The summer edition of Student Success - School District #35

2 Student Success

Your Community Leaguesummer edition 3

studentSuccessLangley / Cloverdale / White Rockvolume 2 number 3 summer 2011Features6 fantastic gymnasticsflipping out at douglas parkCall 604 638-4267or emailjoinus@nicomeklscouting.ca8 it’s Okay to be proudpositive, respectful, optmistic, understanding,demonstrate10 fundraising strategiesmaking learning unforgettable for every langleystudent12 community engagededucation conversationFOR BOYS & GIRLS AGES 5 - 1714 water, water nowherenever doubt a small group of committed citizens16 trades in actionan opener for students20 the great outdoorsstill there, still great24 Arts & achievementshowcasing excellence26 kurzweilamazing, innovative technology28 6th annual golf tournamentsupporting langley district sports programscover StoryGymnastics atDouglas Park.Story on page 64 Student Success

Craig SpenceEditorSusan CairnsDesignerAndrew SloanAdvertisingSummer issue highlightsstudentshelping studentsAn unintended theme in the summer edition of StudentSuccess seems to be ‘students helping students’. Fourstories in this issue touch on that topic, remindingus that when students step into the role of mentor, they learnperhaps more than anybody else.Student writer Ashley Gregerson, in her story about the HelpingHeroes of Langley Secondary School, chronicles the efforts of adetermined group of student leaders to provide clean water to atown in India at the same time as they educate young people intheir own school about the need to wean ourselves from plasticwater bottles.Then there’s the PROUD project at Langley Fine Arts School.Kristin Bunyan, who recently won a Young Agent of Changeaward from the Global Agents organization for her efforts,is working with younger girls to foster ‘self-confidence andstrength’. PROUD stands for Positive, Respectful, Optimistic,Understanding and Demonstrate – character traits well worthlearning.Grade 11 and 12 students in Langley’s dual-credit ACE-ITprograms were busy demonstrating Level 1 apprenticeship skillsto their Grade 7 and 8 buddies April 12 and 13 as part of theTrades in Action tour. ACE-IT stands for Accelerated CreditEnrolment in Industrial Training, and the skills the seniorsshared may well turn into educational and career opportunitiesfor their young guests.Finally, young gymnasts at Douglas Park Community Schoolare getting helping hands from their peers who have gone onto H.D. Stafford Middle School. The older students come backonce a week to help Principal Ralph Bereska coach the dozensof elementary students who stay after school to participate inthis fantastic program.There’s a saying to the effect that ‘if you want to learn something,teach it’. These four examples – part of the story mix in thisedition of Student Success – suggest there’s a whole lot oflearning-through-leading going on in Langley School District.Of course there’s a whole lot of other stuff going on too, whichyou can browse through in out Table of Contents. Hopeyou enjoy catching up on some of the great things that arehappening in Langley Schools thanks to innovative educators,engaged students and a supportive community. Have a greatspring and summer. See you in the fall. vstudentSuccessStudent Success is published andproduced by the Langley SchoolDistrict in partnership withthe Langley SchoolDistrict Foundation.EDITORCraig Spencecspence@sd35.bc.ca604-534-7891DesignerSusan Cairnsscairns@sd35.bc.ca604-534-7891Advertising salesAndrew SloanSloan & Co.604-889-6397andrew@sloanandco.caAdvertising TrafficDenise Begg604-534-7891dbegg@sd35.bc.caIllustrationsRay BrownStudent Success is published4 times per year with apress run of 11,000.Student Success is distributedto school district families,businesses, associationsand municipal officesthroughout Langley.© sd35(Langley)4875-222nd StreetLangley, BCV3A 3Z7summer edition 5

cover storyFlipping out at Douglas ParkOn all counts gymnastics is a winner for the studentsat Douglas Park Community ElementaryFantastic Gymnasticsat Douglas ParkAs you watch the youngsters at Douglas Park Community School gothrough their routines in Principal Ralph Bereska’s after school gymnasticsclub, you suddenly realize it’s all about trust.First, the hundreds of kids who flock to the activity Monday and Tuesdayafternoons have to believe they’re going to have fun. How else could you getmore than half the school’s population out for weekly sessions which run fromJanuary through to late April or early May?Douglas Park principal, RalphBereska has been teachinggymnastics for over30 years“It’s a thrill to see the smiles of joy and screams of delight as they learn a newmove,” Mr. Bereska said. “Hey, I connect personally with a little over half myschool with this activity alone.”In fact, the activity is so popular students who have gone on to H.D. StaffordMiddle School come back to their elementary alma mater to continue participating.Gitana Tresiera is in Grade 6 now, but she’s still doing twists and flips on Mondayafternoons at the Douglas Park Community School gymnastics club. Shehelps younger students with their routines for 45 minutes then gets in an hourof training herself.She has been coming to the Douglas Park gymnastics club since her earlyprimary years and enjoys helping ‘the little ones’ who are following in herfootsteps.“Sometimes I do floor, like helping with cartwheels and stuff. I do parallel bars,or help here with flips,” she said standing in front of the mini-trampoline.6 Student Success

