In the Loop - October 23, 2025

ProD Oct 24

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! You can check it out in person in the basement of the School Board Office or have kits and resources delivered directly to your school! 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:

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 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 have many brand-new or early career teachers looking for a mentor. We need mentors at all grade levels but especially primary (1-3), middle (6-7), and Resource. We are looking for experienced teachers with five or more years in the profession to support and guide newer educators as they transition into their roles. Please fill out the Mentor Information Sheet here. Once completed, please email it to teachermentorship@sd35.bc.ca to join our program!

New to the District or a New Role? If you’re a newer teacher looking for mentorship, please fill out the Mentee Information Sheet here. Once completed, please email it to teachermentorship@sd35.bc.ca to join our program! 

Time Commitment: Mentors and Mentees need to commit to ONE 45-minute learning-focused conversation every 3-5 weeks. There are optional workshops, networking and learning sessions available, as well as many perks such as the Mentorship Retreat, giveaways, and resources.

Mentorship Kits: Join the Mentorship Program to borrow Classroom Library Kits to borrow for the school year to help build a library for your students to borrow books and increase the love of literacy.  Currently available at K-2 and 6-8 grade levels. Email us with your request.

Upcoming Events: 

Mentor and Mentee Info Sessions | Nov 18, 2025 | Register
 
This will be held on Tuesday, November 18th,  at the SBO, in the  Learning Hub from 4-5:30pm. Come in with your mentor/mentee partner and have time and space to work together.  Those who could not attend Squamish will receive books and resources provided during the retreat.  

HONOURING TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

 Inspiring ProD | The Medicine of Stories | Register
The Medicine of Stories is an online gathering hosted by Monique Gray Smith and in each session she will be joined by an amazing guest. Together through the hour-long visit she will explore how stories help us learn, they nourish our spirits, strengthen communities and inspire change. This series features the four incredible storytellers:

  • November 5: Cherie Demaline (Marrow Thieves)
  • December 3: Waubgeshig Rice (Moon of the Crusted Snow)
  • January 7: Ivan Coyote (Care Of)
  • February 4: Carolyn Roberts (Restorying Education: Decolonizing Your Practice Using a Critical Lens)

PROVINCIAL PRO-D DAY OCTOBER 24, 2025

Connecting the Pieces: The Early Years Conference 2025 I October 24, 2025
Connecting the Pieces: Pre-K and Kindergarten Conference is our annual conference dedicated to professional development for kindergarten teachers and early childhood educators. Our workshop line-up includes local and internationally recognized experts selected to share their innovative and practical ideas for working with young learners. Pre-registration for this event is now closed, however, if you would still like to attend, please arrive at RE Mountain for 8am to register with event staff. Please come prepared to pay. Cash not accepted.

Middle Years Conference: Empowering Every Learner | October 24, 2025
Instructional Services is pleased to offer our second annual Middle Years Conference, which will be held at Yorkson Creek Middle School on October 24, 2025. This conference is open to all Grades 6-8 teachers in the Langley School District. This year will focus on the theme of Learning Across the Curriculum: Empowering Every Learner. This year’s keynote is the incredible Trevor MacKenzie, presenting The One Thing Every Classroom Needs: Curiosity. Pre-registration for this event is now closed, however, if you would still like to attend, please arrive at Yorkson Creek for 8am to register with event staff. 

Planning for Meaningful Learning: From Backwards Design to Student Choice | October 24, 2025 | Register
Join us for a practical workshop designed to help teachers create unit plans that accommodate diverse learning needs. We'll explore how to use learning intentions and success criteria to guide planning, assessment, and student reflection. You will leave with a variety of strategies to offer students multiple access points to learning. Bring a device and ideas for a new unit. This full-day session will include working time to dig into the curriculum and begin a UDL aligned plan. Registration for this event will close at 8:00 am on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

Free Literacy Webinar Opportunity | Implementing the Joyful Literacy Legacy Collection | October 24, 2025 | RegisterMore info
This webinar provides teachers with proven and critical resources they can readily access to make literacy success for all children a reality. Really special is the Teacher’s Guide which provides a sequential monthly plan for each skill at each grade level and a skill tracking system, so no skills are missed. Hundreds of playful games provide easy teacher preparation for children who need extra practice. All attendees will receive digital copies of Janet Mort's two Joyful Literacy Intervention books for free whether you purchase the entire resource or not. The Joyful Literacy staff are presenting a free Implementation Webinar on October 24th from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. PT.

