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Boardroom Briefs -June 2023

Boardroom Briefs June 21, 2023

<img src="/images/5a50cea0-02ca-5f9e-921d-8565e3cf2456?fingerprint=ppb20251217013831" srcset="/thumbnails/5a50cea0-02ca-5f9e-921d-8565e3cf2456?fingerprint=ppb20251217013831 450w, /images/5a50cea0-02ca-5f9e-921d-8565e3cf2456?fingerprint=ppb20251217013831 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span><span><span>Boardroom Briefs is intended to provide highlights of presentations, reports and decisions made at the regular meeting of the Limestone District School Board of Trustees.</span><br> <br> <span>These briefs do not serve as the official record of the meeting. Please refer to Board minutes which are approved at the next regular meeting. Community members are also invited to follow along during live tweets of regular Board meetings using the hashtag #LDSBmtg</span></span></span><iframe src="https://www.smore.com/u14wd-boardroom-briefs?embed=1" title="Boardroom Briefs"></iframe>
2023-06-20 00:00:00 +0000 UTC
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National Indigenous History Month 300 x 200

National Indigenous History Month

<img src="/images/102f8c05-9582-5f05-9808-3ba499532c48?fingerprint=ppb20251217013130" srcset="/thumbnails/102f8c05-9582-5f05-9808-3ba499532c48?fingerprint=ppb20251217013130 450w, /images/102f8c05-9582-5f05-9808-3ba499532c48?fingerprint=ppb20251217013130 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p><span><span>June is <b>National Indigenous History Month</b>. This month is an opportunity to learn about the diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. It’s a time to honour and give voice to the stories, achievements, and resilience of Indigenous peoples across Canada, who have lived and cared for this land since time immemorial and who continue to make significant impacts, today. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>During this month, we also celebrate <b>National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21</b>. This day is an opportunity to honour the histories and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. This day is important as it gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the Indigenous peoples whose histories and cultures are rooted in this land, and whose historical impact and presence have long been ignored by Canadian society. We are now in a place where we are beginning to recognize the importance of Indigenous peoples and their contributions to what we now know as Canada. In the Limestone District School Board, it is critical that we continue to teach the truth and to make a commitment to life-long reconcili-ACTION and living in right relations with the Indigenous community whose traditional territory we are fortunate to teach and learn on. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>Working alongside Indigenous community members and several organizations <i>(Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle, Queen’s University, Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Kewaywin Circle, Sexual Assault Centre Kingston, Tipi Moza, Kingston Community Health Centres, Kahwá:tsire Indigenous-Led Child and Family Programs, Métis Nation of Ontario, Odemin Collective, Kingston Frontenace Public Library, and the City of Kingston)</i> and in partnership with the Kingston Indigenous Languages Nest, the Limestone District School Board’s, Indigenous Education Team is proud to offer several opportunities for staff and students to engage in throughout this month.<br> <br> </span></span></p> <p><span><b><span><span>June 9<sup>&nbsp;</sup>– Painting in the Garden:&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></b></span><span>K-12 students will join Mandy Wilson from the Kingston Indigenous Languages Nest in City Park to paint bottles that will be used for watering the Indigenous-led City Park Garden. </span></p> <p><span><b><span><span>All Month – City Park Garden (KILN &amp; LDSB Collaboration):&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></b></span><span>K-12 students are invited to participate in Indigenous-led garden programming throughout the month of June. In collaboration with the Kingston Indigenous Languages Nest, the Limestone District School Board has supported the building and programming of a food sovereignty garden in City Park. Classes will attend the garden to support with planting, tending to our plant relatives, harvesting, and programming.&nbsp; </span></p> <p><span><b><span><span>All Month – Paint with Isaac Murdoch:&nbsp;</span></span></b><span>Anishinaabe artist, Isaac Murdoch will be sharing the importance of protecting the lands and waters as well as the meaning behind his artwork, and <span>his original artwork, Thunderbird Woman.&nbsp;</span>He will also share art techniques and tips.</span></span></p> <p><span><b><span><span>June 21&nbsp;– National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations:&nbsp;</span></span></b></span><span>The Limestone District School Board is proud to be a funder for the National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations happening on June 21&nbsp;in City Park. K-12 classrooms are invited to take their classes to City Park to participate in the celebration. The day will have live performers, an artist's alley, Indigenous vendors, food, community resources fair, and more! </span></p> <p><span><b><span>June 21&nbsp;-Youth Artists Alley:&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></b></span><span>Self-Identified Indigenous youth under 25 years old are invited to submit and display their artwork as part of the Youth Artists Alley at the National Indigenous Peoples Day event on June 21</span><span>.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span><b><span><span>June 21&nbsp;– Digging Roots Concert:&nbsp;</span></span></b></span><span><span>In the evening of June 21, there will be a FREE concert by Juno-award winning band Digging Roots</span><span>&nbsp;at Springer Market Square. The concert is from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. LDSB staff, students, and families are invited to attend as part of Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations.&nbsp;<br> <br> There will be limited seating for ticket holders on bleachers.&nbsp;</span></span><span><span>Tickets can be reserved <a href="https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/digging-roots-free-concert-at-richardson-stadium-tickets-650071199457" target="_blank" title="Eventbrite Tickets">here</a></span><span>.</span></span><span><span><br> </span></span></p> <p><span><span>Bring your lawn chairs if you can.&nbsp;<br> <br> There will be shuttles available from City Park to Market Square and back, and KILN has single-ride bus tickets for use on the day which will be available for pick-up at KCHC, FACSFLA, and KILN.</span></span></p>
2023-06-19 00:00:00 +0000 UTC
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Dress Code Feedback (300 × 200 px)

