| Bell Time Changes for 2017-2018 | http://fer.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/school-news/50 | Bell Time Changes for 2017-2018 | <p>Dear Ferndale Families:</p><p>Each year the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC) review the transportation services provided to SCDSB students. In order to ensure the safe, efficient and cost-effective delivery of transportation services, bus routes and school start and end times are reviewed on an annual basis.</p><p><strong>As a result of this review, Ferndale Woods E.S. start and end times will be changing. Beginning in September 2017, our first bell will ring at 9:10 a.m. and school will dismiss at 3:30 p.m.</strong></p><p>Our school day schedule will be updated to reflect this change. We will provide further information on the full school day schedule for 2017-18 when it is available.</p><p>These changes have been made in accordance with SCDSB Policy 2410, Transportation of Students. </p><p>If you have any questions please feel free to contact the school.</p><p> </p> | | | |
| Parking Lot Flow/Drop Off 2016-2017 | http://fer.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/school-news/36 | Parking Lot Flow/Drop Off 2016-2017 | <p></p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Traffic Flow at Ferndale Woods Elementary School</strong></span></p><p> </p><p>As you know, Ferndale Woods has grown in enrollment and we now have four full buses and several special needs transportation vehicles. In order to facilitate a smooth beginning to the school year and to maintain safety throughout the year, it is important to highlight information related to drop off and pick up of students.</p><p> </p><p>Numerous buses come in and out of our school. In order to ensure student safety, the Board's policy is that once a bus is on school property, vehicles will not be allowed to pass until the bus has loaded or unloaded. </p><p> </p><p>Parents are encouraged to walk their children to school whenever possible. If it is necessary to drive it is highly recommended that parents park in the parking lot at the city park or park along Nicholson Drive behind the school. Parents may legally park there and walk their children to and from the school yard.</p><p> </p><p>Parking Lot:</p><ul><li>Parents may drop off their children at the Kiss and Ride but may not park there</li><li>Once buses are in, cars will not be able to get out of the Kiss and Ride or parking lot until the buses have unloaded/loaded</li><li>Kindergarten children may be dropped at the Kiss and Ride to a blue vest teacher who will walk them around to the supervised kindergarten area</li></ul><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Parents are welcome to walk their children around to the kindergarten yard (marked with pylons) to the supervising staff. If coming by vehicle, they must do so after parking in a legal parking space.</li><li>For kindergarten students, pick-up will be at designated doors at the back of the kindergarten area of the school </li><li>At the end of the day, parents may pick up their children at the Kiss and Ride but they will not be able to leave the parking lot until buses have left</li></ul><p> </p><p>The entrance through the YMCA daycare gate is closed to Ferndale families. According to the Day Nursery Act, anyone entering the childcare property must first sign in at the YMCA office. The YMCA's program has grown and in order to maintain the safety and security of the small children in their care their playground area will remain closed to outside visitors.</p><p> </p><p>Thank you for your support in keeping our students safe. </p> | | | |
| SCDSB partners with Dell and Staples to provide affordable technology options | http://fer.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/board-news/74 | SCDSB partners with Dell and Staples to provide affordable technology options | <p>The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is excited to announce two partnerships for the 2017-18 school year. The SCDSB has worked with Dell Canada and Staples to provide affordable options for families considering a technology purchase. Both programs are approved by the SCDSB.<br><br>Information about both programs, including product details and how to order, is available below. If you have questions about the programs, please contact either a Dell Education Advisor or your nearest Staples store, as appropriate.<br><br><a href="http://scdsb.on.ca/About%20Us/News%20Documents/SimcoeCountyDSB-Dell%20BYOD_June2017.pdf">Dell Canada BYOD program letter</a><br><a href="http://scdsb.on.ca/About%20Us/News%20Documents/SchoolToolsBYOD_SimcoeLetter_EN.pdf">Staples BYOD program letter</a><br> <br></p> | | | |
| Ministry of Education seeks online engagement regarding implementation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework | http://fer.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/board-news/72 | Ministry of Education seeks online engagement regarding implementation of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework | <div>The Ontario Ministry of Education is working with researchers to gather feedback and input to inform the development of the Third Progress Report on the implementation of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Policy Framework. <br><br>Students, parents/guardians and families, teaching and nonteaching staff, Indigenous communities, organizations and partners, and school boards are invited to participate in an online survey and/or online focus groups to capture successes and help to identify promising practices and opportunities to provide further support to enhance the achievement and well-being of Indigenous students. <br><br>Third Progress Report - <a href="https://sondages.outsidesoft.com/Engine/Default.aspx?surveyID=6A64A645-0C53-4CFF-9495-6E1A5E830F36">English survey</a></div><div>Troisième Rapport D’Étape - <a href="https://sondages.outsidesoft.com/Engine/Default.aspx?surveyID=6A64A645-0C53-4CFF-9495-6E1A5E830F36&idlang=FR">French survey</a> <br><br></div><div>It is important to note that:</div><div><ul><li>Participation in this survey is voluntary. </li><li>This survey is confidential. That means that all answers will be combined anonymously (without any identifying information) with the answers received from other participants. No one who sees the answers will be able to link them to any individual person. </li><li>Anyone can stop doing this survey at any time without any repercussions.