The 2024 – 2025 preliminary bus information for eligible students, who have submitted an Opt-In Request, is now available to view on our website by logging into your Parent Portal account.

Please note that your bus route information may change as STSCO continues to receive updates from our schools. Be sure to double check your bus information over the Labour Day weekend before going to your bus stop on the first day of school.

For bus questions or concerns, please contact STSCO @  1-705-748-5500

New This Year - Opt-In For Bussing

If you live in the bus area, you must opt-in for for the bus. Attached are the insturctions. 

If you are wanting to volunteer at the school, in the classroom or attend a field trip, a current vulnerable sector search from Durham Regional Police is requried. The typical processing and mail time is about 3 weeks. 

* Current = within 365 days of the volunteer day *

If you have provided one to the school and are unsure when it expires, please contact the office. 

Attached you is our vulnerable sector search letter for your to include with your application. 

Occasionally, students may need to be away from school for illness, appointments or other events. To maintain strong learning habits and support student success and achievement, we remind parents and guardians of the importance of arriving on time and attending school regularly!

The following options are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for reporting daily or extended student absences.

 SchoolMessenger App

1. Download the SchoolMessenger app on your mobile device.
2. Log in to your account or sign up to create a new account.
3. Select Attendance and follow the prompts.

 School Messenger Website

1. Visit the SchoolMessenger website - https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/home
2. Log in to your account or sign up to create a new account.
3. Select Attendance and follow the prompts.

 Phone Automated Phone System

1. Call 1-844-434-8119 and follow the prompts.

The child can attend school or childcare if they:
• Have a runny nose or a little cough, but no other symptoms
• Have not needed to take medicine for a fever in the last 48 hours
• Have not vomited or had diarrhea in the last 48 hours

The child should stay at home if they:
• Have fever greater than 38 degrees Celsius
• Are throwing up or have diarrhea
• Have pink or crusty eyes
• Have a cough that keeps them awake
• Have a sore throat
• Have an infection or disease that can be spread to teachers or friends
• Are not well enough to participate fully in activities

In addition to staying home, the child should be seen by a health care provider if they:
• Have had a fever greater than 38 degrees Celsius for longer than 2 days
• Have been vomiting or had diarrhea for longer than 2 days
• Have had a runny nose for more than a week and it is not getting better
• Are still having asthma symptoms after using regular asthma medication

Join SchoolCashOnline now so you don't miss out on orders such as hot lunch, milk & treat days or school trips!

Tuesday, November 26th, 2024 for first dose(s) and Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 for second dose(s). For general inquiries, please visit durham.ca/immunize or call 1-800-841-2729 ext. 6242

Please join us on Wednesday, November 20 5:00-8:30 as we celebrate the start of the holiday season with a market full of amazing local vendors! 

During the month of November, mention Harold Longworth PS and Cobs Bread Bowmanville will donate 5% of your purchase to the school.

Friday, November 15 - Rock your Mocs

Friday November 22 - Funny Socks Day (mismatched or silly socks)

Friday November 29 - Inside Out/Backwards Day

Pickup your Poinsettia's, Big box of Cards and Recipes in a Jar on Tuesday, December 3 @ 2:00 – 5:30 in the gym. Please enter through the community doors. 

Orders cannot be held

Mabel’s Labels VIP Black Friday Limited Edition Bundle!

This limited-edition combo is now 55% OFF when you use code: BLACKFRIDAY55

Bundle includes larger shapes that will never be available again, and it features beautiful watercolor designs you won’t find in any other pack!

Only available until Nov 23rd. 

Dear KPR Families,

The first day of school is right around the corner and I hope you can feel the energy and excitement in the air as we count down the days!  

I hope that you’ve had a fantastic summer – finding time to connect with loved ones, take in the beautiful weather, and do the things that bring you joy. I am looking forward to a safe and successful return to school and the many #WeAreKPR memories that will be made in the year ahead!

For students who may be experiencing mixed emotions about returning to school, we have a number of great resources to support them as they adapt to new routines and relationships. 10 Tips for a Successful Back-to-School Transition is a resource from School Mental Health Ontario that offers helpful tips to support the transition.

With more students, vehicles, walkers and bicycles on the roads, our priority is to ensure a safe school start-up in the coming days. Please be aware that school zones are busy places, and it’s important to be cautious when traveling to and from school. We sincerely appreciate the contributions of our dedicated bus drivers, transportation staff, crossing guards, local police services and municipalities in keeping our students, staff and families safe.

I will continue to send bi-weekly updates to families this school year, with news and information to keep you informed. Of course, another great source of information and positive news is our KPR social media accounts. Please follow @kprschools on Facebook and Instagram for timely updates and #WeAreKPR stories this year!

Welcome back and wishing each of you a wonderful start to the 2024-2025 school year!