Student Clothing: Draft Procedure

<img src="/images/2706efd9-b739-55dc-8595-06007c43ab97?fingerprint=ppb20251217013352" srcset="/thumbnails/2706efd9-b739-55dc-8595-06007c43ab97?fingerprint=ppb20251217013352 450w, /images/2706efd9-b739-55dc-8595-06007c43ab97?fingerprint=ppb20251217013352 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div> <p><span><span><span>In fulfilling our obligation and responsibility to </span><span>provide</span><span> a safe, </span><span>equitable</span><span>, and inclusive school environment that allows students to express themselves, Limestone District School Board is </span><span>revising the </span><span>application and use of Administrative Procedure (AP) 352: </span><span>Appropriate </span><span>Dress</span><span>.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span><br> </span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>This is an important undertaking that addresses how the Board’s former policies and practices disproportionately </span><span>impacted</span><span> some students, including those who identify or present as female, those who are racialized, gender diverse, transgender, non-binary, students with disabilities, those who are socioeconomically marginalized, and Indigenous, First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students. In addition, the application of the </span><span>previous</span><span> dress code was subjective and applied inconsistently which could be unfair and discriminatory. </span><span>This also includes a change in the name of the procedure to reflect a student-focus </span><span>and remove the punitive nature of the word Code</span><span>.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span><br> </span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>The new administrative procedure recognizes that our personal choice of clothing is an important way of expressing individuality and identity.</span><span> It also acknowledges the personal factors that may influence an individual’s choice of clothing, such as social-cultural norms, socioeconomic status, religion, creed, or human rights accommodations. Students should be able to freely express themselves and make their own clothing choices in a way that ensures that schools are safe, welcoming, and respectful</span><span>.&nbsp;<br> </span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>This administrative procedure will apply in all schools, and to all </span><span>LDSB</span><span> education programs, including school activities that occur off school property</span><span>.&nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span><br> </span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>It is important to us that students, families, and the community have an opportunity to </span><span>provide</span><span> feedback on this updated procedure that will guide our practice. The consultation </span><span>objectives</span><span> are as follows:&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span><br> </span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>• Engage students, parents/families, staff, and the community.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>• Include diverse voices and perspectives on the development and implementation of </span><span><span>the <span> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <span> </span>&nbsp; <span> </span>&nbsp;administrative procedure</span><span>.&nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>• Gather input and suggestions</span><span>.&nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>• </span><span>Identify</span><span> procedure content/requirements, key themes, and issues that should be </span></span><span><span>included and <span> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;addressed</span><span>.&nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>• Include Indigenous and other perspectives, approaches, and culturally relevant and </span><span>responsive <span> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;options.&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><strong>View the draft administrative procedure </strong></span><strong><a href="https://limestoneschools-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/abdulkareemy_limestone_on_ca/ESDA2zw7j1BJhOI_O5brZ8EBgaAOaoOkXWXkoFWDQ71OiQ?e=xiWr9T" target="_blank"><span><span>here</span></span></a><span>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> </span></strong></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span><strong>Please share your feedback and comments </strong></span><strong><a href="https://ldsb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_55a00cvJvnVRHq6" target="_blank"><span><span>here</span></span></a><span>.</span></strong></span><strong><span>&nbsp;</span></strong></span></p> <p><span><span><br> </span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>Students, families, and community members will have until June 26, 2023, to </span><span>provide</span><span> their feedback or comments. Feedback that builds on human rights and/or has an equity focus will be considered, and where </span><span>appropriate</span><span>, included in the document. We will strive to address any concerns that may arise from the survey. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. All respondents will remain confidential.</span><span> </span><span>I</span><span>mplementation of the revised procedure </span><span>is expected </span><span>for </span><span>fall 2023.<br> <br> For more information on the draft procedure and to review the interim guidelines click <a href="/board/appropriate_dress_code_interim_guidelines" target="_blank" title="Interim guidelines">here.</a><br> <br> </span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> </div>
2023-06-12 00:00:00 +0000 UTC
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2023-24 Budget Results