After helping out, it’s time to train under the guidanceof Mr. Bereska. “It’s fun,” she said. “He teaches us coolthings.”He has been teaching kids the fun and discipline of gymnasticsfor thirty years and has been involved in the sportsince his high school days and as a student at the Universityof British Columbia.“I trained at the YMCA during my high school years. Icompeted for UBC for five years and was the team captainfor three,” Mr. Bereska said. He won the WesternCanada pommel horse title, and came in sixth in Canadain the event.“Now I’m lucky to still do a handstand,” he joked.SUMMERIN LANGLEY CITYStickin’ around this summer?We have loads of fun programs planned for all ages!Check out our website or give us a call and let us help youplan a memorable summer for you and your family.Day Campsat Douglas Recreation Centre20550 Douglas Cres. - 604-514-2865But to the kids who muster the courage to take to therunway and launch themselves into space, it’s Mr. Bereskawho’s there to spot for them and make sure they landsafely.That’s the other big element of trust kids find at the gymnasticsclub. When they jump, twist, flip and tumble,there’s always somebody there to make sure they landsafely and to coach them with words of praise.Gymnastics is all abouttrust and self-esteemSwimmingat Al Anderson Memorial Pool4949 207th Street - 604-514-2864For Ralph Bereska that moment of achievement is whatit’s all about. “Gymnastics is great for self-esteem. Thekids learn and improve at their own pace and level,” hesaid.“It’s also a great physical activity that works on musclestrength, coordination and conditioning.”On all counts gymnastics is a winner for the students atDouglas Park Community Elementary School thanks toMr. Bereska and the parent and student volunteers whokeep the program happening.You can always make a good thing better, though. SoMr. Bereska isn’t shy about putting out the word when itcomes to supporting the program. “I would love to havesponsors to upgrade some of our aging equipment,” hesaid. You can contact the school at 604-533-4491. vYouth Summer Jamat Timms Community Centre20355 Douglas Crescent - 604-514-2940CITY OF LANGLEYwww.city.langley.bc.ca... for community and fun!summer edition 7

featureGirl PowerParticipants in the PROUD project atLangley Fine Arts School coming tounderstand that “…it’s fine to be proud ofyourself”It’s okay to be PROUDChanging social patterns isn’teasy, but Langley Fine Artssenior Kristin Bunyan hasbeen working with younger girls toovercome cultural barriers that preventwomen from reaching theirdreams.Her PROUD project – the acronymstands for ‘Positive, Respectful,Optimistic, Understanding andDemonstrate’ – recently won herrecognition and a $1,000 prize as aYoung Agent of Change at the GlobalAgents Gala in Vancouver.To Kristin the award and the successof her program have all been part ofher response to a personal experienceshe had at school. PROUD issort of like emotional judo, takingnegative momentum and transformingit into something good.“To me it’s basically taking a badexperience that I had in high schooland turning it into something positive,”she said.Each week the younger studentsand Kristin get together and talk.8 Student Success

They also work on posters that express each letter of thePROUD moniker in a way that emphasizes its specificmeaning.Cadence, one of the PROUD participants, is grateful forKristin’s program. “I think PROUD helped me realize alittle bit more about myself,” she said.The questions she asked us to do every week, like who’syour role model, I never really thought about that before,but now I have, and I realize that Tyra Banks is my rolemodel.”Ms. Banks, a fashion model and talk show host, has raisedissues about women being discriminated against in themedia, which pressures them to present themselves inways that are not healthy physically or emotionally.“If girls are proud of themselves beforehand, then theywon’t do that kind of stuff in their later years,” Cadencebelieves.It’s that kind of awareness Kristin is trying to build, andshe’s finding that working with the younger studentshelps her as much as them.“The young girls that I’ve worked with have enlightenedme so much every time I come here,” she said. “It’s takingsomething bad and kind of molding it into something Ican be proud of and not sad about.”Sharing helps the girls in PROUD build the kind of resiliencethey will need to withstand the pressure they willencounter to underachieve, or at the very least hide theability that drives achievement.“What I really hope is that by building these networksof supportive friendships that we all come to understandthat it’s fine to be proud of yourself, that it’s really notsomething that should be looked upon as being arrogant,”Kristin said.“There is a difference between confidence and arroganceand that difference for me is when you put yourself beforesomeone else,” she explained. “But if you’re not puttingyourself before someone else it’s okay to appreciate thework that you’ve been doing – to really just go for yourdreams and not let people stand in your way.”Being proud of PROUD for instance, is a good thing,and something Kristin will take with her as she heads onto university and the next phase of her life. vThis Summer at The ACT!Educational, artistic and creative fine arts programs for all ages—register now! New for ages 6–16 years this summer:Extreme Theatre CampInstructor: Deb SolbergImprov games, scene building, and much more!Ages 6–10, M–F, Jul 4–8 9:30am–3:30pm, $195/5Puppets, Performance & Paper Maché CampInstructors: Lisa Lake & Liz SummerfieldCreate, script and stage a puppet character!Ages 6–11, M–F, Jul 25–29, 9:30am–3:00pm, $195/5Ages 6–11, M–F, Aug 15–19, 9:30am–3:00pm, $195/5Summer Painting “en plein air”Instructor: Lisa LakeLet an outdoor setting in Memorial Peace Parkinspire your painting! Supplies included.Ages 8–13, Tu–F, Aug 2–5, 10:00am–3:00pm, $145/4To register: www.recreg4u.ca or call 604-465-2470The Animation LabInstructors: Lisa Lake & Kevin LakeLearn 3D computer & traditional animation!Ages 11–16, M–F, Jul 11–15, 9:00am–3:00pm, $260/5Ages 11–16, M–F, Jul 18–22, 9:00am–3:00pm, $260/5Vancouver Circus School Summer CampLearn aerial silk, juggling, static trapeze, & more!Ages 6–16, M–F, Jul 11–15, 9:00am–3:30pm, $225/5Ages 6–16, M–F, Jul 18–22, 9:00am–3:30pm, $225/5Ages 6–16, M–F, Jul 25–29, 9:00am–3:30pm, $225/5For more info: www.theactmapleridge.orgThe ACT Maple Ridge ad / SD42 ConnectionsCMYK / 7.4 x 4.9” / 28 April 2011summer edition 9

