Remembrance Day Resources

There are so many good sites for Remembrance Day materials and information.  This is one I haven't shared before but thought it sounded unique and interesting.  You can 'attend' a memorial service at the Canadian War Museum.  Check it out at:

War Museum

Portfolios are coming!

Dates for portfolios this term:  please send me your child's portfolio between Nov. 6-18. After going through all the work samples that you have all sent in for the sample upload into Encom, I'm excited to see more of what everyone is doing!

Next term portfolios are due Feb. 19.

Last term portfolios are due May 31.  I hope to visit Fort Nelson and Revelstoke around this date and may review portfolios before the term is completely finished (so you would continue sending weekly reports for any courses that were not complete at the time of my visit).

Work Samples

Finally, I'm uploading some work samples so that you can all see some ideas of what could be sent in for the October 1-17th (or 19th) work samples, to show that your child is engaging in learning activities.  :)  You will note that if the sample (photo, scan, whatever format) does not have a date, then I will add the date that you sent it to me, or the date indicated in your email.  Also, if I can, I will add a comment to the sample, like the ones I would send to you through email, except worded directly to the child.

If you have questions, please feel free to email them to me.  If you are ready to send some samples, I'd love to see them!  :)

Books Clubs for 2015-16

Here are our HCOS book clubs.  What a great way to engage your child with a virtual meeting, with other students in our school.  these book clubs are all led by HCOS teachers and are intended to build community, encourage reading enjoyment, build connections with other people and develop some tech skills!  Check out the links to learn more about the ones that suit your child.  Hopefully you find something that interests your child!

Our ever popular Reading/Literature Circles and Book Clubs are back and there is one for every Grade!  J

Reading Buddies

K- 3 with Pippa Davies – starts Oct 21 and runs twice a month until the end of January.  More info and registration found at  https://fluidsurveys.com/s/2015-2016-k-3-reading-buddies/

Book Clubs

Grade 4-5 with April McLeod – starts Oct 16 and runs once a month until May.  More info and registration found at https://fluidsurveys.com/s/2015-2016-gr-4-5-bookclub/

Grade 6-7 with Kari Bell – starts Oct 14 and runs once a month until May .  More info and registration found at  https://fluidsurveys.com/s/2015-2016-gr-6-7-bookclub/

Literature Circles

Grades 7-9 with Kathy Kanda – starts Oct 9 and runs until Nov 27.  More information and registration found at  https://fluidsurveys.com/s/2015-fall-lit-circles/

Grades 9-12 with Kathy Kanda – starts Oct 9 and runs until Nov 27.  More information and registration found at https://fluidsurveys.com/s/2015-fall-lit-circles/

Citizenship Week October 12-18

Are you interested in doing some citizenship activities? Check out the activities at the Citizenship Challenge

 The Canadian Citizenship Challenge

Purchasing Curriculum

I just had a great question about curriculum...What can I buy?  Here is some information that I think may be helpful for new and returning families, as things may have changed over the years you have been a part of HCOS.  :)

The DO’s:

1. Books, programs, specific curriculums that provide lessons for your kids to work through (like the Saxon math you purchased)

2. Workbooks and learning kits/manipulatives that supplement the books/programs/curriculums, including subject-specific games

3. Subscriptions that support your kids’ learning

4. Community lessons that your kids take (sports, Fine Arts, workshops… from community businesses that can provide criminal record checks/policies to our school offices) - ONLY available after core subject curriculum has been purchased and after September

*if shipping is required, then the shipping cost can also be covered for these orders

The DON”Ts:

1. Equipment (computers, instruments, exercise items, cameras, etc – large ticket items like these need to be approved by our school office and , if approved, are leased over a three year period then either returned to the school or bought out at the end of 3 years)

2. Toys (items that cannot be described as educational for your child's learning in a specific subject)

3. Lessons or fees for any lessons provided informally through friends or family – not community businesses – cannot be invoiced, unless a Criminal record check is provided to the school beforehand and the person is willing to invoice the school using the Vendor Invoice paperwork (which I can provide you, if you need it)

There are some items that may seem like toys that we can actually claim for educational reasons in the learning plans.  Often, things like lego and K’Nex, art kits, paper plane making kits, etc can be supported as educational items in the SLPs and thus are allowed.  If you are unsure, let me know what those items are and I’ll let you know if we are able to show educational ‘value’ to the items.