2023-2024 Budget Survey Results

<img src="/images/267b79e4-acfc-5626-8118-0e932bd3c283?fingerprint=ppb20251217013352" srcset="/thumbnails/267b79e4-acfc-5626-8118-0e932bd3c283?fingerprint=ppb20251217013352 450w, /images/267b79e4-acfc-5626-8118-0e932bd3c283?fingerprint=ppb20251217013352 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span><strong>LDSB 2023-2024 Budget Survey Receives Almost Double the Response from Last Year&nbsp;</strong><br> <br> <em>Board responds to requests for more EAs and ECEs, smaller class sizes, more mental health supports and spending on board office administration&nbsp;<br> </em><br> --&nbsp;<br> <br> The Limestone District School Board (LDSB) 2023-2024 Budget Survey received almost double the number of responses over last year’s survey.&nbsp;<br> <br> A total of 1,150 responses were received from March 3-24, 2023, when the LDSB sought public feedback on the development of its budget process for the next school year through an online survey hosted on the ThoughtExchange platform.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> <br> This survey was open to families, staff, community, and federation partners, and publicized through the LDSB website, social media, and emails from the Director.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> <br> The results showed predominantly family members and caregivers of students in the system, as well as LDSB employees participated in the survey, and they placed Reading &amp; Writing Skills, Mental Health and Well-being, and Mathematics as the top three categories; followed by Special Education and Art/Music/Drama.&nbsp;<br> <br> ThoughtExchange surveys not only offer participants space to share their thoughts but allow others to rank those thoughts as well. Through those rankings, themes emerged around the need for more Educational Assistants (EAs) and Early Childhood Educators (ECEs), smaller class sizes, more mental health supports, and less spending on board office administration. <strong>It is important to note that in each of these areas, the LDSB often exceeds provincial standards to support student needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><br> <br> <strong>More Educational Assistants &amp; Early Childhood Educators&nbsp;</strong><br> <br> From the top 16 thoughts for the Board, the need for more Education Assistants (EAs) was ranked number one. To support this, in 2021/2022 the Board staffing for EAs and Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) was 20.7 staff per thousand students. The provincial average is 17.9 staff per thousand students. LDSB is staffing almost three EAs per thousand students more than the provincial average. LDSB spending is just over $1,050 per student on EAs and ECEs, almost $300 more per student than the provincial average of $754. It should also be noted that in 2022-2023 LDSB approved a budget to support a special education budget that exceeded enveloped provincial funding by $7.8 million.&nbsp;<br> <br> “We recognize that more could always be done to support students with special education needs, but we are spending significantly more than what we are funded for in this area, and comparisons with other boards show that we are providing more staff to meet these critical needs,” says Krishna Burra, Director of Education.&nbsp;<br> <br> <strong>Smaller class sizes</strong>&nbsp;<br> <br> The next top five of the 16 thoughts referenced more staff and class size ratio. Funding from the province is dependent upon our class size ratios. Within elementary, class sizes are trending at the provincial average of 25.4 students. Secondary class sizes are averaging 18.5 students, with the provincial average just over 20. While in theory we support smaller class sizes to support students and staff, funding is set by the province.&nbsp;<br> <br> <strong>Mental health supports&nbsp;</strong><br> <br> The need for mental health support was also referenced in the top 16 thoughts. LDSB’s budget for 2022-23 was $1.323 million, all of which was spent focused in this area.&nbsp;<br> <br> <strong>Spending on board office administration&nbsp;</strong><br> <br> Overspending at the board office was also mentioned. Board administration staffing levels have remained relatively constant even though enrolment has increased. The Ministry limits expenditures on board office administration and governance. The LDSB is not allowed to exceed the allocation annually and has been underspent in this area relative to provincial funding.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> <br> “Centrally based educators are funded across the province to support classroom-based educators, and to support professional learning. This model of supporting classrooms and professional learning is particularly important when we are facing shortages of occasional educators on many days,” says Burra.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>
2023-06-09 00:00:00 +0000 UTC
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June 9 Special Air Quality Statement (300 × 200 px)