featureFundraisingIdeas & Strategies toMake learning UNFORGETTABLEfor every Langley studentPALS brings the parents into the schools to work with their childrenIf it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to educate one. That is why the Langley SchoolDistrict Foundation is so appreciative of the individuals, associations, corporations and parents within theLangley community who come forward year after year to support our students.With a mission to make learning UNFORGETTABLE for every Langley student and a mandate to provideand support innovative, educational programs that do not receive funding from the Ministry of Education, theFoundation is working with the district on a number of fundraising strategies.Students, teachers andparents working hardto raise money for anew playground forLangley MeadowsPALS - Parents as LiteracySupportersPals is a well-thought out family literacyprogram targetting kindergarten studentsand their parents or guardians. Palswas actually developed by Langley teachersin response to evidence suggestingthat children who have a strong foundationof parental support are more likelyto benefit from their education. The programconsists of 10 sessions, focussing onABCs, environment, technology, writing,numeracy, riddles and rhymes and play.The Foundation is helping to raisemoney for the program through variousmeans. For instance, if you go to www.refresheverything.com and type PALS inthe search box and then vote for PALS,you will be helping us to receive a grantfor $10,000. Vote for PALS everyday untilJune 30.Playgrounds, Fields &courtyardsParents and PACs play a huge role infundraising for the District. For instance,when Langley Meadows found out thatthey needed a new playground, PACpresident Laura d’Alva and her teamshot into gear, organizing some very innovativeand effective fundraising events.With a goal to raise $64,000, they areholding clothing drives, garage salesand penny drives. They collected 1600pounds of garbage from Logan Creekand Principal, Lucy Lenko has agreed tokiss a pig, for a sum of course.At Walnut Grove the PAC is busy thinkingof ways to raise money to improvetheir track & field facility and DW Poppyhas a new courtyard to fund.10 Student Success

#102 20091 Industrial Ave. Langley604-533-2787www.youngatarts.cainfo@youngatarts.caFALL 2011THEATREAll Theatre students will prepare a piece, to be performed onstage at the end of term recital. A costume rental fee of $10.00will be charged at the time of registration.Drama Kids! - Here is an invitation for kids to shine! Comehave fun exploring make believe, creating original charactersand constructing inventive scenes. Invigorate your imaginationthrough drama games, improvisation and techniques in voice,mime and movement. Students will learn the benefits of workingwith an ensemble and build personal confidence. DramaQueens permitted!*GR. 1 - 2 $99.00*GR. 3 + $99.00Musical Theatre - Children will learn to sing, dance, act andabove all perform! While belting out showtunes and exploringbasic choreography the focus of this class is to become comfortableand have fun on stage!Saturday 45min 12:30 pm GR. K–1 $99.00Saturday 1 hr 1:15 pm GR. 2 + $99.00MUSIC & VOICEBroadway Bound Taught by Juno-Award winner, PatriciaDahlquist, this fast paced and exciting workshop will use playacting, voice games and songs from various Broadway showsto help students develop their stage voice. All participants willbe given the opportunity to sing as a soloist as well as part ofa group. At the end of nine weeks students will participate in arecital where they will practice what they have learned in frontof an appreciative audience.*GR 2 – 7 $99.00*Times and Dates to be announced, please checkour website for updates.DANCEAll dance students will have the opportunity perform their choreographeddance routine in an on stage recital at the end ofterm! A costume rental fee of $10.00 will be charged at thetime of registration.Tutu Time! – Discover the world of princesses, fairies & tutus!Little Ballerinas will begin to understand basic ballet technique.Saturday 3/4 hr 11:00 am PS - K $99.00Kinder Dance – This course will explore movement & teachthe basic elements of ballet, jazz & tap with a focus on imagination& creativity.Saturday 3/4 hr 10:15 am PS – K $99.00Saturday 3/4 hr 11:45 am PS – K $99.00Jazz - Hip Hop Combo – The best of both worlds! We willcombine the technique, flexibility, strength and character ofJazz with the co-ordination and funky, popular style of Hip Hop.Students will get to explore both dance styles to popular ageappropriate music.Saturday 3/4 hr 12:45pm GR K – 1 $99.00Saturday 1 hr 1:30 pm GR 2 - 6 $99.00VISUAL ARTSStudents will be encouraged to develop their creativity. Theyare led by a co-operative of highly qualified art instructors andaccomplished artists with specific interests. Students will begiven the opportunity to display their artwork for friends andfamily in our end of term Art Show. A supplies fee of $10.00will be charged at the time of registration.ART EXPLORATION - This mixed media course is a uniqueapproach to exploring Drawing, Cartooning, Painting, Glassart, Pottery/Hand building, Sculpture and Figural work.Saturday 45 min 9:45 am GR. K–1 $99.00Saturday 1 hr 10:30 am GR 2 -3 $99.00Saturday 1 hr 11:30 am GR 4 + $99.00Nine week Term begins: September 24 th ,2011REGISTRATION: Registration can be completed by phone or in person & is ongoing until September 24 th , 2011.MEMBERSHIP: The Young At Arts is a non-profit organization. All students must become members of THE YOUNG AT ARTS. Theannual membership fee is $15.00 per family. Memberships are valid from September 1 st to August 31 st of each year. Membership feeshelp us to continue nurturing the appreciation of fine arts in children within our local community.The Young At Arts is a non-profit organization currently celebrating our 23 rd year of enriching children’s livesin the arts. The Young At Arts receives partial funding from the Province of BC.summer edition 11