Best wishes,
 

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR News

Student Personal Devices

New provincial government legislation has resulted in changes to the use of mobile devices in schools. A mobile device is any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or access the Internet, such as a laptop, cellphone, tablet or smart watch. 

To help ensure focused and engaging learning environments, all personal mobile devices must be stored out of view during the school day. Students in Grades K- 8 may not use mobile devices anytime during the school day (including recess), except as outlined below. Students in Grades 9-12 may use mobile devices during breaks.

Devices may be used in certain circumstances, including:

• for health and medical purposes,
• to support special education needs, or
• for educational purposes, as directed by an educator.

While these changes may be difficult, please know that creating and maintaining a protected space for learning in classrooms is our goal. Schools will be working with students to educate and support them as they adjust to these expectations. If students need to use their phones for reasons other than those outlined above, families should contact their school administration to discuss a shared solution.

Vaping in Schools

As you know, it has been our long-standing policy that smoking and vaping are not allowed on board property or in schools.

There are new provincial directives this year that support this policy, specifically that students cannot bring electronic cigarettes (vapes), cannabis, tobacco and/or nicotine products to school (including on school transportation).

If a student is in possession of an electronic cigarette (vape), tobacco or nicotine product, it is to be surrendered and disposed of.

As with the cell phone changes, we will work positively with students and families to implement these expectations.

Update from Public Health Partners

Public health partners have asked us to share that there has been a high rate of pertussis (whooping cough) cases over the summer months. They are encouraging families to ensure their children's immunizations are up to date and to get any needed vaccinations, including the pertussis vaccination, as soon as possible.

To read the full letter from public health click here.

For more information about immunizations and other public health updates, please visit your local public health unit’s website:

• Durham Region Health Department
• Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge Health Unit
• Peterborough Public Health
• Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Unit

Dear KPR Families,

Throughout September, schools are wonderfully full of community-building opportunities and learning for students, staff and families, such as Terry Fox days, school council meetings, open houses and so much more.

While this month has been filled with energy and excitement, my hope is that we each find time for reflection, leading up to September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

This is a day of remembrance, and a time to recognize the tragic history and harm caused by residential schools. We honour First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children and communities impacted by the residential school system and remember those who never returned home. In recognition of this observance, flags will be flown at half-mast at KPR schools and education centres. Schools participate in this day in age-appropriate ways, by engaging in discussion, reflection and learning that supports our collective journey towards reconciliation. More information about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is available from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and the Government of Canada.

In the coming days, we will be celebrating National Custodial Workers’ Recognition Day on October 2 and World Teachers’ Day on October 5.  To KPR custodians, trades and maintenance workers – we cannot say thank you enough for the work you do to keep schools safe, clean, accessible and welcoming for all students and families!

I’d also like to extend my sincere thanks to all of the amazing educators at KPR who have powerful impacts on many students every day, and every year. The collective commitment of all KPR staff to student success and well-being helps all students to excel in learning, succeed in life and enrich our communities!

For more information on days of significance coming up next month, including Rosh Hashanah from October 2-4 and National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S) on October 4, please visit KPR’s events calendar.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR News

PA Day Learning

We continue to share information with families about how KPR staff are learning and working together on Professional Activity (PA) Days to support students’ success. Detailed information about PA Days is posted on the KPR website, at www.kprschools.ca/pa-day-learning .

The September 27 Professional Activity (PA) Day will focus on the following areas:

• Literacy in Elementary and Secondary Schools
• Numeracy (Math) in Elementary Schools
• Secondary School Code of Conduct, and
• School Improvement Planning

Both teaching and support staff are participating in learning sessions focused on well-being and supporting student success. Thank you to everyone engaged in this important work. 

Report IT!

While we encourage students, staff and families to first address concerns directly with those involved in the situation, e.g. the teacher, principal, manager or superintendent, concerns may also be reported confidentially, through the online reporting tool – Report IT!  

More information about the Commissioner's Office of Human Rights, Equity & Accessibility and Report IT! is available on the Board website or by contacting the office directly at cohrea@kprdsb.ca  

Dear KPR Families,

As we approach the first long weekend of the school year, I want to say how truly grateful I am to everyone in the KPR community, for everything you do to support students every day.

October 10 is World Mental Health Day, and it serves as an essential reminder of the importance of well-being in our daily lives, and the need to collaboratively support positive change in mental heath for students, staff and families.

At times, our news feeds can become filled with stories of natural disasters, war and tragedy that can cause us to feel overwhelmed. While information and knowledge are important, I urge everyone to please look after yourselves and loved ones during times of challenge. Please be mindful in paying attention to your mental health, and that of those around you.

October 12 marks the most holy day in Judaism, and I would like to wish those observing Yom Kippur a meaningful time of reflection and fasting. 

For more information about days of significance, please visit KPR’s Events Calendar.

Happy Thanksgiving to those who are celebrating this weekend.