All Outdoor Activities to Resume June 9

<img src="/images/c8c99ea2-6204-5cb0-86c1-a483987c9bb0?fingerprint=ppb20251217014840" srcset="/thumbnails/c8c99ea2-6204-5cb0-86c1-a483987c9bb0?fingerprint=ppb20251217014840 450w, /images/c8c99ea2-6204-5cb0-86c1-a483987c9bb0?fingerprint=ppb20251217014840 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span>In consultation with KFL&amp;A Public Health, and with information from Environment Canada that indicates air quality will improve across the district, <strong>LDSB will be reinstating all outdoor activities at its schools, effective Friday, June 9, 2023.</strong> Schools will continue to make every attempt to accommodate those who wish to stay inside or are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, or throat or eye irritation.&nbsp;<br> <br> We will continue to monitor the situation closely and make modifications as needed should the forecasted air quality change. Should changes be necessary, we will provide additional information to families.&nbsp;<br> <br> Should you have questions or concerns about activities at your school, please contact your school principal directly.</span><br>
2023-06-08 00:00:00 +0000 UTC
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Limestone District School Board

Some outdoor activities to resume June 8

<img src="/images/002eb67f-2148-5fdf-ae44-4c797f90f701?fingerprint=ppb20251217013010" srcset="/thumbnails/002eb67f-2148-5fdf-ae44-4c797f90f701?fingerprint=ppb20251217013010 450w, /images/002eb67f-2148-5fdf-ae44-4c797f90f701?fingerprint=ppb20251217013010 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p><span><span>In consultation with KFL&amp;A Public Health, and with information from Environment Canada that indicates air quality will improve across the district, LDSB will be reinstating some outdoor activities at its schools, effective Thursday, June 8, 2023.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Students will be able to go outdoors for recesses but will be encouraged to avoid strenuous activity. Staff will continue to use their professional judgement and continue to monitor the activity level of students outside to ensure that no one is being negatively impacted. Schools will, if supervision levels allow, make every attempt to accommodate those who wish to stay inside or are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, or throat or eye irritation.</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Strenuous outdoor activities, or participating in high level, intensity sports such as rugby, soccer, or track, will remain cancelled in the Limestone district, or will move indoors where available. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>Extracurricular activities, field trips or planned outdoor activities that may have been part of the field trip will be permitted if they do not involve strenuous physical activity or a high level of physical exertion. Low or medium activity level sports such as softball and baseball will proceed.&nbsp;<br> <br> </span></span><span>We will continue to monitor the situation closely and should any additional steps need to be taken on the advice of KFL&amp;A Public Health, we will provide additional information to families.</span></p> <p><span><span>Should you have questions or concerns about activities at your school, please contact your school principal directly. </span></span></p>
2023-06-07 00:00:00 +0000 UTC
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Special Air Quality Statement (300 × 200 px)

