Volunteers at Tecumseh ....

'Safety First' is a slogan we often use with the students throughout the day at Tecumseh. Soon all organizations (e.g., guides, scouts, sports teams), including schools, will require their volunteers to obtain a one time only screening. This requirement is to ensure the safest possible environment for our children.

We have an information package included in this newsletter to outline the changes and the mandatory screening procedures.

One form, volunteers require, is for the Criminal Record Check conducted by the Halton Regional Police. This is a mandatory check for any person volunteering in a role at school where they are in contact with students. The cost is $15. Volunteers will need this check by September 2002.

In order to help the thousands of volunteers in Halton schools and community, a special date is set for April 5, at MM Robinson H.S. to process the Criminal Check for Burlington residents. Please bring 2 pieces of identification with you. One must be a photo identification.

Our outstanding and dedicated volunteers are the reason we are able to run many programs and activities for students. All Star Reading, Snack Program, drivers/supervisors on trips and sporting events, classroom support, Pizza Day are a few of the many ways our volunteers assist students and staff daily at Tecumseh.

Please request the 'Criminal Record Check' form using the tear out coupon inside the newsletter.

Student of Excellence

Each year the Halton District School Board asks schools to identify one student who represents excellence in their school. The Tecumseh student selected this year is not only strong academically but actively participates in the life of the school through sports and the arts. One of his greatest strengths is his interpersonal skills. He has an outstanding rapport with all age groups and is respectful to all he meets.

Our Student of Excellence choice was announced at the Gr. 7 and 8 Honours and Recognition Assembly on Friday, March 22nd. The resounding applause acknowledged the students and staff agree Kevin is an 'excellent' choice to represent all the students of Tecumseh.

Kevin and his family will attend the Student of Excellence Ceremony on May 9th at General Brock H.S.

Excitement at Tecumseh

Great excitement took place just before the Break. Kenda Capaldi and her husband Mike are the proud parents of a baby girl. Marina is their first child. We are all looking forward to their first visit! Hot off the press, Mike and Anoosha Elmer are proud parents of their first child, a son Peter Michael. Peter weighed in at 6 lbs. 6 oz. early this morning.

New faces

We are pleased to introduce Mrs. Tara Neate who has taken over Mrs. Capaldi's Gr. 4 class until the end of the year. Mrs. Neate has just moved back to Ontario from B.C. She has a strong background in Literacy, Numeracy and Instructional Technology. Welcome to our Tecumseh team!

We have several student teachers with us for Term 3: Brenda Cassidy from Brock U. with Rob Laprade, Tanja Curd from Brock U. with John Henley, Jennifer Armstrong from D'Youville College with Krista Benedetti.

EQAO Dates

The EQAO assessment dates for Gr. 3 and 6 students this year are:

Gr. 3 - May 8,9,10 & 13,14 Gr. 6 - May 8, 9, 10, 13 &14 Make up days - May 21, 22

Tecumseh Band at Halton Band Extravaganza

On Tuesday, March 26th band students from Gr. 6 - 8 had the opportunity to attend an awesome learning experience. Students selected workshops to gain skills in their instrument of choice. The superbly planned day also provided a concert by the Canadian Percussion Ensemble, Jim Lewis Jazz and Halton Junior Jazz. Thanks to Mr. Elmer for arranging this special learning experience. Mr. Elmer was also on the planning committee!

Reminders:

Boots and extra shoes ... It is the time of the year when our playground turns to mud. The snow has melted, there is more rain and the ground is no longer frozen. Students need to wear boots or have an extra pair of shoes to put on when they enter school after recesses and lunch. This keeps the mud out of the classrooms and off the carpets. Having boots and extra shoes also allows students to leave the blacktop area during outdoor times.

On the buses ...

Spring has sprung! This is a good time to remind your child about the importance of good bus manners. Staying in their seats, indoor voices, saving snacks for home all add up to a safe ride home. Riding the bus is a service and the privilege can be revoked. Our rule is 3 bus slips from the bus driver and you lose 3 days of bus service.

