April 16, 2020
This week has seen us begin to implement the Continuity of Learning Plan. We believe that all our students are now set up with the appropriate technology to do their online learning. Thank you to all of the parents and staff who have taken on this massive undertaking. I am pleased to be hearing reports from both students and staff that there is much excitement around this new form of learning. Mrs. Huang has created a beautiful video to showcase the Blacklock Fine Arts Staff Car Parade 2020, which took place last week. Check out the Blacklock Fine Arts You Tube channel here to view this video.
Please join us tonight, Thursday, April 16th at 6 pm, for Blacklock Bedtime Stories on the school’s Youtube channel. Tonight, Mrs. Atherton will be reading a special book from the safety of her home.
Also, we are pleased to announce a special Blacklock Bedtime Story event beginning tonight during which Mrs. Huang will be reading a chapter from one of her favourite chapter books Monday and Thursday nights for the months of April and May. The audiobook will be uploaded to the school’s Youtube Channel. Families can listen to this audiobook while meals are being prepared or while enjoying quiet individual activities. Remember: Get Comfy, Get Cozy, Love Reading!
The B.C. government is providing a new Emergency Relief Support Fund and has added service flexibility for parents of children with special needs to help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for more information.
Family & Community Support Webpage
District and school staff are continuing to provide support for our families during this challenging time. The District website has a new Family & Community Support page to help parents/guardians cope with the impacts of COVID-19. This page includes links to resources including a comprehensive guide developed by the Langley Children Committee, containing health, housing, and financial support information. On this page you will also find a new weekly blog launched by Gail Markin, who is our District Teacher for Social Emotional Learning. She will be covering a new health and wellness topic every time. Thank you to our community partners for their ongoing support. Visit the page here.
Educational Technology Support
As we continue our journey into at-home learning, our staff are continuing to roll out information for families on different technology platforms and how to get connected. Microsoft Classroom TEAMS and myBlueprint are being widely used across the District. You can find a new Educational Technology Support page on the District website with detailed instructions for these two apps. Visit the page here. If you require more assistance with technology, you can email supportme@sd35.bc.ca.
REMINDER: Playgrounds and Recreation Facilities Remain Closed
The District appreciates everyone’s help in physical distancing on our sites. Staff would like to remind families that all District playgrounds and recreation facilities such as hockey boxes and tennis courts remain closed to the public. This closure includes Township of Langley and City of Langley playgrounds and recreation facilities. Please continue to do your part in helping keep our community healthy and safe.
Stay healthy, safe, and enjoy the sunshine!
Susanna Eppich, Principal