Special Air Quality Statement

<img src="/images/1a4d20f9-d895-5a07-ae79-63b32789137c?fingerprint=ppb20251217013228" srcset="/thumbnails/1a4d20f9-d895-5a07-ae79-63b32789137c?fingerprint=ppb20251217013228 450w, /images/1a4d20f9-d895-5a07-ae79-63b32789137c?fingerprint=ppb20251217013228 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p><span><span><strong>UPDATE: JUNE 6, 2023 11:47&nbsp; &nbsp;A.M.</strong><br> </span></span></p> <p><span><span>In consultation with KFL&amp;A Public Health, LDSB will be cancelling all outdoor extra-curricular activities and sporting events for the remainder of the day due to worsening air quality in the region, and students will remain indoors until dismissal. Students that were on route or have arrived at events will now be directed back to their schools. &nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Air quality within LDSB schools is being monitored and precautions will be taken. Existing HEPA units within schools will be used.&nbsp;</span><br> </span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Sporting events, like EOSSA and Special Olympics will look to reschedule or move indoors.</span><br> </span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>We will continue to monitor the situation and consult with KFL&amp; A Public Health regarding outdoor activities and athletic events tomorrow and update schools and families as information changes.</span><br> </span></span></p> <p><span><span><a href="https://weather.gc.ca/canada_e.html">Environment Canada</a><br> </span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>KFL&amp;A Public Health –&nbsp;</span><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kflaph.ca%2Fen%2Fhealth-topics%2Fextreme-weather.aspx&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cdouglasja%40limestone.on.ca%7C94b8189c20d54addb15908db66a98972%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638216650627829387%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=p8h08mEa1XBWAthiyIFXI71%2FzqBQF13oTizhcngYZOo%3D&amp;reserved=0"><span>https://www.kflaph.ca/en/health-topics/extreme-weather.aspx</span></a></span></span><span></span></p> <p><span><span><br> <br> POSTED June 6, 2023 9;10 a.m.<br> Yesterday, KFL&amp;A Public Health released an air quality advisory due to forest fires burning in surrounding areas in Ontario and Quebec. Given public health has issued recommendations for monitoring and managing breathing while outdoors, regular school activities, and athletic events will proceed.&nbsp; We will continue to work with Public Health in monitoring local air quality.&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Staff will continue to closely monitor students as those with pre-existing medical conditions (e.g. asthma, heart conditions, etc.) may be more susceptible to breathing difficulties as a result of poor air quality. Schools will make accommodations for students to remain indoors, as requested.</span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Staff will&nbsp;continue to monitor the activity level of students outside to ensure that none are being negatively impacted by the poor air quality.&nbsp;</span><br> </span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Athletes and coaches participating in EOSSA events will take breaks in indoor spaces as per the Environment Canada recommendation.&nbsp; Special Olympics events are being moved indoors at several facilities.</span><br> </span></span></p> <p><span><span>We will continue to monitor alerts, and will be in contact with Public Health.</span></span></p>
2023-06-06 00:00:00 +0000 UTC
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Special Air Quality Statement (300 × 200 px) (1)

Update: School Activities for June 7

<img src="/images/d4e35696-d88a-52b9-9882-844a32f0f89b?fingerprint=ppb20251217014946" srcset="/thumbnails/d4e35696-d88a-52b9-9882-844a32f0f89b?fingerprint=ppb20251217014946 450w, /images/d4e35696-d88a-52b9-9882-844a32f0f89b?fingerprint=ppb20251217014946 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p><span><span>Given the current air quality statement from Environment Canada and the <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.airqualityontario.com%2Faqhi%2Findex.php&amp;data=05%7C01%7Cdouglasja%40limestone.on.ca%7C465f303112db45e1ab9308db66c0f4b0%7Ce1f4165febae4d82a73ca0de593830be%7C0%7C0%7C638216751168516903%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=7%2BG7pyeio9ZboEKjBoKDBlt7jphM2sSkAGagbiQkDNE%3D&amp;reserved=0">forecast</a> for tomorrow, the Limestone District School Board in consultation with KFL&amp;A Public Health, is cancelling all outdoor activities for Tuesday, June 7, 2023. Students will continue to remain indoors, including during recess and for any other physical education or extracurricular activities.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Field trips that are indoors will continue. However, any planned outdoor activities that may have been part of the field trip will not take place. Local sporting events, like KASSAA will look to reschedule or move indoors.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span>We are continuing to monitor the air quality within our schools. School windows will remain closed, and we will limit the movement of people in and out of the building. All schools will continue to use their existing HEPA units.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span>We thank LDSB families and school for their patience today as we consulted with KFL&amp;A Public Health as conditions changed. &nbsp;Air quality and visibility due to wildfire smoke can vary considerably from hour to hour and over short distances.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span>Know that student health and safety is a priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation and adjust as needed.</span></span></p>
2023-06-06 00:00:00 +0000 UTC
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Accessibility Week 300 x 200