Silver Birch and Red Maple

Through the Tecumseh library, students from grades 4 to 8 can Plant a Silver Birch or Leaf Through a Red Maple. No, these are not gardening clubs , but rather extra-curricular reading clubs where students strive to read at least 5 out of 10 preselected Canadian books from March to May. Students were introduced to this program through a Silver Birch video in February. After reading 5 books, they are then able to vote for the best book and to participate in a year-end celebration. These programs are sponsored through the Ontario Library Association and feature a diverse and rich collection of Canadian fiction and non-fiction . For more information, please see the bulletin board outside the library or Mrs. Mathies, the teacher-librarian.

Cuddle Up and Read Club

The Primary Club had their final read together on Wednesday, March 20th. Each Wednesday a 'surprise guest reader' read their favourite picture book. Students then had the opportunity tochoose another book to listen to brought by teachers and volunteers or read their own choice with a buddy. Thanks Mrs. Fournier for this warm and inviting time for our Primary students.

World Health Day - Wednesday, April 9th

Tecumseh is taking up the challenge. Join us at exactly 1:15 p.m. when our entire school joins other schools across Canada in doing the Hokey Pokey for 8 minutes. We are trying to get into the Guinness World Book of Records!

Think Bowl

We are very excited to announce Tecumseh will be entering a team at the HDSB Think Bowl 2002 Junior Competition! After training a number of students in the detailed problem solving process, a Gr. 6 team of 2 boys and and 2 girls was selected. The selection was difficult since all candidates worked hard and demonstrated enthusiasm. This year's team will include Scott, Jennifer, Dieter, Meaghan. The competition takes place April 5th.

'VISTA CARDS' - Coming April 16th!

A win win situation - being organized by our School Council

This is an outstanding opportunity for our community and fundraiser for our school. If you purchase a Vista Card, it will provide BIG savings each time it is used at popular restaurants or retail stores. It is good for one full year! You can use it over and over again ... no one time only coupons! The Vista Card can be used at over 100 restaurants and retailers in Burlington and a total of 300 establishments when including Oakville and Mississauga. The Tecumseh School Council is launching this initiative to support the building of a new playground and media/technology at Tecumseh.

Peer Mediation training has begun at Tecumseh. Twenty four students in Gr. 5, 6, 7 are being trained to mediate conflicts between their peers and younger students. Research supports that for many 'low level' conflicts (i.e., name calling, teasing, disagreements between friends) students respond extremely well with sorting out their problems with guidance from trained peers. Mediation is a conflict resolution process that provides students opportunity to talk through and effectively resolve their differences. Peer mediators conduct the mediation process. They do not take sides or make decisions for their peers. Peer mediators help the students in conflict listen to each other, focus on the problem and create their own solutions.

Peer mediators will assist on the playground at recesses. They will be recognizable by an arm bands or vests. The mediators have two staff coaches, Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Confente, who will meet with them regularly to process their experiences and assist with concerns.

Second term reports arrive home on March 6th. Just a reminder when reviewing your child's achievement, evaluation of term 2 is separate from the evaluation of term 1. Marks or grades are not accumulated across the terms.

Red Day - was a huge success at Tecumseh. We were a sea of red. Thanks to the Spirit Team for 'lip sticking' all those red flags on our cheeks. When in the school, check our "Days of Lives 2001-2002" pictorial display. You won't be able to miss the 'Red Day' pictures.

Valentine's Draw winner - Krista won the Cuddly Valentine's bear!

'Royalty for a Day' Draw - Sasha was our grand prize winner. Queen Sasha will be treated like royalty on Monday, March 4th. She will be pulled about on her golden throne, have special treats delivered to her and be pampered all day!

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe ...

Performed by Mr. Walsh's Grade 5 class

Opening day was Thursday, February 28th. There was a breakfast performance for students in Gr. 6-7-8. The pancakes, bacon and juice were a huge hit. The opening performance was an even bigger hit. In the afternoon, 2 classes from Central P.S. and several Primary/Junior classes had the opportunity to see a performance. The rest of the school will have an opportunity next week. The play will continue March 5,6,7 in the evening for parents, friends, family and any interested community members!

March 8th - Pajama Day - Getting ready for 'The Break'. Everyone, including staff, has the opportunity to wear their big fluffy slippers and warm winter'jammies.' This spirit day is sponsored by the Tecumseh Spirit Team. Prizes will be outlined to classes by the team!