Aboriginal Education Conference | October 24, 2025 | More infoRegister
Aboriginal Education Association PSA is hosting a conference on Resistance & Hope – Art, Activism & Allyship on Friday October 24, 2025. The keynote speaker is Charlie Angus at Langley Fine Arts School. Please see the attached poster for more info.

Moving Forward Together | Education Assistants Society of BC | WGSS Cafeteria | October 24, 2025 | More infoRegister
The Langley School District and the Education Assistants Society of BC are thrilled to introduce to you the "Moving Forward Together" conference, a day dedicated to empowering and inspiring education assistants. In our ever-evolving educational landscape, the role of an education assistant is more vital than ever. EAs are on the front lines, providing crucial individualized support, bridging learning gaps, and fostering an inclusive environment where every student can thrive. This conference is meticulously designed to equip you with practical tools, insightful strategies, and to connect you with a supportive community, enabling you to confidently navigate the challenges and celebrate the triumphs of your daily work.
Throughout the day, you will hear from three distinguished speakers; Nicole Joseph, dedicated teacher Abbotsford School District, Angela Murphy, Writer, Speaker, and School Psychologist, and Dr. Erika L. McDowell, Equity Steward at Wildflower Schools, who bring a wealth of experience and unique perspectives to the field. Prepare to delve into discussions on critical topics such as Indigenous language revitalization, the profound impact of trauma-informed practices, and the essential act of advocating for your voice in the educational journey.
This event is a virtual event at Walnut Grove Cafeteria for Langley School District SEA’s from 8:30AM-2:30PM. Please do not register online. Register at link above.

DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Planning for Learning and Assessing the Journey with Shelley Hegedus | On-Demand Learning Feature
What does a firm foundation for reading success look like in Kindergarten? How can I get my Ks off to a good start for Grade 1? Join our session where we will explore the key components of phonological and phonemic awareness that are necessary to build and foster in a Balanced Literacy classroom. Gain some insight into how to imbed phonological awareness into everyday teaching so it's joyful and playful.

Getting Started with Intermediate French | November 3, 2025 | Register
This Workshop is for grade 5 and 6 teachers who are looking for support with teaching French. Shauna Néro will present grade 5 and 6 French units that have been designed by the Office of Franchophone and Franophile Affairs at SFU. All attendees will be provided with a bin that includes lesson plans, resources, and supplies for the first unit.

Save the Date: Odyssey 2026 | February 9, 2026

EXTERNAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Embrace Student Voice and Choice Webinar | October 29, 2025 | Register
Meet with your colleagues and share ideas and strategies for student-driven learning. Authors Erin Quinn & Tara Vandertoorn will explore ways to meet the challenge of student apathy and heighten engagement with the power of student voice and choice! This thoughtful webinar will delve into joyful, student-directed learning that empowers students to make a shift — take risks, share ideas, and start seeing themselves as learners who matter.

Secondary Literacy Webinar: Empowering Older Readers - October 29, 2025 | Register
This free virtual webinar is designed to help middle and secondary teachers with practical ideas and strategies to help support struggling older readers in the middle and secondary years.  If you are unable to attend the webinar live, you will have access to the recoding by signing up.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF/STUDENTS/CLASSES

Smart Money: Inflation & Tariffs made Simple | Enriched Academy | November 18, 2025 | More info | Register
Inspire your students to start building real-world financial awareness and knowledge for life! This is a fun and interactive session that makes learning about tariffs, inflation, and how money really works easy to understand! There are multiple time lots for each session specific to Grade 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. It’s a fun session packed with tools and insights you can start using right away. Best part? It’s completely free to attend and there will be a Class donut party up for grabs in every session!

For Change in Education | World Children's Day | November 20, 2025 | More info
Join Educators, Students, and leaders from New Zealand to Hawaii in an unprecedented 24-hour showcase of groundbreaking, innovative practices happening in schools. World Children's Day is November 20 and here is what you can expect:

  • Live interactions with students and teachers
  • Inspirational Master Classes from global experts
  • Innovative School Projects demonstrated in real-time
  • A free, lasting archive of best practices for educators

Your Student's Potential is Priceless | Shad 2026 | Apply Now | Financial Support Entrance Scholarships
If your students are ready to learn, create, and connect this summer at Shad2026, we’re ready to help them get there. Financial support is available so curious minds can join the adventure - regardless of financial circumstances. Shad also has Entrance Scholarships that are designed to support and inspire youth from all backgrounds to bring their curiosity, creativity, and leadership to STEAM. Whether they have a strong track record in community changemaking, represent Black, Indigenous, Métis, or other underrepresented communities, or come from Alberta, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario or PEI, there are full and partial scholarships available.