National AccessAbility Week 2023

<img src="/images/e6ed2f7e-4e7a-5afb-a84e-079f541c8f84?fingerprint=ppb20251217015125" srcset="/thumbnails/e6ed2f7e-4e7a-5afb-a84e-079f541c8f84?fingerprint=ppb20251217015125 450w, /images/e6ed2f7e-4e7a-5afb-a84e-079f541c8f84?fingerprint=ppb20251217015125 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div> <p><span><span><span>Limestone District School Board is proud to </span><span>celebrate</span><span> </span><span>National AccessAbility Week</span><span> May 28 – June 2</span><span>, 2023</span><span>. This is </span><span>an opportunity for all of us to come together to </span><span>give voice and </span><span>honour</span><span> </span><span>the valuable </span><span>contributions </span><span>and leadership of staff and students </span><span>with disabilities</span><span>, </span><span>highlight the work of </span><span>removing </span><span>barriers and</span><span> reflect on our ongoing efforts to </span><span>become a better, more accessible, more disability inclusive </span><span>school</span><span> board</span><span>.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span><br> </span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>On Wednesday, May 31, we encourage students, staff and the larger community to participate in <a href="https://easterseals.ca/en/redshirtday/" target="_blank" title="Red Shirt Day of Action for AccessAbility and Inclusion">Red Shirt Day of Action for AccessAbility and Inclusion</a></span><span>, </span><span>a</span><span> da</span><span>y when people across Canada come together and wear red to create a visible display of solidarity: to show their support for disabled people and their families, celebrate the achievements of disabled Canadians, and to pledge their commitment to help create a fully accessible and inclusive society.&nbsp;Red Shirt Day is an Easter Seals initiative and was first celebrated in 2019. </span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span><br> </span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>Limestone</span><span> </span><span>is proud to </span><span>debut</span><span> t</span><span>he </span><span>LDSB </span><span>Elementary </span><span>Sports Festival</span><span>&nbsp;</span><span>at INVISTA</span><span> May 30 – 31</span><span> as part of this year’s recognition of National AccessAbility Week. </span><span>This is an inclusive sports activity and track event for students with developmental disabilities. </span><span>R</span><span>unning in tandem with LESAA Track and Field meets</span><span>, o</span><span>ver </span><span>2</span><span>00 </span><span>elementary </span><span>student athletes with exceptionalities will roll, </span><span>rock,</span><span> or run</span><span> i</span><span>n</span><span> </span><span>this</span><span> first</span><span>-ever l</span><span>arge-scale</span><span> sport</span><span>ing event.</span><span> </span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><span><span><br> </span></span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span><span>Founded as ‘<a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/national-accessability-week.html" target="_blank" title="National Access Awareness Week">National Access Awareness Week</a>’ in 1988 and inspired by Rick Hansen’</span></span><span>s Man </span><span>in</span><span> Motion World Tour, this week is an opportunity to celebrate Canadians with disabilities and raise awareness of the critical need for accessibility and inclusion for all in our communities and workplaces. This year for National AccessAbility Week, we are challenging our school communities&nbsp;to celebrate people with disabilities for their leadership, </span><span>impact,</span><span> and voice.</span><span> Make sure to use the #NAAWChallenge hashtag to join the chain of recognition</span><span>!&nbsp;</span></span></p> </div>
2023-05-25 00:00:00 +0000 UTC
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Social media Mon chien banane