March 26th - Band Extravaganza

The band will enjoy a day of intense music coaching. Professional musicians will conduct a full day music clinic to address many musical ailments: trumpet dementia, saxophone silliness, trombone tardiness and possibly clarinet elbow! Band members should return their form and money asap!

March 28th - Gum & Hat Spirit Day. For .25 buy a ticket to allow you to wear your hat and chew gum in school... a one day only opportunity!

EQAO results 2000/2001

There was a delay in releasing the board and school results for last year's EQAO Gr. 3 and 6 assessment. The following results have been shared with the Tecumseh staff and School Council.

Reading Writing Math

Level 2,3,4 - Level 3,4 Level 2,3,4 - Level 3,4 Level 2,3,4 - Level 3,4

Gr 3 - 6 Gr 3 - 6 Gr 3 - 6 Gr 3 - 6 Gr 3 - 6 Gr 3 - 6

Tecumseh

Board

Province

* Level 2 is approaching the Ministry standard - Level 3 is the Ministry standard etc.

A team of teachers have reviewed and updated the current EQAO Action Plan and will make a presentation to staff for feedback. The revised action plan will be shared with the School Council in March or April.

The focus of our work is to consider assessments, programs, resources we are currently using to meet the literacy and numeracy needs of students. As well, teachers are identifying a key focus for Reading, Writing and Math across the grades.

When considering the above results, staff will look at the number writing the test (e.g., one child = 2 %), how many have been Tecumseh students since Kindergarten, Grade 1 etc., trends across the years on the EQAO assessment and achievement of this particular group of children across the grades.

JK/SK Registration has begun ...

Parents and Guardians are encouraged to register their children for Junior and Senior Kindergarten for Fall 2002. To register for next Fall, Junior Kindergarten children must be 4 years old by December 31, 2002 and Senior Kindergarten must be 5 years old by December 31, 2002.

Please bring original documents of the child's: Proof of age (birth certificate or passport), Immunization Record, Ontario Health Card, proof of address, custody proof if applicable.

Community News

Babysitting Course - for children 11 years and older

Friday March 15 or Saturday March 16

9:00 - 5:00 p.m.

$35 - Burlington Red Cross - 905-637-5664

Open Doors - St Christopher's Parish Centre

662 Guelph Line (across from MacDonalds)

Free clothing for men, women and children in need

Open Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

For more information call - 905-634-1809

How do you prevent bullying?

1) Build friendships - having friends with you deters bullies

2) Stay safe - do not put yourself in a situation to be bullied

3) Tell an adult - no one can help you if they don't know

4) Take a stand - identify what is happening and speak up for yourself and especially for others

Can your child talk about these strategies?

Grades 1 - 6 are focusing on:

What is bullying? "Bullying is when a stronger, more powerful person hurts or frightens a smaller or weaker person deliberately and repeatedly." Allan L. Beane - The Bully Free Classroom

Why do people bully? An imbalance of power is at the heart of the action. A bully feels they are physically and verbally more able than another. A bully tends to intimidate a younger, weaker or more timid individual.

How do you prevent bullying?

1) Build friendships - having friends with you deters bullies

2) Stay safe - do not put yourself in a situation to be bullied

3) Tell an adult - no one can help you if they don't know

4) Take a stand - identify what is happening and speak up for yourself and especially for others

As the Primary students will say ... No Bullydogs Allowed!

What is surprising? Research says 9% of students are bullied in school. 7% are the bullies. The other 84% are the ones with the power to stop it! They have the voice to say, "It is Cool to be Kind!"

Homework ... a precious time.

Homework can be a challenging time in many households. Activities and work schedules can make it a frustrating experience.

Homework assignments are meant to be an opportunity for parents to get together with their child, to be the coach or encourager, and to show interest in their child's learning or the events of the day.

Reading to or with your child, no matter what the age, models learning for life and is a precious time!

 Spirit days

Friday February 8th - Red Day - This is the opening day of the Olympics.