Community ForumFuture of EducationCommunity ‘engaged’in education conversationMore than 170 parents, students, teachers and members of the communityattended the forum entitlted - Involving and Engaging our Community:A Conversation about Educational Priorities and Directions.Walnut Grove Secondary Student Council President Devon Mitchellsummed things up perfectly in his closing remarks to about 170people who attended a March 30 forum called Involving &Engaging our Community: A Conversation about Educational Priorities andDirections.Echoing concepts that had been laid out by keynote speaker Dr. Bruce Beairstoearlier in the evening, Devon said the job of the education system in BC is not“cramming knowledge into the heads of unwilling students”.Teachers are guides who know the terrain, but let students discover it forthemselves. “They’re someone who hands you a compass and lets you findyour own way,” he said.Unleashing the creative potential of students and teachers was the focus ofthe evening, with participants from every school in Langley and from thecommunity at large engaged in animated conversation around tables set up inWalnut Grove Secondary School’s gym.The questions they had been asked to discuss were:“Sometimes you can’t just domore of the same, you haveto do different.Keynote Speaker Dr. Bruce Beairsto• What knowledge, skills and attitudes will today’s children need to besuccessful in this world?• What conditions contribute to powerful learning experiences?• What should our schools look like to ensure success for our students?12 Student Success

We need to inspire students with curriculumthat is compelling, relevant and flexibleEducators ask those questions every day, as do studentsand parents. But by bringing people together andrecording their collective thoughts for later analysis andconsideration, the forum will yield valuable informationas Langley School District charts its course in the era of21st Century Learning.Dr. Beairsto noted that the Ministry of Education andothers who are using that term have deliberately left itundefined. A conversation needs to take place – similarto the one hosted at WGSS – between the ‘bureaucracy’of education and the ‘communities’ school districts serve.“What we need to do is collaborate and create the future,”he said.He noted change is needed not because the educationsystem in BC and Canada is doing a bad job – it’s actuallydoing a terrific job by international standards. But even“ Society andschools are onthe ‘cusp’ of newunparalleledchange, broughton largely by newtechnologies.Walnut Grove SecondarySchool Student CouncilPresident DevonMitchell.the best systems in the world are confronted with animmense task to keep up with the restructuring that istaking place in an increasingly complex, interconnectedworld.Nor can we accomplish the task by having teachers dobetter what they already do very well. “Sometimes youcan’t just do more of the same, you have to do different,”he explained.Foundational skills, labeled the three ‘R’s’ of Arithmetic,Reading and Writing will still be essential. But theyaren’t nearly enough to prepare students for their rolesas modern citizens. They have to be supplemented bycapital ‘C’ aptitudes like Critical Thinking, Curiosity,Collaboration and Communication.Dr. Beairsto noted that these skills are best developed ingroups, with students sharing information and workingon projects. He recommended as one step reducingindividual time in classrooms by 20 per cent and usingthat time for group work and collaboration.He also said there is a pressing need to cut acrosscurriculum ‘silos’ in schools with initiatives that integratelearning content. “We have to break down those barriersbetween content domains,” he told participants beforethey delved into their discussions.The task facing BC’s education system is to inspirestudents with a curriculum that is compelling, relevantand which is delivered in flexible ways that meet widelyvaried student needs. “It means learning to take inertknowledge and turn it into active knowledge that helpsother people,” he said.Getting there will take what he characterized as ‘disruptiveinnovation’. Major departures from current practice takeus out of our comfort zones, Dr. Beairsto explained.Often proponents of change are defeated because peoplefind it difficult adapting to new ways of doing things andthere is a measurable ‘dip’ in performance. But if it’s agood idea, and learning communities push through theinevitable feelings of frustration and ‘incompetence’,there will be a significant upturn in student and schoolperformance.Is it worth the effort?To Dr. Beairsto there’s no question we have to pushthrough to new ways of delivering knowledge to students.Devon Mitchell agreed. He told participants that societyand schools are on the ‘cusp’ of new unparalleled change,brought on largely by new technologies. “The transitionhas started, all we need is one big push to get us there,” heconcluded. “We have the technology. Once we get therethe possibilities will be limitless.” vsummer edition 13

featureStudent projectWater waterNowhereby Ashley GeregorsonLangley Secondary School’s HelpingHeroes are heros in more ways than one.First they are helping a community inIndia to get access to clean water andat the same time, they are reducing theusage of plastic water bottles.Photos by Jordan McGovern.Never Doubt a Small Group of Committed CitizensThe glass is way morethan half full at LangleySecondary School, wherestudents are combating the lack ofwater in a poverty stricken countryand reducing plastic water bottleusage at home through a successfulWater Project.A group of 20 Grade 9 to 12 studentshas come together with a focus onsocial justice. They call themselvesthe Helping Heroes, and for goodreason. Their goal is “to bringawareness into [their] school and toget people to initiate outreach.”With help from the Social Justicecourse teacher Michael Carlyle theyhave embarked on the LSS WaterProject.“The Water Project stemmed fromour desire to create awareness ofhow not everyone in the worldhas the same privileges as we do,specifically in the area of clean waterwhich North Americans often takefor granted.” explains Gabrielle Starrand Megan Shargool, two prominentmembers of the group.Helping Heroes’ current focus is ondonating a water purification systemto an impoverished town in India,but it comes at a cost: five thousanddollars.The group needed to think outsidethe water jug about fundraising andhit upon an idea that would meettheir goal in India and combat thewasteful use of plastic water bottlesat Langley Secondary School.“There has been a big push towardsgetting rid of plastic water bottles atLangley Secondary so from that wecame up with selling metal waterbottles as a fundraiser for buying awell in India. It will make students14 Student Success