For students who enrol before October 1, the school makes up to $1000 available to use on educational purchases, including a max of $600 to go towards things like community lessons (Do #4) and ‘consumables’(DO #2) (workbooks that get written in, items that get used up – like art kits).  After October 1, the total available is $500.

The school is NOT ALLOWED to reimburse purchases made by parents, therefore, if you find a resource that you really want but cannot find a business that the PO# your boys were each assigned, then please contact me to purchase it.  If you purchase it directly, you will not be reimbursed for it.

If you are interested, the school is allowed to use some of your family’s curriculum funds to reimburse your internet costs.  If you save these paid invoices/bills over the school year, then in April/May you can apply for an internet reimbursement of up to $350, which gets paid out in July/August.  This is often an attractive option for families and  is easy to apply for near the end of the school year.

Reading Buddies K-3 Book Club

There is a K-3 Reading Buddies virtual group being offered to our HCOS familes.  If you are interested, check out the description at HCOS Reading Buddies K-3

It is happening on Wednesdays (not consecutive) in October to January. It looks like fun!

HCOS Family in the News!

One of our Heritage families was interviewed recently about their choice to enrol in a DL program instead of being registered strictly as homeschoolers.  It is great to see acceptance and the growing support for our home learning families and the choices they make!

Feel free to check it out at: Squamish News: Home is Where the Heart is

Free Remembrance Day Resources

Not a poppy but I still like this photo!

Are you interested in ordering some resources for Remembrance Day?  I have used these resources, and the site linked, every year and have found it really helpful.

Canadian Government Remembrance Day Resources for Educators

I know it is early, but if you are going to order something, I want it to arrive before Nov. 11!

The First Day of School

Did your kids start school today?  I know a number of you started already, some started today and a few are starting next week.  I want to encourage you to celebrate the beginning of school!  Perhaps have a end-of-week celebration, create a photo collage of each of your kids, include a couple activities that your kids love - just for fun!  Helping to establish routines, goals, expectations and more are definitely important activities.  However, I want to encourage you to invest in helping your kids love learning by including some FUN stuff that may or may not connect to any of the lessons.

Having a huge belly laugh with students reminded me:  I have the responsibility of teaching them the many lessons before me, I have the OPPORTUNITY to have fun with them and build a love of learning and school.

Let's have fun!

Writing session for kids with Author Sigmund Brouwer

Hi Everyone!

We are only 1 week away from Sigmund Brouwer's visit to Fort Nelson! I found him to be a great presenter last year and he especially has a heart for reluctant writers and helping boys engage in writing. The session I attended last year had students from grade 3 to 10 and everyone seemed to enjoy the session, especially the Q&A time. This year, rather than just being online, we have the opportunity for him to be PRESENT, sharing encouraging, motivating and insightful information on writing, answering questions AND getting to see the kids and brainstorm with them! I would encourage you all to attend with your kids (to observe the process and glean ideas) and then to attend the evening session to ask questions, get specific answers that apply to you family and possibly even start building goals around writing and publishing yourself (for you or your kids!). It was so exciting for me last year, to read comments by a range of students who were looking forward being "writers".

Here is the link to register. Please feel free to pass it on to other people in the community too, so that they have the opportunity to come to this session. It would be great to have a full house for Sigmund AND to encourage writers in Fort Nelson!  smile emoticon

Register for this workshop session!