We would like to recognize our athletes by making this a 'Canada Day' at Tecumseh. You need to wear lots of red, carry the flag, paint a red Maple Leaf on our cheeks. What else could you wear that would be Canadian? As always, the class with the most participants will be the great Canadian winners!

February 14th - Valentine's Day Raffle - Raffling a Valentine's Bear! Come see the cutie. He is sitting in the office! Tickets will be sold on February 13th and 14th only!

Tickets - .25 = 1 ticket $1 = 5 tickets

March 8th - Pajama Day - Getting ready for 'The Break'. Everyone, including staff, has the opportunity to wear their big fluffy slippers and warm winter jammies. This spirit day is sponsored by the Tecumseh Spirit Team. Prizes will be outlined to classes by the team!

Peer Mediation coming to Tecumseh

On Friday, February 22nd students from Gr 5-7 who applied and are selected to become Peer Mediators will attend an all day training session at Tecumseh. Mrs. Confente, Mrs. Wilson and Ms. McCall (H.A.S.S) will instruct students on how to mediate 'low level' conflicts among their peers. These students will help others listen to each other, focus on the problem and create their own solutions. The Peer Mediators will assist on the playground during recess periods.

Millcroft School Scheduled for September 2002

Good news for the families in the Millcroft 1 boundary, they will soon have their new school. (See the boundary map below.) The new school will open as a JK-7 the first year and will have an English only program. Grade 8 will be added in September 2003. This means if your child is currently in Grade 7, they will remain at Tecumseh for Grade 8 and graduate with their friends from their Intermediate years.

Information about any necessary registration, the new Principal etc. will be shared over the next several months.

JK/SK Registration has begun ...

Parents and Guardians are encouraged to register their children for Junior and Senior Kindergarten for Fall 2002. To register for next Fall, Junior Kindergarten children must be 4 years old by December 31, 2002 and Senior Kindergarten must be 5 years old by December 31, 2002.

Please bring original documents of the child's: Proof of age (birth certificate or passport), Immunization Record, Ontario Health Card, proof of address, custody proof if applicable.

Up coming special events:

February 7th - Grade 8 Grad Photos

February 8th - Cheques for Ottawa and Midland cashed

February - Motiv8 - a continuation of the D.A.R.E. focus on making healthy choices

February 12th - 14th - Tecumseh Track and Field Team at Copps Coliseum

"We have a great line up of talent and are expecting great results." Mr. Faulkner

February 18th - Little Red Theatre - Primary Grades - focus on princess stories

February 22nd - Peer Mediation Training - selected students from Gr 5, 6, 7

February/March - Gr. 7 and 8 classes to the Hamilton Art Gallery

March - D.A.R.E. for Gr. 6 begins

March 6th - Second term reports home

Teachers at Tecumseh are busy ...

- attending workshops such as: Hyperstudio, using Math manipulatives in their program, Geography and History curriculum, Quality Daily Fitness, Gathering Assessment Data

- working at re-opening the Design and Technology Centre for use with the new Science and Technology Curriculum. Miss Stoness, Mr. Stevens and Mr. Stewart are putting many hours towards this initiative!

- spending hours coaching Basketball teams - Mr. Schlotter, Mr. Laprade, Mrs. Kivell, Miss Stoness, Mrs. Eterno

- reading to Gr. 1-3 at lunch hour during CUDDLE UP and READ

- redesigning programs and support for students to maximize their learning

Thoughts and Requests

- Please remind your children to wear boots etc. during the wet, snowy and muddy times. They can not go out on the field without them! A change of footwear is needed if classrooms, gym and carpeted areas are to remain clean.

- Don't forget to put your Ultra Mart (Fairview location) receipts in the 'Tecumseh' box or in the box at the Attendance Desk.

- We have received Thank You's from the Salvation Army, The Halton Fire Department, Halton's Woman's Place and Joseph Brant Hospital for all the food and money donations made by our Tecumseh children and their families. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity.

A Special Thank You ...

To Mr. Bird and the Camera Heights Credit Union for purchasing uniforms for the Boy's Basketball team and providing gym bags for all students on the girls' and boys' teams! Mr. Bird also outfitted the boy's Volleyball Team in the Fall. Thank you for making us look so good!