September 2018 – Elementary School E-Bits

For Administrators and Educators

The Language Express Referral Deadline Has Changed! Don’t Wait and See! Refer your JK students with speech and language concerns to Language Express as soon as possible. JK children born in 2014 must be referred before November 30, 2018. Poor school performance is predictable from the spoken language abilities of a child at school entry. Language Express can provide assessment, intervention and resources to support students in developing speech, language and literacy skills. Watch for these warning signs: stuttering; has trouble following directions; hard to understand; does not use adult-like grammar; cannot retell a story coherently; is struggling to learn letter names; unusual voice quality (hoarse, breathy). For more information, visit: www.language-express.ca

Fresh from the Farm Fundraiser. Fresh from the Farm is an exciting opportunity for Ontario schools to fundraise by selling Ontario-grown fruit and vegetables. Schools can enroll now; fundraising begins September 4. This is an excellent way to support the Food Charter; take a look at the foodcoreLGL school toolkit. Submit your orders by October 15 and deliveries will arrive at the schools between November 5 and December 30. To learn more, visit: www.freshfromfarm.ca/About.aspx

Let’s talk about education. Education, in early childhood, elementary, secondary and post-secondary, is part of your overall health and well-being. Education and literacy is a social determinant of health and valuable investment for all communities. Being able to read, write and communicate your needs is an important part of our realizing our own potential. Visit: www.healthunit.org, or call 1-800-660-5853.

For Families

Attention Junior Kindergarten Parents: Does your child have the speech and language skills he or she needs to be successful in JK? To be able to participate, learn, and have fun at school, children need a variety of skills, including communication and play skills. The Language Express Preschool Speech and Language Program provides FREE assessment and therapy services for children from birth to the end of JK. We can help you to be sure your child is on track and ready for school. Don’t wait and see! See our website for more information: www.language-express.ca. JK children born in 2014 must be referred before November 30, 2018.

Where does your child dream of working one day? The Government of Canada wants to support the dreams of children across Canada through the Canada Learning Bond. Even if you do not add any money your child could be eligible for an RESP to kick start their dreams after high school.

Parenting matters! Every parent has questions from time to time and can use a helping hand. Whether you’ve got toddlers, teens or in-betweens, Triple P can help. Look for our weekly parenting tip every Wednesday afternoon on Twitter @everykidinlg or Facebook @everykidlg or subscribe to receive them via email at www.healthunit.org. Want more than just a parenting tip? Sign up for a Triple P parenting session at www.healthunit.org or call 1-800-660-5853.