more inclined to use reusable water bottles rather thanbring a new plastic one each day” explains Carlyle, “So[all] students are going to take home the feeling that theyhave helped make a difference.”The Social Justice Club has partnered with Free theChildren and uses them as a segue. “The organization hasthe materials and resources needed to give to impoverishedregions what we already have.” Starr and Shargool explain.Udaipur, the region the Social Justice Club is helping,faces devastating droughts which cause famine andeconomic loss. Manmade lakes were created but servedonly as a short term fix; the water was soon contaminatedwith diseases and parasites. Facing these challenges thisregion is in dire need of water purification systems toward off disease and keep the communities sustainable.“We can’t speak for every member of the group, but manywill probably feel the same as we do; this experience is notonly benefitting others and helping thempdfMachineA pdf writer that produces quality PDF files with ease!Produce quality PDF files in seconds and preserve the integrity of your original documents. Compatnearly all Windows platforms, if you can print from a windows application you can use pdfMacGet yours now!summer edition 15

ProgramsApprenticeshipTradesin Action an eye opener for studentsAgroup of 21 Grade 7 and 8 students got to try theirhands at four ACE-IT Level 1 Apprenticeshipprograms April 12 and 13 as the second installmentof a Trades in Action tour that began in November witha trip to Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Cloverdalecampus.This time the students spent day-one of their excursionat Aldergrove Community Secondary School, wherethey visited the Automotive Technical Services andthe Carpentry shops; on day-two they were at LangleySecondary School to learn a bit about Piping andPlumbing, then on to D.W. Poppy Secondary where theytook in the Electrical program.Grades 7 and 8students learnedsome of the skillsof the trades fromGrades 11 and 12students duringApril Trades inAction open housesat AldergroveCommunitySecondary, LangleySecondary and D.W.Poppy Secondary.ACE-IT stands for Accelerated Credit Enrolment inIndustrial Training. The ‘dual-credit’ programs allowGrade 11 and 12 students to earn Level 1 training whilethey are still completing secondary school.It’s an opportunity that is becoming increasinglypopular said District Career Education Teacher PatRosen. “Initially when we started to run these Level 1Apprenticeship programs it took a lot of effort and a lotof promotion to find enough students to fill them.“This is the time of year that we are actually acceptingapplications for the coming year, 2012, and we find thateveryone is well aware. The labour around promotion isgoing down and our numbers are going up.”That’s not surprising, considering the leg up ACE-IT givesstudents interested in the trades, and the high demandfor skilled trades people in the workforce.16 Student Success

“Regardless of the economy the trades are always busy,” saidBCIT Electronics Instructor Phil McInally. “World wideCanadian trades people are recognized as a high trainingstandard, so opportunity is abundant for us to take ourtickets elsewhere, write some certification overseas orsomething like that and qualify for a transitional ticket.”Piping and Plumbing Teacher Jeff Dickson said exposingyounger students to the trades through programs likeTrades in Action makes sense.Apprenticeship programs arebecoming a more and morepopular curriculum choicefor students“My students, many of them have come through smallprograms like this, where they get some experience,” hesaid. “They got that seed planted many years ago andnow its coming to fruition where they are making acareer choice and they’re moving from high school intothe world of work.”It’s not only the Grade 7 and 8 students that benefit. TheACE-IT students learn a few new things about themselvesby hosting their junior peers. “Much as the youngerstudents are getting some great experiences I think this iseven more beneficial for my kids,” Mr. Dickson explained.“When we try and teach something, we find out if wereally know it.”Piping and Plumbing student Dorian Munoz agreed. Hewas showing a younger student how to thread steep pipefor water or gas line attachments. Asked if it was goingwell, Dorian answered, “Yeah. He’s an easy learner. He’spicking it up really quickly.”Ms. Rosen agrees the learning through Trades in Actiongoes both ways. “For the younger students we hope itwill give them a view of what’s available for them in thefuture,” she said. “For the senior students it starts to demonstrate to themhow important it is to be mature and responsible andproud of the competencies they are developing.” vFind out more about dual credit ACE-IT programsat www.sd35.bc.ca by clicking the Programs andServices menu item then the Career Education linkin the left sidebar.summer edition 17

KRAUSEB E R R YF A R M S18 Student Success

Gallery 7 Theatre & Performing Arts presentsSummerDramaBlaSt2011July 11 – 29An explosion of theatre fun for kids and teens ages 6 – 18!Age Specific cAmpS:Creative Explosions (6 & 7)Dramatic Rumblings (8 & 9)Stage Eruptions (10 & 11)Dynamite Playmakers (12 & 13)pLUS:Theatre Intensives for Teens...Performance IntensiveActing for the CameraImprov Break-OutregiStration now open!Call 604-504-5940 or visit online at www.gallery7theatre.comBRAD HIGGSSOCCER SCHOOLSServing British Columbia Since 1971SOCCER CAMPS:Days: Mon-FriAge: Boys & Girls 4-14 years oldCost: $100LANGLEY• July 18-22 McLeod Turf9am-11:30am• Aug 29-Sept 1 Noel Booth ParkMon-Thurs 9am-12 noonSurrey• July 4-8 Bear Creek Park 9am-11:30am• July 25-29 Newton Athletic 9am-11:30am• Aug 22-26 Cloverdale Athletic 9am-11:30 am• Aug 29-Sept 2 Bear Creek Park 9am-11:30 amWhite Rock• July 4-8, July 25-29, Aug 15-19Centennial Park 9:00-11:30For camp dates and more information go to:www.fraservalley.scouts.ca604 638-4267joinus@nicomeklscouting.caTO REGISTER:online: www.bradhiggs.comor phone: 604-939-1114by mail: mail cheque to Brad Higgs116 Maple Dr. Port Moody BC, V3H 0A7summer edition 19