Empower the Next Generation of Girls in Tech with Hackergal Club | Logics Academy | Sign Up
Do you want your students to explore STEM, but finding time and resources can feel impossible? With Hackergal Clubs, you can bring hands-on STEM learning to girls and gender-diverse students, in just 6 lessons, with zero stress on your plate.

Here’s what you get:

  • Plug-and-play modules + templates: no coding experience required 

  • 1:1 mentor support: weekly check-ins to guide you 

  • Access to live events + community: connect with other teachers 

  • $30 Amazon gift card: redeem it when you complete your first club cycle

LEARNING RESOURCES

2025 Veterans Week learning materials and resources for Remembrance Day | Veterans Affairs Canada | Free Hardcopy Resources here | Digital Resources here
There are free Veteran's Week learning resources available for students aged five to eighteen offered by Veterans Affairs Canada. 

  • Mission Recognition | More info
    Veterans took part in many missions during their military careers. Now it's your turn to show Veterans that we appreciate their service. One great way to do that is by creating a peace tree in your classroom, library or community space. Use a bulletin board, a wall or even a holiday tree and decorate it with symbols of remembrance and the colourful I Will Remember Maple Leaves (order them while supplies last or print your own).
  • Did he have freckles? | Lesson Plan
    This year marks the 25th anniversary of the dedication of Canada’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa. Help students explore its special meaning by having them imagine who the person buried inside could have been. Check out our new Did he have freckles? lesson plan for classroom-ready learning activities and powerful visuals of people who lost their lives in service and have no known final resting place.
  • Remembrance Ceremony Resource Centre | More info
    School and community ceremonies honouring those who have served our country are a great way to show we care. If you’re looking for ideas on how to organize one, visit the Plan a Remembrance Day Ceremony resource centre today! You will find downloadable videos, music and readings, as well as detailed planning tools, MC notes and a customizable, step-by-step presentation you can play at your event.
  • In Flanders Fields Poem | One Poem Many Voices Resource
    Millions of people have heard the famous Canadian war poem In Flanders Fields at Remembrance Day ceremonies around the world. Did you know that this year is its 110th anniversary? Help your students experience the poem in new ways using our multilingual One poem, many voices resources. We have worked with our partners to translate In Flanders Fields into more than 25 of the most spoken languages and dialects in Canada, including Chinese, Punjabi, Arabic and many First Nations, Métis and Inuit languages. Written translations are currently available and over the coming weeks we’ll continue to add new video and audio elements.

Students in the Driver's Seat | Pembroke Publishers | Free Online Preview
Bringing voice, choice, and joy to learning in your Classroom. Put each student in the driver’s seat of their learning by creating a student-centered classroom. You'll find everything a teacher needs to help students find joy, purpose, and meaning in their learning. Students in the Driver's Seat is their October Book of the Month and they are offering a preview of the first part of the book online, completely free.

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL READINGS

Assess That Podcast: Assessment Identity with Karley Alleyn |  Podcast
In one of their recent Assess that Podcasts, Tom and Nat sit down and have a conversation with Karley Alleyn around assessment identity and together they explore how our personal experiences, beliefs, and emotions as educators shape and impact our approach to assessing students. As part of the podcast, Karley also shares her very simple but powerful "2 x 10 assessment strategy" which can be easily implemented by classroom teachers and be an impactful assessment tool for teachers to add to their assessment toolkit.  You can access the full podcast via the link above.

The Joyful Assessment Checklist | Link
The Joyful Assessment Checklist is a powerful self-reflection tool for teachers who are looking to find simple, effective ways to make student learning more visible through oral language strategies with their students.  You can access the Joyful Assessment Checklist through the link above.

TECH TIPS

Teach in the Microsoft CoPilot App | Link
As all staff should already be aware, Microsoft CoPilot is the main, approved AI tool for staff to use in our District as it is part of the Microsoft Office Suite and is safe and secure when it comes to data privacy.  Microsoft now also has launched the "Teach in the Microsoft 365 CoPilot App" which is now available to teachers in the Langley School District through their Microsoft Office account.  The Teach in the Microsoft 365 Copilot App is a home where educators can easily access AI-powered teaching tools to create lesson plans, draft materials like quizzes and rubrics, and quickly make modifications to language, reading level, length, difficulty, alignment to relevant standards, and more.
Please note: This feature is only available to Faculty/Staff with a Microsoft 365 for Education license. If you do not see it, please check with your IT administrator. This feature does not require a paid Microsoft 365 Copilot license. Click on the link above to learn more.