Take care,

Niki

Staff Training

Wow!  It has been an intense past week!  Have you every felt a little overwhelmed with your schedule? That is me this week!  I've been in 5 full days of meetings, two half days of meetings, had three staff evening events, ran around for numerous meetings and have been entertaining/neglecting company through it all.  This is what my last 8 days have looked like.  I'm sure that you can understand why my prayers have been so focused on "God, You are my strength and I need you."

It is all valuable and I am thankful for this time.  I am so thankful that our school, HCOS, is so committed to building community in our staff, spending time equipping all of us and pouring into us vision and purpose and encouragement.  I hope that I am able to do that for each of you.  Highlights for me have been our times of corporate worship, seeing how the different divisions of the school work together, building community with the teachers and support staff, and the workshops.  I learned more about subscriptions and foreign languages in hopes to be able to support everyone better.  :)

I am looking forward to an excellent year!

What beautiful work!

One of our own students (I think of all of you as my class) has been learning to quilt and she has just finished another lovely quilt.  Isn't it beautiful?! I love the bright colours and pattern she chose!

Great job!!

Information Emailed out to You

I have emailed out some information for all of you.  It includes the SLP information that I need as well as information for new families to HCOS.  For those of you who have been with us before, you are most welcome to scan through that document as there may be useful information for you there.  Like this:

Portfolio Dates – Portfolios are term summaries of what has been completed for the whole term.  These are student work samples (emailed, posted, mailed, faxed, picked up) and often a written/oral summary from the parent.  They are due to me November 6, February 19 and May 31.

I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you!!  :)

Welcome to a New HCOS School Year!

Hello HCOS families!

My name is Niki Hildebrandt.  My husband, Bruce, and I were able to host a number of friends and family this summer.  This is a picture of a moment of our summer - Bruce and I are in the front.   What a blessing!

I love to explore, try new things and see where God wants to take me.  What a privilege to be called to partner with you and your family in your educational journey!

What a great year is before us that will no doubt have highs and lows, opportunities to learn and grow, and find joy in growing closer to God.  I’m so excited to get moving!

I am interested to know how you would like to do your reporting this year as there are lots of options and I want to make sure that we choose something that fits you.  Please email me directly with your choice of reporting style (email, Skype, phone calls, blogging, etc) so that I know what your preference is (and that you were able to get to this link).

May our Father give us wisdom as we all continue to journey to become the people that He has designed us to be.  

Niki Hildebrandt  nhildebrandt@onlineschool.ca

Happy Summer Everyone!

I am enjoying beautiful weather, time with friends and exploring new sites!  I recently found this one

KidsHealth

and I am loving it!  So many great resources for science and health! I've linked the section for Kids but there are also sections for teens and parents.  Have a look - great stuff!  There's even a section for "Educators" that has exercise videos for DPA and unit guides for different health units.

Have fun exploring!

Financial Training

It is so important to guide your child to what is termed "financial literacy" which means understanding how to wisely use money in our society.  Here is a site that provides a number of resources that you can use to help you do this:

Make It Count

I hope this helps with your planning.  :)

Need some brain break ideas?

I found this great chart that uses an element of chance so it is not completely predictable.  It looks like a fun way to keep those brain breaks fresh!

Check it out at Brain Breaks

Here's a preview...

Canadian Reader Current Events

Hey, here's a great resource for current events that is usually only available through a subscription!  The Canadian Reader has made available some free resources that you can access online at

 LesPlan 

When you click on the link, look at the lower right side for this image and click on the links there.

Brain Training

Brain Training is a bit of a hot topic right now.  So many adults are looking at how to keep their minds 'sharp' so that they can avoid the dreaded 'forgetfulness' that apparently happens with age (perhaps it also comes with busyness, frequent demands from others, lack of rest....).

