportunity to chat and catch up with friends at different work sites. We have a breadth of workshops this year! Learn some of the ins and outs of our Collective Agreement and how bargaining works with our Union Executives. Take some specific programs training in Excel or Outlook. There are plenty of workshops around conflict management, mental health, wellness, stress management and The Brain Guy, Terry Small, is providing us some workshops on how our brain work, and more importantly, how to make them work for us! Make your own beaded bracelet with Nadine McSpadden, learn Métis Dot Art with Kelly Poitras, and connect with others in the telling of their stories.

NEW! Effective Supports in Challenging Moments | May 15, 2026 | Register Today!
SD35's Learning Support Services Department partnering with KPU are excited to provide a full day professional development day at KPU's Langley campus on May 15th, 2026.  The day will include break out sessions on the following topics: 

  1. De-escalation Strategies with the Autism Team                                   
  2. Communication 
  3. A Peaceful School Approach to Supporting Students with Challenging Behaviour 
  4. Planning to Support Student Success.

NEW! Supporting Students with Autism: Finishing Strong & Starting Smart – POPARD | May 15, 2026 | Register Today!
Yorkson Creek Middle School (8:30am – 11:30pm)
Target Audience: Resource Teachers and Classroom Teachers, Case Managers
The final months of the school year can bring increased dysregulation, reduced stamina, shifting routines, and heightened anxiety for many students, particularly autistic learners. At the same time, how we close out the year directly impacts how successfully students transition into September. This practical, strategy-focused workshop will explore how to intentionally support autistic students to finish the year successfully, while also building systems, documentation, and supports that set the next team up for a strong start. Participants will leave with concrete tools to reduce end-of-year stress, maintain meaningful engagement, and proactively plan for smoother transitions into the next school year.

NEW! GAME ON! Ending the Year Strong with Math Games | May 26, 2026 | Register Today!
What if math time felt like the best part of the day, even in May and June? In this hands-on session, teachers will actively play purposeful math games, explore the learning behind them, and discuss simple ways to use them during the last term. Walk away with classroom-ready games that maintain engagement, reduce burnout, and keep math meaningful right to the end.

Summary of Learning Info & Working Session | May 26, 2026 | Register
New to writing Student Summary of Learning Reports? In a new role, or want a refresher? Join teachers from Learning Support, ELL and Instructional Services for a how-to session including tips, tricks, and a chance to get started on your final reports on MyEdBC. Focused on K-8 reporting.

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Data Dunkers | Logics Academy | May 20, 2026 | Register
Data Dunkers introduces students to data science using real NBA and WNBA data, building core skills in data literacy, critical thinking, and communication through engaging, sports‑based analysis. This will be a co-taught classroom workshop.

Webinars for Educators | Focused Ed | May 25, 2026 | Poster | More info
Looking for classroom ready ideas to support your teaching? On Monday, May 25th, Focused Education is offering three virtual professional learning sessions highlighting curated digital learning resources and ready to teach lessons freely available to you.

Join us to explore:
  • Student Artificial Intelligence lessons for K-12
  • TWIG + ClickView video resources for Grade 6-9
  • I Am Because We Are: Black Canadian learning resource for Grade 6-9

Robotics Series: mBot 2.0 & Cyberpi | Logics Academy | May 26, 2026 | Register
Explore mBot 2.0 and CyberPi to build inquiry‑based STEM lessons using sensors, data, and coding from blocks to Python. Educator Bonus: They're giving away a mBot 2.0 ($250+ value), plus classroom-ready lessons. 

Transformative Educational Leadership Program (TELP) | UBC | Earlybird Deadline May 31, 2026 | Start Date: October 2026 | Apply 
The application deadline is approaching on May 31 for UBC's Transformative Educational Leadership Program (TELP)! Learn to lead innovative systems changes in K-12 education from world-class scholars and innovative researchers. Acceptances for the early bird deadline will be announced at the end of June. The remaining seats will open for a second round of applications with a deadline of July 15.
This will be Dr. Judy Halbert and Dr. Linda Kaser's final year teaching TELP. Don't miss out on your last chance to learn from the program's founders!