</li></ul></div><div>All stakeholders are invited to participate in the online focus groups. To participate, RSVP to thirdprogressreport@gmail.com indicating which session you would like to attend. Please note that while we will make efforts to accommodate everyone spaces are limited to 10-12 people per session on a first come, first served basis. <br><br></div><div><table cellspacing="0" width="100%" class="ms-rteTable-default"><tbody><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;"><strong>Students</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;"><strong>Parents/Guardians</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;"><strong>Teaching/Non-Teaching Staff</strong></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default" style="width:25%;"><strong>Indigenous Organizations & Partners</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Tuesday, May 23 </p><p style="text-align:center;">8-9pm EST (English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Monday, June 12 7:30-8:30 pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, May 25 6-7pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, June 1 2-3pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, June 1 7-8pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, June 15 7-8 pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, June 1</p><p style="text-align:center;">7-8pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Friday, June 2</p><p style="text-align:center;">2-3pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Monday, June 19 7-8pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Wednesday, June 21</p><p style="text-align:center;">7-8pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, June 15 7-8 pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Thursday, June 8 2-3pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(English)</p></td></tr><tr><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Monday, June 19 7-8pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;"> (French)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Monday, June 26</p><p style="text-align:center;">7-8pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(French)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Tuesday, June 20</p><p style="text-align:center;">7-8 pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(French)</p></td><td class="ms-rteTable-default"><p style="text-align:center;">Tuesday, June 27</p><p style="text-align:center;">7-8 pm EST</p><p style="text-align:center;">(French)</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br></div><div><br></div><div>The Indigenous Education Office of the Ministry of Education would be pleased to respond to any questions you may have regarding the process of engagement and data collection to inform the development of the Third Progress Report. Please send any questions directly to Jennifer Feasby, Manager Education Policy and Programs Unit (Jennifer.Feasby@ontario.ca).<br><br><br></div><div><br></div> | | | |
| Netflix series 13 Reasons Why – information for parents/guardians | http://fer.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/board-news/71 | Netflix series 13 Reasons Why – information for parents/guardians | <div>Recently there has been significant media coverage of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. The show is a fictional account of one teen’s suicide and the factors leading to it. <br><br>The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) has advised staff that they are not to use the series as a teaching tool. This decision is based upon the advice of mental health professionals from across the province, who have stated that the material is graphic and potentially triggering for vulnerable young people. While the themes in this series may not pose a risk or potential harm to most students, for those struggling with mental health issues and/or suicide ideation, this series includes graphic content, glamourizes suicidal behaviours and portrays helpers (school guidance counsellors) in a negative way. <br><br>We recognize that your children may watch the series on their own. If they do, we encourage you to talk with them about their thoughts and feelings. The SCDSB has supports in place for students and staff, and there are many community resources you can access as well. More information and contact details are available on the <a href="http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Programs/Safe-and-Healthy-Schools/Pages/Mental-Health.aspx">SCDSB website</a>. <br><br>The National Association of School Psychologists has also developed <a href="http://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/preventing-youth-suicide/13-reasons-why-netflix-series-considerations-for-educators">information regarding the series</a>. You may also find this helpful in discussions with your children about suicide and mental health. <br><br>If you have questions or concerns please contact your principal.</div><div><br></div> | | | |
| School Yard From 8:30-3:05 | http://fer.scdsb.on.ca/about-us/news/school-news/24 | School Yard From 8:30-3:05 | <p>We are very grateful for the arrival of the warm weather. Please be reminded that the school yard is closed to people other than students and staff from 8:30-3:05. Adults observing and interacting with our students are approved through our volunteer program. In the interest of child safety and confidentiality, we cannot have parents on the yard during the school day. Those picking up children in the kindergarten area are welcome to do so at 3:00. Parents- please feel free to wait in the rock area to the north of the school (by the Kiss and Ride), if you wish.</p> | | | |