Community Update - August 28

Dear Bellwood P.S. Community,

With anticipation in the air, it is our privilege to welcome all our students, staff and parents back to Bellwood P.S. where we Belong, Believe and Succeed!

We would like to take this opportunity to recognize our Custodial Staff Tammy Skinner and Melissa Cardoso De Freitas for doing a great job over the summer preparing our school for the return of our students and staff next week! The school looks AMAZING!

Our shared commitment to learning, growth, and collaboration continues to be the cornerstone of our vibrant school community. The commencement of each school year brings with it a sense of renewal and a chance to embark on new adventures. To our returning students, it's wonderful to have you back! Your energy and enthusiasm infuse our halls with life, and we are eager to see the remarkable progress you will make this year. For our students and parents new to Bellwood P.S, we extend a warm and heartfelt welcome. You have joined a community that values diversity, curiosity, kindness, and a passion for exploration.

Welcome back to school! Please don’t hesitate to connect with the office at 905 436-0098 at any time if you have questions or concerns throughout the coming year. Our team is here to help!

Please click on the link for answers to questions you may have about returning to school this fall. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Have a wonderful week ahead and long weekend! See you on Tuesday September 3, 2024!

Your Admin Team,

Sharon Knights and Todd Smart

Please see below for our weekly updates;

Action Required! Parent Portal Student Verification Forms:

At the end of each summer, it is important that parents log into the DDSB Parent Portal to review, update, and submit the Student Verification Form for each child from Senior Kindergarten to Grade 8.

Please note: this does not apply to new Junior Kindergarten students.

Why?

1. This form contains essential details we may need to keep your child safe at school. This includes parent and emergency contact names and phone numbers, medical and custody information if applicable.

2. You will be able to find out your child’s teacher and room number for the first day of school. You will not have access to this information if the form is not updated. The Teacher information will be made available starting on Thursday, August 31.

3. Grade 7 students receive their DDSB Chromebooks and require online verification through the parent portal before they can be distributed.

If you have not had time to visit the Parent Portal we encourage you to do so. Information on how to access the returning student registration form can be found in this PDF.

Bell Times:

As a reminder, our bell times this year are: These are also posted to our school website.

· Morning supervision begins at 8:55 a.m.

· Morning Entry: 9:10

· Lunch: 11:50 – 12:50

· End of Day: 3:35

Kindergarten Start Dates 2024/2025:

As a reminder, incoming/returning Year 1 (JK) and Year 2 (SK) Kindergarten students will all start on the first day of the 2023/2024 school year.

Morning Arrival (after the first day and throughout the school year)

Upon arrival at school in the morning, students in grades 1-8 will remain outside in their designated areas until the bell rings. Once the bell rings, they will line up by class and the teacher on duty will facilitate entry into the building. Kindergarten students will enter through their designated gated areas. Supervision begins at 8:55 am and therefore we kindly ask that students not arrive at school prior to this time.

Lunch:

Students are permitted to go home for lunch. Lunch is from 11:50 am-12:50 pm. We kindly ask that you let your child’s teacher know if they will be going home on the first day and a separate lunch letter will be going home with all students next week. Students will exit via their regular door when leaving the building for lunch. Intermediate students will not be permitted to leave for lunch in the community unless they have shown their teacher a note and sign-out in the classroom. Please note if staying at school for lunch we are a “Boomerang” school, which means all garbage will go back home in your child’s lunch bag.

Late Arrivals:

Students who arrive at school after 9:10 a.m., are asked to report to the office. They will be signed in and then admitted to class. Please make every effort to get your child to school on time to optimize their success. Being on time for school will be a good routine for getting them in the habit as they get older and have jobs.

Student Absences and Early Dismissal:

If your child will be absent, arriving late or leaving school early, parents must report it to the school (just as you have always done) using the automated DDSB School Messenger system. If you have not already done so, please be sure to visit the School Messenger website and create an account. More information is available on the DDSB Website.

Safe Arrivals - Reporting Absences:

The Durham District School Board uses the online SchoolMessenger service for reporting student absences. You can report your child's absence by calling 1-844-350-2646, or online or on your smartphone through the SchoolMessanger app.

Dropping Off Forgotten Items and Lunches:

We continue to grow our students to be responsible citizens. As such, we expect them to come to school prepared with all learning materials, lunches, snacks, and water bottles. We understand that sometimes, an important item might be forgotten at home and needs to be dropped off. If this occurs, we ask that you clearly label the item and leave it on the cart in the front vestibule. We will endeavor to get the item to your child in a timely manner.

Kiss N Ride:

 A reminder to all families that Bellwood P.S. is a walking school, and we encourage families to walk their children to school. Should you choose to drive students to school please consider the following:

· If you are using the Kiss and Ride you are expected to remain in your vehicle at all times. Children should be able to exit the vehicles without driver assistance.

· We ask families for your patience as our students exit/enter the buses before and after school.

· SAFETY IS ALWAYS OUR PRIORITY. Please be mindful of students and families walking across the sidewalk as you exit our parking lot.

· Please do not park in front of the Kindergarten enclosure for morning drop off and afternoon pick up.

· Please find a parking spot in front of the school if you are walking your child to class

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to keep all our students and families safe.

Volunteers:

We are excited to welcome volunteers into the school. As a reminder, all volunteers must have a current criminal reference check on file with the school. They must be within the last 6 months and include Vulnerable Sector Screening.

Curriculum Night Date To Be Determined:

We invite students and family members to join us for our Meet the Teacher Night. Stay tuned for more information.

YMCA PlayON Afterschool Program:

Hello families,

We are pleased to announce that the YMCA PlayON program is back for another year. Our registration process continues to be in an online format; below you will find a registration form that you must complete and submit. If your registration is successful, you will receive a confirmation from a staff the second week of September letting you know your child's start date and important program details or if your child is on the waitlist.

PlayON operates at Bellwood P.S. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from dismissal to 5:45 PM. Please note the change in days from previous year.

Children from grade 1 to grade eight are invited to join us to explore nutrition, wellness, physical activity, and other fun activities.

A few details:

Program Cost: Nil

A healthy snack is provided everyday

Students meet staff at a designated area at the beginning of program; a staff will provide details upon program confirmation

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE PLAYON PROGRAM https://forms.gle/vc3HA4TFh6KybeUo6

We look forward to hearing from you! If you have any questions, please email Playon.Programs@ymcagta.org

Sent on behalf of Dorothy Bolzon (She/Her) PlayON Coordinator