See Yourself in Limestone

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As we enter the spring season and final third of the school year, we are reminded of this season’s promise of renewal and growth, and the key role schools and families have together in supporting student learning and well-being. This time of </span><a href="about:blank" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">year</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> brings many opportunities for learning both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the return of outdoor extracurricular activities. While this week has been very wet and rainy, the warmer temperatures of spring are upon us.&nbsp; I would like to take this opportunity to share a few important updates with you:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">P.A. Day – Friday, April 17</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A reminder to families that tomorrow, Friday, April 17, is a P.A. Day. There will be no classes for students, and we look forward to welcoming them back to school on Monday.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Family Engagement and Climate Survey – Coming in May</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In early May, Limestone will be inviting families to take part in a Family Engagement and Climate Survey. The optional survey is anonymous, and families can choose which questions they want to answer.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The survey asks about topics such as feeling connected to school, family involvement, safety and bullying, communication, before- and after-school programming, and how technology like artificial intelligence is used in schools.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The feedback shared through this survey helps schools and the school board understand what is working well, what could improve, and what may make it harder for some families to take part. Your feedback helps strengthen communication, support student well-being, and improve school experiences for everyone.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">More information will be shared leading up to the survey being live in early May. </span><a href="https://youtu.be/kKxSsDtggew" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families are encouraged to watch a short video</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> featuring Senior Staff and a Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) Co-Chair, who share more about the Family Engagement and Climate Survey and why family voice is so important.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Human Rights Information</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Launched in October 2022, the Limestone’s Student Human Rights Reporting Tool provides a way for students, families, caregivers, and staff to report human rights concerns involving LDSB students, including matters related to discrimination and harassment. Reviewing and analyzing this information helps support safe, welcoming, and inclusive school environments and supports the board’s obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code. The&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/documents/dff6803b-6f2d-4d36-a758-68758a63ceb3/2026-04-09-Student-Human-Rights-Data-Summary-for-2024-2025.pdf" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student Human Rights Reports – 2024-2025 Summary is now available online</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;and can be accessed by families.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Student Census 2025 Update</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In November 2025, Limestone completed the See Yourself in Limestone: Student Census 2025, a voluntary and confidential survey that helps us better understand students’ identities and school experiences. The findings support planning and decision-making that promotes equity, well being, and student success across Limestone schools. An overview of the Student Census 2025 was presented to the Board of Trustees at last night’s board meeting. Families are encouraged to </span><a href="https://www.limestone.on.ca/news/see-yourself-in-limestone-2025-student-census-update-20260416133605" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">visit the Limestone District School Board website to review the full Student Census summary</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> and learn more about how student voice is helping shape our work.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mental Health Supports Available for Students</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In response to tragic events, locally or globally, students may experience a wide range of emotions, including sadness, confusion, worry, or questions about what they may be hearing from others. Students may react in different ways depending on their age, experiences, and how connected they feel to the situation. With time, reassurance, and support from caring adults, these reactions often ease.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We encourage families to keep lines of communication open at home, to invite questions, and to offer reassurance as needed. If you have concerns about your student or would like support, please refer to the following resources:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Supporting-your-childs-well-being.pdf" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Supporting Your Child’s Well-being</span></a></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Caring-for-yourself-while-caring-for-others.pdf" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Caring for yourself while caring for others: A parent’s guide to self-care</span></a></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://smho-smso.ca/parents-and-caregivers/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">By Your Side</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (parent/caregiver resources to support mental health learning)</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://maltbycentre.ca/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Maltby Centre</span></a></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://onestoptalk.ca/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">One Stop Talk</span></a></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://kidshelpphone.ca/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kids Help Phone</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (Call 1-800-668-6868 or Text “Connect” to 686868)</span></li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://211ontario.ca/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2-1-1 Ontario</span></a></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are worried about your student’s immediate safety, or the safety of others, please seek urgent assistance by calling 9-1-1, your local mobile crisis service (613-354-7388), or by going to the nearest emergency department.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for your continued support of Limestone schools and their communities. Your partnership, feedback, and engagement play an important role in strengthening student learning and well-being across Limestone. Limestone staff remain committed to collaborating with families to create safe, inclusive, and supportive school communities where every student can learn and see themselves in Limestone.