LLF presents author Roxane Brouillard June 6

<img src="/images/9bb93d7e-2933-5ba5-be83-41ae6ab716a0?fingerprint=ppb20251217014435" srcset="/thumbnails/9bb93d7e-2933-5ba5-be83-41ae6ab716a0?fingerprint=ppb20251217014435 450w, /images/9bb93d7e-2933-5ba5-be83-41ae6ab716a0?fingerprint=ppb20251217014435 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div><span><span>The Limestone Learning Foundation is thrilled to host Roxane Brouillard author of&nbsp;<i>Mon chien-banane</i>&nbsp;- one of many titles sent to schools earlier this year as part of the LLF's Books are Back initiative. &nbsp;<i>Mon chien-banane&nbsp;</i>examines the themes of humour, dogs, parks, bananas and the absurd.&nbsp;<span><span>Sometimes</span><span>&nbsp;things are not as they seem.</span><span>&nbsp;A great lesson in judging people and situations based on&nbsp;</span><span>perception</span><span>&nbsp;but not fact. MY DOG BANANA is very&nbsp;</span><span>a"peel"ing</span><span>.</span></span><span></span><br> </span></span></div><span><span><i><br> </i><i>Mon chien-banane</i>&nbsp;est un bijou d’absurdité qui fera rire les petits&nbsp;<span>comme les grands. Roxane Brouillard signe ici son premier album avec cette comédie de situation désopilante.&nbsp;</span><span>Dans un parc, un enfant promène une banane au bout d’une laisse. Cette chose pour le moins inusitée, attire&nbsp;</span><span>l’attention des passants qui s’attroupent autour du jeune garçon. Une longue discussion s’en suit où les gens&nbsp;</span><span>essaient de comprendre pourquoi l’enfant promène une banane, pendant que de son côté, le garçon essaie de&nbsp;</span><span>leur faire comprendre que sa banane est un chien. Plus précisément, son chien-banane.</span><br> <br> <span>There will be two sessions 9:30 am - 10am, and 10:00 am - 10:30 am. The virtual MS Teams presentation will take place on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.<span>&nbsp;These</span></span><span>&nbsp;sessions&nbsp;<span>will be offered in French and is geared towards primary students in Grades 1-3.&nbsp;</span>This interactive session will be approximately 30 minutes.<br> <br> LDSB educators register your classes at&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.office.com/r/BJEisHUMpq" target="_blank" title="Registration form">https://forms.office.com/r/BJEisHUMpq</a></span></span></span>
2023-05-24 00:00:00 +0000 UTC
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Social media We Move Together

LLF Virtual Authors' Visit with We Move Together

<img src="/images/ff880207-d618-51ff-80fd-9526a9c1e331?fingerprint=ppb20251217015329" srcset="/thumbnails/ff880207-d618-51ff-80fd-9526a9c1e331?fingerprint=ppb20251217015329 450w, /images/ff880207-d618-51ff-80fd-9526a9c1e331?fingerprint=ppb20251217015329 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <div><span><span>The Limestone Learning Foundation is thrilled to host Kelly Fritsch &amp; Anne McGuire authors of&nbsp;<i>We Move Together</i>&nbsp;- one of many titles sent to schools earlier this year as part of the LLF's Books are Back initiative.&nbsp;<i>We Move Together</i><span>&nbsp;is one of the first children’s picture books to explicitly engage with ableism and disability justice and to represent diverse forms of disability as desirable ways of being in the world. The book emerged out the authors’ lived experience in disability culture, community, and&nbsp;scholarship, as well as from their experience being parents of young children.</span><br> </span></span></div><span><span><br> The virtual Zoom presentation is intended for primary students in Grades 1 - 3 and will take place on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 from 9:30 am - 10:30 am.&nbsp;<span>In this session, Kelly and Anne&nbsp;will&nbsp;do&nbsp;an audio described reading of the book and&nbsp;discuss the role of their book&nbsp;in fostering conversations about disability, accessibility, and inclusion. They will lead students through a short accessibility themed craft&nbsp;and engage in a short Q&amp;A with students.</span><br> <br> Educators register your class for this one hour virtual session June 7 at&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.office.com/r/xJ63t3Jwj8" target="_blank" title="Registration form">https://forms.office.com/r/xJ63t3Jwj8</a></span></span>
2023-05-24 00:00:00 +0000 UTC
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Boardroom Briefs - May 2023

Boardroom Briefs - May 17, 2023

<img src="/images/2f035468-5fd5-501e-9921-93b5d89e6e7f?fingerprint=ppb20251217013433" srcset="/thumbnails/2f035468-5fd5-501e-9921-93b5d89e6e7f?fingerprint=ppb20251217013433 450w, /images/2f035468-5fd5-501e-9921-93b5d89e6e7f?fingerprint=ppb20251217013433 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><br><br><iframe src="https://www.smore.com/shqub-boardroom-briefs?embed=1" title="Boardroom Briefs"></iframe>
2023-05-23 00:00:00 +0000 UTC
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Kindergarten Registration

Discover Kindergarten in Limestone and register your student for the 2026-2027 school year today!

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