featureNatureThe Great Outdoorsstill there & still greatMetro Vancouver ParksInterpreter Lori Bartleyremembers the dayswhen parents would shoo their kidsout the front door and tell them togo play outside. But in a world that ismore urban, where parents concernsfor safety are always on high alert,and where the lure of technologyis tending toward more screen timethan green time, that casual strategyis no longer an option.Which is one of the reasons kidsdon’t get as much exposure to thegreat outdoors as she would like tosee.“There aren’t quite the opportunitiesthat I had as a child growing up,” shesaid. “We are very busy, we have alot of activities that we are involvedin today and it doesn’t allow a lot oftime at the end of the day to have20 Student Successwhat I call the Green Hours to goout and explore and sit in nature orplay in nature.”That’s too bad, she points out,because there’s plenty of researchto suggest even an hour or two inthe great outdoors can have widerangingbenefits. “I think if youcould find an hour a week to get out,the benefits could be incredible toyou.”Ms. Bartley points to research thatshows regular walks in the park canreduce stress, result in higher scoresfor students on tests, even promotefaster healing for people who haveinjuries.“There’s an amazing amount ofscientific research that’s comingout right now, and doctors are evenprescribing: ‘Get outside in naturefor a walk’ and finding it can clearyour head, it can help you thinkbetter and be more productive.”So what’s keeping us from taking ourkids to any one of 23 regional parksand two greenways in the MetroVancouver area (not to mention aplethora of municipal and provincialparks within striking distance too)?Is it lack of information? If you go towww.metrovancouver.org and clickon Services, then on Regional Parksand Lower Seymour ConservationReserve you will be on the trailheadto loads of information aboutregional parks and parks programs.“We offer a lot of family events whereyou can drop in on the weekend andstay for the entire event, which isoften about three or four hours,” Ms.Bartley said.

Is it the cost? Visiting the parkdoesn’t cost a cent, and there arethree great parks right in Langley:Derby Reach, Campbell Valley andAldergrove Lake. Programs that dohave a fee are affordable – less thenwhat you’d pay to take the kids to amovie Ms. Bartley noted.Is it the fear of getting a little mudon our shoes? That’s part of the fun,Ms. Bartley pointed out. Our kidsneed to know it’s okay. “Wear thingsyou don’t mind getting dirty,” sheadvised. “If you show that you’reenthusiastic and that you’re opento discovery, open to smelling andtouching gently, the kids will comealong for the ride.”Is it all that expensive equipmentwe see on nature TV? “In order toexplore nature you don’t have todrag along a cart full of accessorieswith you to make it the ultimateexperience,” Ms. Bartley said. “A lotof great experiences in nature canhappen by just being out in nature.”A white plastic bowl for dipping inmarshes and lakes comes in handy.A white cloth to use as a bug sheet,for shaking little critters gently outof shrubs and grasses can open upworlds of wonder.Is it because we don’t have time?A couple of hours, once or twicea week is all it takes. Families canteam up, too, so if one set of parentsisn’t available for the outing, theother can take all the kids. The thingis to build nature outings into yourfamily schedule the same way youdo shopping, or hockey practices, orwalking the dog.Is it because we don’t know ‘how tobe’ in nature ourselves? The rules aresimple, Ms. Bartley said. “Basicallywhen I take children out in thepark all I ask them is to be nice. Justthink about what being nice means:it means not being rough, notbreaking things, not taking thingsaway.”If you want some ideas look upa book called Sharing the Joy ofNature: Nature Activities for allAges by Joseph Cornell. Whileyou’re at it have a look at some of theinexpensive guides that are availablefor insects, mammals, trees, birdsand just about any other aspect ofthe outdoors you want to explore.This summer make a point ofgetting out and exploring with yourchildren some of the wonders ourregional parks have to reveal. Whoknows what you’ll discover? vDance & Music Classes For All AgesConvenient options to have 2 or more students in differentprograms at the same timeRegisterNowSchool ofMusic & Dancewww.musicanddance.orgSummer Music &Dance Camps AvailablePrivate & GroupMusic Lessons For All Ages• Piano• Keyboard• Voice• Guitar• Violin• Drums• Clarinet• Viola• Cello• Flute• Oboe• Bassoon• Trumpet• Trombone• Tuba • Saxophone• University Trained Teachers • Preschool Music• Choirs • Theory • Recitals • RCM Exam PrepReasons to Choose Our Music Program1. University-trained Teachers.2. We teach the way you want to learn - instruction in pop, jazz,classical & exam preparation.3. Optional low-pressure recitals.Walnut Grove Schoolof Music & Dance8747 204 St, Langley(In Walnut Grove, Behind McDonald’s)604-882-0422Dance Classes For All Ages• Ballet• Hip Hop• Tap• Jazz• Preschool Dance• Musical Theatre• Adult Classes• Parent & TotWhy Choose Us?1. Facilities - Our “floating” professional dance floors reducefatigue and prevent injuries.2. Customer Service - Desk staff are available during class timeto provide assistance.3. Free Recital DVD for every family.4. Hassle-Free Recitals - Parents get 2 free tickets. We sew andalter costumes for you.5. Small Class Sizes - Ages 3-5, maximum of 8 per class. Ages 6and up, maximum of 12 per class.Guildford Schoolof Music & Dance15326 103A Ave, Surrey(Behind “the Flag” Car Dealership)604-951-3725White Rock Schoolof Music & Dance2355 King George Blvd, Surrey(near King George & 24th Ave)604-531-3993summer edition 21