Central Okanagan Compassionate Systems Forum | June 29-30, 2026 | More info
Educators are invited to enroll in a two‑day, in‑person forum focused on Compassionate Systems and systems thinking for well‑being in education. The forum will take place on June 29 and 30, 2026, in Kelowna.  Hosted by Compassionate Systems BC in partnership with the University of British Columbia’s Human Early Learning Partnership, the forum will feature Peter Senge and BC Compassionate Systems practitioners. Participants will engage in experiential learning that supports personal and collective well‑being, strengthens relationships, and builds capacity to address complex challenges in education settings. Event details, registration and costs are included in the more info link above.

Join the 7th Annual Learn On 2026 | Everfi | July 15, 2026 | Register 
Earn up to four hours of professional development and get energized for the new school year! The 7th annual LearnOn brings together a vibrant community of educators who are passionate about preparing students for the real world. At LearnOn, we'll explore how future-ready skills, student well-being, and innovation come together to build lessons that last. Everfi's network is filled with educators who are passionate about preparing students for the real world. If you are looking to spark your creativity and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education, this virtual event is for you!

Evidence-Aligned Literacy Instruction and Intervention | University of Victoria | Poster | More info
UVic has a new micro-credential program that’s designed for BC teachers who are interested in literacy success for all students. The Evidence-Aligned Literacy Practices (EALP) micro-certificate program supports teachers in strengthening Foundational Literacy Skills through a focus on K–3 Universal Screening, early identification, and evidence‑based instruction. Aligned with the Ministry of Education’s initiatives in Foundational Literacy Screening and Multi‑Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), the program builds the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to ensure equitable learning opportunities and timely, effective interventions for students in BC classrooms.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

YOU Dance Livestream | National Ballet of Canada | May 20, 2026 | Flyer | Register
This FREE virtual learning opportunity is open to all grades but is specifically designed for grades 4 to 6 students. The hour-long performance features the National Ballet’s RBC Apprentices dancing a diverse repertoire, engaging discussions led by our hosts and opportunities for the entire class to get moving. Advance registration is required and curriculum-based resources will be available prior to the livestream performance.

BugQuest Across Canada | More info | How to Join
BugQuest is working toward 1,000 sites across Canada, and every school that takes part helps build a stronger picture of insect biodiversity across the country. Schools participate by hosting a seasonal insect trap on their grounds during Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. Participation is free, and BugQuest provides the trap, instructions, laboratory processing, species identification, and covers all shipping costs. Hosting a trap is simple and takes about 15 minutes per week for a few weeks per year. In return, your school can involve students in hands-on science, generate biodiversity data from its own grounds, and connect learning in ecology, genetics, and data to a real national project.

 Request Sponsored Water Testing Kits for Your Students | SDWF (Safe Drinking Water Foundation) | Request Kit
Elementary Operation Water Drop (OWD) Kits make it possible for students to test their local drinking water for 8 different parameters (alkalinity, ammonia, colour, copper, pH, sulphate, total chlorine, and total hardness). Then they compare their results to the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. These kits are recommended for students in grades 4 to 8. Each kit is good for a one-time use with a class of approximately 30 students. Request sponsored water testing kits that enable students to conduct real-world science!

 LEARNING RESOURCES

How to Win at Classroom Management in 6 Easy Steps | Pembroke Publishers | Free Preview
Teaching is hard but classroom management doesn’t have to be. In this practical guide, Angie Barrett shares her tried-and-tested teaching strategies in six easy steps. You’ll find a game plan for success, personal and colleague-shared experiences, tips and tricks, as well as troubleshooting through real classroom examples. Read the full first chapter online in May with the free preview.