Kids are also able to do brain training but it is intended to help them build their thinking skills: following directions, focusing on specific tasks to completion, remembering multi-step directions and more.  If you are interested in having your kids do some 'brain-training' there are lots of different activities and online opportunities.  Feel free to look up sites yourself, or check out this one with 10 games specifically chosen for kids.  All of us need to exercise our brains like we exercise our bodies - regularly.  :)

Brain Games for Kids

HCOS Memorization Challenge for 2014-15

HCOS Memorization Challenge details

There are people in our HCOS community who have taken the challenge this year to memorize scripture and to commit to a goal with our HCOS Memorization Challenge.  What an amazing opportunity for students to be challenged and motivated to memorize scripture.  I know that one of my families committed to their whole family memorizing and they even shared their verses at church - as a family!  What an amazing testimony that is.  :)

If you joined this year, press on and work to complete your goal.  The last date to report in for the Challenge is June 5, 2015.  Certificates and gift certificates for meeting goals will be emailed out around mid-July.

If you did not join this year, consider how your scripture memorization went this year and contemplate whether joining the Challenge
next year may motivate, enhance, or encourage memorizing Bible verses in your home.

HCOS Fort Nelson Open House

The HCOS Open House will be at the Rec Centre on Tuesday, MAY 12th from 10:30-12:00. We have the space booked for longer in case we decide to hang out together for lunch.  I still remember my first visit to FN and enjoying a potluck with everyone in the basement of the church - fond memories!

Our group this time will consist of Natalie Sing, our Curriculum and Learning Commons expert; Nancy Gullason, Regional Admin for the North, and Bruce Hildebrandt, director or HCOS. Bruce booked the spaces for the kids to play games including foosball, air hockey, and ping pong. The Rec Centre also has pickleball, basketball and an area for rollerblading. 

I know Bruce is looking forward to visiting with everyone again and he hopes to see you all there. Please know that everyone is welcome!  I am hoping to come for a portfolio visit in June so keep that in mind!

Zones of Regulation

During CHEC, one of the sessions I attended included the topic of helping children (actually, anyone) to identify where they are at emotionally.  This chart creates a colour connection to label four zones that a person may experience. Learning about the zones of regulation that help children identify how they are feeling emotionally and the difference those feelings can make on how a person acts and responds. 

I would encourage you talk to your child about the zones to help them cope with stress (recognize which zone they are in and then use a strategy "tool" to bring them into the green zone).

For some easy-to-swallow information on the Zones of Regulation, check out http://www.zonesofregulation.com/  

Interested in reading about some "tools" to help with self regulation?  Try this article at self-regulation-strategies-and-more  

Week of Inspirational Math

Give your child the best possible start to the year with powerful mathematics tasks and positive mindset messages. Designed by Stanford professor Jo Boaler and the youcubed team, the five days will each include a low floor, high ceiling task showing exciting and inquiry based mathematics, as well as important messages about mathematics. Your children will love this week and be inspired to learn!

Designed to be used with a wide range of grade levels (at least grades 3-9), this week combines open tasks with inspirational videos on mindset and mathematics. You will receive a full guide including ideas for ways to organize students and create a positive math environment for the year ahead.

It is EASY TO USE, COMPLETELY FREE and will be downloadable in May from http://www.youcubed.org/ for registered users.

For those not registered, you can register and get more info here: https://www.youcubed.org/week-of-inspirational-math/

Teaching Digital Safety

Are you looking for resources to help you train your child to be safe in the virtual online realm? The Youth Privacy Commission of Canada has developed a number of resources you can use, including short videos, often made by students for students.

"Once you put your personal information out there, you can’t take it back. Watch as our video shows that it’s almost impossible to take back anything that you put online – much like getting the toothpaste back into the tube. Want to know more about protecting your online rep? Check out our website for more tips."

Here's a graphic novel that is aimed at early teens to help to illustrate the importance of being careful with what you post:  Social Smarts

Missionary Insight - Resources for you to use from Compassion Canada

Step Into My Shoes

Compassion has just released a 7 day video/devotional where participants ‘step into the shoes’ of a Ugandan pastor’s family and experience daily life with them to discover how the other side of the world lives...