22 Student Success

summer edition 23

Photos:Top Left:Lavrova Classical BalletAcademy performance.Proceeds donated to theLangley School DistrictFoundationTop Right:Rachael Bruce fromMountain Secondary withbass teacher, TimothyStacey. Rachael and 2other students split a$1040 bursary donatedto the Foundation byLangley CommunityMusic School.Middle Left:One of the manyactivities that studentsparticipated in at theSpirit Festival Held at HDStafford.Middle Right:At the AnnualCelebration of StudentAchievement AwardsBrookswood student,Angela Koo receivesAchievement Award andcongratulations fromBrookswood principal,Mal Gill and DistrictSuperintendent, CheryleBeaumont.Bottom:Nicomekl students withtheir new Chime Choir setmade possible by a grantfrom the FoundationArts & Achievementin Langley24 Student Success

summer edition 25

featureTechnologyLangley Fine Arts resource teacher Denise Moedt withher student Mikaela Eppich and mom Susanna Eppich.“Kurzweil changed my life”, said MikaelaOpening doorswith KurzweilWouldn’t it be nice if someone invented a piece of educational technology adapted to all ranges and styles oflearning? If there was a system that boosted the performance of kids with special needs, of high achievingstudents, of elementary right through to secondary students… in fact, of any student. Can you imagine?Well educators who have used Kurzweil 3000 say it doesjust that. And the Langley School District Foundation hasmade acquisition of the system a priority in its ongoingmission to make learning an ‘unforgettable experience forevery Langley student.’Kurzweil helps students with: reading speed andcomprehension; note taking and organization; writing;research; and test preparation.Brookswood Secondary School is using the systemto assist students like Daven, who has seen a dramaticimprovement in his reading ability since logging on toKursweil. Said one of his teachers, “For Daven it’s reallypromoted independence. He’s doing a lot of finding outhow to make things work for himself.”Some of the features Kurzweil brings into the learningequation are:The ability to highlight text and have it instantlyincorporated into notes;• Or to have the program read highlighted text out loud;• Outlining and diagramming functions to help studentsget organized;• Real time audio that reads out words as they are spelled;• Advance recognition that suggests a range of words asstudents type;• Sophisticated character and page layout recognition thatallows Kurzweil to scan pages from books and reproducethem as interactive digital files with the original layoutpreserved;The power of bringing those capabilities together in onepackage is what makes Kurzweil such an effective learningtool. The technology can be used in the classroom withinteractive white boards for some of the most advancedlearning programs. It can also be streamed acrosscomputers in a lab, allowing students to get individualizedinstruction at their desks. Students can also go online toaccess research tools.By adapting to individual learning styles and needsKurzweil makes it possible for teachers to help morestudents.Kurzweil offers significant advantages to ESL students,speeding up language acquisition and reducing thefrustrations English as a Second Language studentssometimes feel at school. The technology is also accessibleto use at home or through the Internet, a capability whichadds to its adaptability for ESL and other students.The Langley School District Foundation is supportingacquisition of this technology for schools by dedicatingall the money raised through its successful Heart to HeartGala to purchase Kurzweil web licenses.“It’s a great way to help Langley teachers help students,”said Langley School District Foundation ExecutiveDirector Susan Cairns. Final figures were not in as ofpress time, but she expected the Heart to Heart Gala,which was held May 29, to raise enough for over 200Kurzweil licenses.For more information contact the Langley School DistrictFoundation at 604-534-7891 or scairns@sd35.bc.ca. Youcan also find out more about the Foundation’s programsat www.langleyschooldistrictfoundation.com. v26 Student Success

D e v e l o p i n g b o y s a n d g i r l s f o r t h e c o m m u n i t y o f L a n g l e yboys and girls soccerR e g i s t e R n o w f o R s e p t e m b e R !Register your child online todayat www.luysa.com for soccerstarting in early SeptemberFall/winter soccerfor girls and boysaged 4 to 17What Parents have to Say:“The soccer put on by Langley United was fantastic. The coaching was excellent andthe kids had a great time. For our daughter, who is brand new to soccer, it has solidifiedour decision to sign her up for next season.”“They made it really fun. I was not sure my son would like soccer, but he loved it!!Thanks kindly.”“We really liked the soccer camp as it gave girls who hadn’t played with a club beforea chance to try it out and see if they like it.”“Thanks for a wonderful soccer experience! Laura really enjoyed herself and her coach.”Please register online at www.luysa.comLangley United Youth Soccer AssociationDeveloping boys and girls for the community of LangleyEmAiL info@luysa.com • WEbSitE www.luysa.com • PhonE 604-530-3470Langley’s International Festival2011August 27th & 28th, 2011at Willoughby Community Park(next to Langley Events Centre)7888 - 200th St., LangleyFOR MORE INFORMATION:www.internationalfestival.cainfo@internationalfestival.ca604-530-4661 or 604-312-8487Admission by Donation“FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!”Langley’s InternationalFestival Societyp o e mreportessayG r a p h i c D e s i g n : L I G H T H O U S E D E S I G N | w w w . l i g h t h o u s e d e s i g n . c a | 6 0 4 . 5 0 2 . 9 7 7 1storyCreative WritingCompetition“Living in a Multicultural Society”Write approximately 250 words about your experienceof living in a multicultural society.(Story, Poem, Letter, Essay, Rap or Lyrics)Win Big CASH!!!!First Prize: $1000Second Prize: $750Third Prize: $500narrative... and get published!!essayGet your entry form from www.internationalfestival.caand email your entry or questions to doris@bravointeriors.caor print, complete and fax your entry form to: 604-514-2294Phone: 604-312-8487 | Fax: 604-514-2294 | info@internationalfestival.ca | www.internationalfestival.caPO Box 7, 20378 Fraser Hwy., Langley, BC V3A 4G1summer edition 27