Seeing the Person: Challenging Misconceptions About Disability & Belonging | Inclusion BC | More info
A powerful new video by the Developmental Disabilities Association challenges assumptions and celebrates people with developmental disabilities. Through real stories and authentic voices, it reminds us that inclusion starts when we see the person, not the label. A powerful new video by the Developmental Disabilities Association challenges assumptions and celebrates people with developmental disabilities. Through real stories and authentic voices, it reminds us that inclusion starts when we see the person, not the label. 

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL READINGS

Sal Kahn on Access, Belief, and What Every Learner Deserves | My Legacy Podcast | Podcast 
The latest My Legacy Podcast features Sal Khan, founder and CEO of Khan Academy. Joining him is Ann Doerr, early supporter and Chair of Khan Academy’s board. Together, they explore what becomes possible when learning is made accessible regardless of geography, circumstance, or where someone starts. For educators, this conversation is both a challenge and an affirmation: the work of expanding access and believing in every student is already underway in your classroom each day. 

Assess That Podcast: Why Participation Grades Don't Belong in your Gradebook (and What To Do Instead) | Podcast
In this episode, Tom and Nat challenge the assumption that participation belongs in academic grades by unpacking a critical distinction: participation may support learning, but it is not the same as learning. Through a candid and thought-provoking conversation, they explore what participation grades often end up measuring: personality, confidence, compliance, and cultural norms, rather than actual understanding. The result? Grades that can unintentionally distort achievement and disadvantage certain learners.
But this episode doesn’t stop at critique. Tom and Nat reframe participation as something too important to reduce to a number, offering practical ways to make it more inclusive, intentional, and aligned with sound assessment practices. From expanding how participation is defined to separating it from academic achievement and using it as a tool for feedback and growth, this conversation will challenge your thinking and give you concrete ways to better support student engagement, without compromising the integrity of your grades. 

TECH TIPS

My Blueprint/Spaces Resources for Educators

  1. Promote class discussions on mental health: Mental health is just as important as physical health. While it can be a challenging topic, students should feel comfortable expressing how they feel and know who to turn to for support. Start the conversation in your Class Space with a Post:

Title: Let's talk mental health and how to take care of ourselves | Emotion Chart | Video
Media Attachments: Emotion Chart from Uplift Kids, YouTube video (e.g. Mental health: What it is and why it matters)
Post Description: Let's start off with an activity that will help us learn what mental health is all about.

  • Take a look at the detailed list of emotions and take a moment to think about how you feel.
  • Share it in the comments section with the class by choosing emotions from the list.

What is mental health, anyway?
Mental health has to do with how we think, feel, and act. We all have mental health. It can shift from good to bad and back again throughout the day. Feelings that don't go away can be hard to deal with, but you don't have to face them alone. If it happens a lot, then it's time to reach out for help.

  • How do you take care of your mental health?

  • Who can you reach out for help?

   2. Gratitude Bouquet: Create an Activity to foster Self-Awareness and Relationship Skills, ask students to express their appreciation for an important person in their lives. You             can also instruct students to create a post directly in their Portfolio instead of the Class.

  • Create the Activity in your Class Space or a 1:1 Space.
  • Activity Title: Giving Someone Their Flowers
    Activity Instructions: Think of someone you are grateful for. Use the Drawing Tool to create a bouquet for them. Add an Audio Recording explaining why you chose this person.
Using Keynote for Digital Storytelling 
Keynote supports digital storytelling by combining animations, digital drawings, and audio recordings so students can visually and verbally explain their thinking in any subject. They can sketch ideas, animate their process, and record narration. All of which strengthen writing, oral language, and artistic competencies. This approach gives learners flexible ways to share understanding and create polished, multimodal stories across the curriculum. 

For a useful tutorial on Keynote and Keynote Animations, check out the video here.

For a classroom example where a teacher has their students using Keynote for their Black History Month project work, check out the link here.


Keynote User Guide for Mac - Apple Support (CA)