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education 

KPR News

Parent Involvement Committee Seeking Community Members

KPR’s Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) is seeking three community members with an interest in public education, to serve on the committee for a one-year term, effective November 4, 2024. Those interested are invited to submit a letter of interest by 4:00pm on Monday, October 28, 2024. To learn more about this volunteer opportunity, visit our website: https://www.kprschools.ca/student-and-family-support/parent-corner/parent-involvement/ 

Engaging in Your Child’s Educational Journey - A Virtual Event

We are excited to be hosting a Virtual Parent Engagement event October 24, from 6:30-7:30pm, to explore the many benefits and opportunities that come from participating in your child’s learning experience. Learn about:

• The benefits of parental involvement in education
• Effective ways to communicate with teachers and school staff
• Volunteer opportunities
• Supporting school programs and initiatives
• Leadership roles in School Council and other committees, and 
• Education updates affecting families

Families, parents and caregivers are invited to register for the virtual event here.

Digital Citizenship Week - October 16-20, 2024

Digital Citizenship Week is an opportunity to emphasize the importance of preparing students to navigate the digital world responsibly and for the KPR community to engage in meaningful conversations and activities that promote safe, respectful, and informed online behavior.

Together, we can empower students to be responsible digital citizens and equip them with the skills they need for a connected future.  Families can find information to support their children at:  https://www.kprschools.ca/student-and-family-support/digital-citizenship/

The learning focus for the month of November is Treaties. To access weekly activities, reflection questions and resources to support your learning, visit the resource at the following link: https://sites.google.com/kprdsb.ca/passporttoreconciliation/site-map/truth-and-reconciliation/passport-to-reconciliation/treaties

Dear KPR Families,

I would like to begin by taking a moment to acknowledge the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, who passed away on November 4, 2024. As an Anishinaabe leader, judge, senator and Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Justice Sinclair leaves behind a remarkable legacy of advocacy for Indigenous rights, justice and reconciliation. Sinclair’s work has had a tremendous impact on this country and the education system, as well as KPR and the work we do. Please join me in honouring his memory, as we continue our shared journey towards Truth and Reconciliation. 

This time of year is filled with days of significance that offer meaningful learning opportunities for students, staff and families. As part of Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month, schools are invited to engage in learning and celebrate Indigenous excellence in many ways, and are working closely with the board’s Indigenous Education Department throughout the month to explore resources and activities that support this important learning.

Leading up to Remembrance Day on November 11, we recognize Veterans’ Week to honour the service, courage and sacrifice of the generations of Canadians who served and continue to serve in support of peace and freedom. Tomorrow, on November 8, we recognize Indigenous Veterans’ Day, to specifically acknowledge the contributions of thousands of Indigenous people who served during times of war and peacekeeping.

Later this month, we recognize Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week from November 17-23. This is an opportunity to talk about bullying in all its harmful shapes and forms and reiterate that bullying is not acceptable in our schools or communities. By spreading awareness, and having tough conversations both at home and at school, we can work together to continue to promote safe, caring learning environments where everyone feels a sense of belonging.  

For more information about upcoming days of significance, Visit KPR’s Events Calendar. 

Sincerely,

Rita Russo
Director of Education

KPR News

Virtual Parent Conference Featuring Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe

Everyday Resiliency: Strong Kids and Well Families 

Registration is now open for KPR’s free, annual Parent Conference, taking place Saturday, November 23, from 9:15-11:15am! The session is open to all KPR parents/caregivers, family members and staff.

Dr. Robyne is one of only a few educational behaviourists in the world and embodies her teachings by blending real-world realities, rigorous research, and profound wisdom with her own personal journey. A mother of three teenagers, a high school dropout turned respected professor, author, entrepreneur and survivor of a life-altering accident, her life story exemplifies her unwavering dedication of spreading resilience.

Join us and Dr. Robyne for a journey on how families can cultivate resiliency in children and themselves through the five pillars of everyday resiliency. This keynote offers parents practical tools and strategies to help their children face challenges with confidence, optimism, and adaptability—equipping them to with skills to be well.

Registration and more information are available at Kprschools.ca

Early Reading Screening

To support reading as an essential foundational skill, KPR schools administered early reading screening to all students in Year 2 of Kindergarten through Grade 2 this fall. The purpose of this provincial screening is to:

• Monitor children’s development in early reading skills,
• Identify children who need additional support, and
• Guide classroom instruction.

Families will receive their screening results, with their Fall reports in mid-November. Early reading screening benchmarks indicate how students are doing on a specific set of reading measures. Students whose scores fall below the benchmark will be provided with strategic instruction to support their ongoing growth.

This new screening process reflects specific skills from the 2023 Language curriculum and only provides one piece of information about your child’s language and literacy skills. The screening results is not used to determine your children’s grades, but instead will help identify the support needed to develop reading proficiency. School staff continue to participate in literacy-focused learning focused on effective instruction that support students in developing as strong readers.