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Krishna Burra</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Director of Education</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<h2 class="editor-heading-h2"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A vibrant event celebrating neurodiversity with inspiring talks, creative spaces, and an inclusive community experience.</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Now entering its third year, Neurovibes is a community event celebrating neurodiversity through engaging talks, creativity, and connection.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Attendees can hear from inspiring speakers, explore interactive spaces, and connect with community partners and vendors in a welcoming, inclusive environment. The event is designed to support different sensory needs while bringing people together to learn, share, and celebrate neurodivergent experiences.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When: April 29, 2026, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 4:00 p.m.)</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Where: Queen's Biosciences Complex, 116 Barrie Street, Kingston</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Register now at:&nbsp;</strong></b><a href="https://bit.ly/Neurovibes2026%20" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">bit.ly/Neurovibes2026</strong></b></a><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</strong></b></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2"><br></h2><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/0d9fba3e-4cf2-480e-973b-7617e4932a7f" alt="Neurovibes 2026 Poster" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Student Census helps the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) better understand more about how students’ experiences, identities, and academic achievement are connected. This information supports our Strategic Plan, which focuses on equity, student learning, well-being, and future success. By listening to student voices, the board can better understand what is working well and where changes are needed.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The census collects information that helps identify barriers some students may face at school. It also helps guide programs, supports, and decisions so all students have fair opportunities to succeed. Over time, the data helps the board track progress in student well-being, engagement, learning, and readiness for the future.</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">About the Student Census</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In November 2025, LDSB invited students in Grades 4 to 12 to take part in the census. Participation was voluntary and confidential. The census asked questions about students’ identities and their school experiences. This helps the board understand how different school experiences relate to learning and achievement, and how schools can better support students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The census is supported by funding from the Ministry of Education, which helps school boards collect and use voluntary demographic information. Like the 2020 Student Census, survey questions were carefully reviewed with input from advisory groups, school board committees, students, and community members.</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">How the Census Was Completed</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The census was completed online during school time. There were two versions of the survey:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">one for students in Grades 4 to 6</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">one for students in Grades 7 to 12</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Families received information about the census, including its purpose, the types of questions asked, and how to opt out if they chose to do so.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In response to family feedback, LDSB also planned a Kindergarten to Grade 12 Family Engagement and Climate Survey later in the school year. This survey asks families about school communication, families’ experiences of inclusion and connection, barriers to participation in school activities, safety and bullying, Before and After School Programs, and family background, to better understand experiences across communities.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Student Census was launched during the week of November 24 to 28, 2025, and remained open for four weeks.</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Participation and Response Rates</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">More than 9,400 students in Grades 4 to 12 took part in the 2025 Student Census, which represents about 66% of all students enrolled in Limestone. Around 600 families chose to opt out of the survey. Of the students who received the survey, 69% completed it. This is slightly lower than the 2020 response rate of 76%.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Response rates varied by grade level:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grades 4 to 6:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> 86% participation (up from 84% in 2020)</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grades 7 to 12:</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> 62% participation (down from 72% in 2020)</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Response rates by school panel:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Elementary (Grades 4 to 8):</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> 85% participation</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Secondary (Grades 9 to 12):</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> 51% participation</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Among students who completed the census, 29% identified as having special education needs. More than 70 students used translation tools to complete the survey, in 14 different languages.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The board extends its sincere appreciation to all school staff for their dedication and support in guiding students through the Student Census process. Staff played a crucial role in encouraging participation, assisting students with completing the survey, and fostering a welcoming environment where students felt comfortable sharing their experiences and perspectives. Their ongoing commitment was instrumental in achieving a strong response rate and ensuring the success of this important initiative.</span></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">What’s Next?</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Research Team has finished reviewing and preparing the data. Analysis is now underway, including comparisons with results from the 2020 Student Census. This work is being done with guidance from the Technical Advisory Group (TAG).</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As the work continues, updates will be shared with students, staff, and families. A full Student Census 2025 Report is planned for release in 2027.</span></p>