holenewballgamefor Langley kids6th Annual Golf Tournament on Wednesday,August 31 at Redwoods Golf Course to raisemoney for school sports programsThe evidence abounds. Participation for young people in schoolsports programs is beneficial in dozens of ways. Some say ithas the power to combat everything from racism to low selfesteemto high-school drop-out rates. Statistics show that high schoolathletes don’t smoke, are less likely to get involved with drugs, lesslikely to get pregnant and three times more likely to graduate thannon-athletes. Studies also indicate that students exhibit better healthhabits, display more positive attitudes about school and physical activityand have less aggressive behaviours and greater respect for theirpeers and teachers.Audrey Pereira dives for the ball just ahead ofChelsea Smith at the Grade 8 Girls BasketballDistrict Championships.Photo courtesy of Natasha Jones, Langley TimesUnfortunately, in times of budget restraint and cost-costing, sportsprograms are often the first to go. And once they start to diminishor disappear, they are very hard to get back. So with all this in mind,the Langley School District Foundation is focussing on raising fundsto support sports programs, initially in the middle and secondaryschools, but ultimately in the elementary schools, as well.6th Annual Golf TournamentAll the proceeds from the very popular golf tournament wiil go towardsthe support and betterment of school sports programs. Theevent, featuring 18 holes of superb golf at Redwoods Golf Course,a tailgate party prior to tee-off, great prizes, snacks, a BBQ steak andsalmon dinner, and a live and silent auction is on Wednesday, August31 with a shotgun start at 11:30. Foursomes are just $725 or $195 fora single.28 Student Success

Langley School District and the LangleySchool District Foundation want towish the readers of Student Success anenjoyable summer. It has been a pleasure25bringing you stories about Langley schoolsand community programs that complement 5the goals of Langley School District.0We hope you have enjoyed readingStudent Success and look forward tobringing you more great news in September. 95If you have an idea you would like us tocover, don’t hesitate to let us know.To the sponsors who makeStudent Success possible, thank you.Your support and the services you offerbenefit families and students in Langley.www.sd35.bc.ca/success • cspence@sd35.bc.ca10095751007525501009575255010095752550Career Choices and Life SuccessTake thenext stepin your career! To learn more, contactElly Morgan604.599.3431elly.morgan@kwantlen.cakwantlen.ca/aca/cclsCome join our TuiTion-Free Program * :Career ChoiCes and Life suCCesSFor women who want to find meaningful workand more. Try out various careers, gain workexperience, take vocational assessments, upgradeyour computer skills, update your resumé andinterview skills, set and achieve goals, tackleprocrastination and fear, practice interpersonalcommunication and learn conflict resolution.Attend an Information Session:May 6, June 9 or August 25, 201110:30 am, Room 2075, Langley CampusProgram runs September−December* admission, registration and student association fees apply.summer edition 29

Counselling & ConsultingLocal resident and counselling professional, SeanHeales, will now be practicing in Langley.He has developed a reputation for an engaging,confidential, and trustworthy style with expertise in thefollowing areas:Abbotsford InternationalAIRSHOW• Individual counselling for childrenand adults• Family counselling• Parenting sessions and parentingworkshops• Sport performance counselling• Life/Career transitions• General Health(Anxiety/Stress/Depression)Sean welcomes you to contacthim for confidential inquiries at778.908.2931 or by email atlcreek@telus.net.Registration will be held at the academyon June 2nd & 3rd • 4pm- 7pm& June 4th • 10am- 1pmErin Mozel, now with theNational Ballet School ofCanadaL avrova Classical Ballet AcademyThe Lavrova ClassicalBallet Academy,was foundedby Ms. Irina Lavrova,a prima ballerinafor 18 years.Our academy offersa variety ofclasses for childrenages 3-18,as well as adults.Ballet • Pointe • Jazz • Lyrical Jazz • Modern• Creative Movement • Pilates/Conditioning• RAD exams • Private classes • Festivals30 Student SuccessFALL REGISTRATION2011/2012SUMMER PROGRAMS 2011Junior ProgramJuly 18-23, 2011Ages 7-11Ballet • Jazz • Musical Theatre• Pilates/ConditioningSenior ProgramAugust 8-13, 2011Ages 12-18E “ xperience the Russian traditionFor information: 604.530.8050 • #16- 19257 Enterpeise Way, Surrey BCwww.lavrovaballet.com | info@lavrovaballet.comBallet • Pointe • Jazz • LyricalJazz • Pilates/Conditioningof ballet excellence”Raise to your highest level! Our dedicated, high caliberteachers in the academy’s spacious studio, will providesome of your best training yet.

RCP11-2292011SummerDiscover thefun!tol.caWe wrote the book on fun!Register now