Check out their site to see the resources available for you.

Easter Video

A Very Special Easter

Click the above title to watch a short (less than 4 minutes) video of kids answers to questions about Easter.  A great writing prompt or to inspire oral presentations - even just to initiate some good discussions!

Self Regulation

Are you looking for some ideas to help your child to become better at self-regulating (emotions, attention, activity)?  Find some ideas HERE that you can try and see if they help you child to become more successful.

Make Room for Play

In January 2015, ParticipACTION launched the Make Room for Play campaign to encourage families to reclaim active play time back from screen time. The campaign includes shareable videos, parent resources and communication tools to help increase physical activity and decrease screen time in children and youth. Click HERE to visit the website.

"Street Proofing" Safety Tips

The RCMP have posted some great tips for teaching safety strategies for kids.

What Your Kids Should Know

Child Traffic Safety

The Fifth Annual Google Science Fair

The Google Science Fair is a global online science and technology competition open to individuals and teams from ages 13 to 18. All projects are submitted entirely online, so all students need to participate is a curious mind and an Internet connection.

Since 2011, the Google Science Fair has become the largest online science fair in the world with thousands of entries from students in more than 90 countries. Submissions are open today through May 18.

Some new things for the 2015 Google Science Fair include:

• New Awards: In addition to our annual Grand Prize Winner, we’ll be introducing 7 new awards with our science fair partners: The Google Technologist award, the Scientific American Innovator award, the LEGO Education Builder award, the National Geographic Explorer award, the Virgin Galactic Pioneer award, the Incubator Award, the Inspiring Educator award and the Community Impact Award — each with their own award.

We’ll announce the regional finalists on July 2 and then select 20 finalists on Aug 4 who will be flown to Google headquarters in Mountain View, Calif. for our live, final event on September 21, 2015.Follow this link for more information

Want to freshen up your writing lessons?

Are you looking for something new, or something to inspire you, in terms of writing assignments? Here are some ideas of topics/genres/styles you can explore with your child's writing assignments:

Wondering how to get creative with presentation ideas?  For those whose children are already writing a lot, or for those students who resist writing, here are some ideas of things you can give your child the option of creating for different assignments he/she has to do:

Looking for Canada Resources?

Here's a site that has a collection of resources for you as you and your child(ren) learn about Canada.

Canada's History

Safer Internet Day

Another HCOS teacher sent out this information and I know that there are a number of you that have thoughts about internet usage and safety, while at the same time wanting to teach your child appropriate internet usage skills.  

For ages 10-16, Please have a look at a course called Cybersafe BC www.cybersafeBC.ca.   It is also an online course with a certificate at the end (which can be used as a Health & Career Sample). Students will watch videos, and do activities as well as learn about the dangers of the internet. They will learn about their digital footprint and online crime, including cyberbullying. IMPORTANT NOTE : parents should have a look at the course first because there is a component of the course that discusses sexual predators and "sexting.

For grades 3-4 (under the 'Resources' tab in Cybersafe.BC.ca) there is another resource that includes downloadable comics and other resources to teach this topic to younger students.  Link to it at Zoe and Molly

The internet is an amazing resource for all of us - let's help our kids to be wise and safe!

Portfolios are due February 19

It is that time again!  I know many of you are entering the decision time of what you will be including in your portfolios this term and I wanted to help you out with some ideas:

Bible: samples/explanations of what concepts your child has learned, your child's involvement in prayer/church/youth/devotions, and how your child views or engages in serving others

LA:  oral speaking sample (recorded, on Raz Kids, video), description of what your child likes to read for pleasure (or a reading list), comprehension and extension samples (evidence that your child can read 'between the lines' or go beyond what the text stated), and a variety of writing samples (creative, informative, personal, visual)

Math: concepts covered, sample workpages/worksheets

Science: units/concepts covered, samples of work/project, descriptions of any experiments

Social Studies:  units/concepts covered, samples of work/project

I took this photo while visiting families earlier this year. :)

PE and DPA: list of physical activities your child engages in and how often and for how long

Fine Arts: photos/recordings of images or performances, feedback or reports form instructors, descriptions of activities

Health: description of what topics your child has learned about in regards to healthy living, healthy relationships, safety, making goals, personal responsibilities and thinking of own future (wants/needs, careers, personal strengths/weaknesses...)

Foreign Language (for grade 5 and up): what program is being used, progress in program or lessons, if your child is growing in their language knowledge

MANY OF YOU HAVE INCLUDED THIS INFORMATION IN YOUR WEEKLY REPORTS!  WOW!!  For you, I will only need to see samples for LA, Math, Science and Socials.  If I need to clarify something for one of the other course then I will email you directly.  If you haven't been covering this information in your weekly reports, or feel that you have more information that would provide a more accurate assessment, then please include it in the portfolio you send.

Portfolios can be sent to be digitally, posted online with an invite to me to view it, faxed or mailed.  If you would like to fax or mail it to me, please email me directly for the number or address.  Thanks everyone!!

Time is flying!

Time seems to be flying by right now!  I was considering the calendar and realized that we are a month away form our second term portfolios!  Wow!  The second portfolio is officially due on Feb. 19 and you are welcome to submit for it before and up to the week after it.  A number of you have continued to send me samples, or post samples, for me to see regularly, so I only have a few students that I'm unsure of exactly where they are at.  Please get back into sending those weekly reports!  Thanks everyone!

It is almost FSA time!  The grade 4s and 7s across the province write provincial assessments at this time and ours do a wonderful job representing our school.  A big thank you to all of you who have kids doing them this year!  What a great opportunity for your child to practice writing a standardized test and to serve our school community.  The results of the assessments provide information for us to provide to the province about things like the learning outcomes, creating flexibility for students in our province, and levels of service that we at HCOS would like to see valued or even funded.  The data is valuable to us as a school and so I'm thankful for all of you who get to write them.  Sorry to the rest of you - you'll have to wait until grade four or seven!!  :)

For those of you doing FSAs, can you please let me know if you received your package from HCOS when you send me your next update?  Also, after you read through the parent information sheet, let me know if you have any questions as I would love to help however I can.  Bruce did a tutorial that you can find at this youtube site if you would like to watch it.  Once you feel confident about the process, please let me know roughly when you are planning to have your child complete the assessments.  This is just stuff for the paperwork that I need to do.  :)

It sounds like it was a bit tough for many of you to get going again after the Christmas holidays and I completely understand!  I didn't really feel like jumping in  with both feet, rather more like slowing edging in one toe at a time!  However, I feel good now being back in the swing of things and I'm praying that all of you are feeling somewhat that way as well.  Over the years, I've always been amazing and inspired by what kids can learn during January and February.  Please let me encourage you - this is a great learning time!  For anyone who needs a little more time for prepping, or more time for the kids to work independently on reading, remember that Raz Kids is open to you and that can strongly support/supplement any K-3 reading program.

Winter Art Fun

Looking for a fun craft?  Try mixing equal parts shaving cream and liquid white school glue until the two liquids mix together, then spread or paint something!  The concoction dries 3D and is a pretty cool texture (although a bit fragile to multiple touchings!) and looks great!!  I love doing this one.  :)

Find great ideas for this puffy glue paint at Oopsey Daisy

This Polar bear is found at C.R.A.F.T.

                                             How about clouds for weather? at Allfreekidscrafts

Learning Commons News for You

Here is the link to our January  Learning Commons Newsletter, with curriculum articles, upcoming events and an Overdrive webinar invite for this Thursday for your training interest, and to share with your families.  This webinar is related to technical issues downloading materials.  Learning Commons Newsletter    Overdrive webinar