Dust off the backpacks and first day of school clothes and get ready to go back to school on Monday in Langley - says Langley School District Superintendent Suzanne Hoffman.
In a letter to parents and students sent out Thursday morning, Hoffman announces that school will start for all students at the usual start time on Monday morning and end at lunch time -- should teachers vote to ratify the proposed contract.
Teachers have been voting all morning on Thursday and the result of the vote should be known by the end of the day.
Should teachers vote in favour of the new six year contract, school will be back to normal routines. The half day non instructional day planned for Friday, Sept. 26 has been cancelled and will be a regular day. The non-instructional day will be rescheduled.
Kindergarten students will still do gradual entry but that will be accelerated. Start times vary so parents are asked to check your school website.
Buses will run regular routes and schedules.
"This journey has been long and challenging but the District is thankful for your patience and excited to begin a new school year," said Hoffman.
Here is the full letter below:
Letter to Parents: Opening Day
September 18, 2014
Dear Parents and Students,
The District is pleased to announce, subject to the ratification of the tentative agreement by BCTF members and local Boards of Education, the opening week plans for Langley schools on September 22, 2014.
Opening Day Grades 1-12
Assuming the tentative deal is ratified; schools will open on Monday, September 22nd for students. The day will begin at the usual school start time and end at the scheduled lunch time. Please check your school’s website for specific information. On this day, teachers will welcome students back, begin to prepare them for the coming year and follow normal first day routines. School websites will provide information on what supplies students will require and site-specific information for students and families.
Kindergarten Gradual Entry
Gradual entry is an important part of having our youngest learners enter the school system successfully. It gives families, teachers and children an opportunity to form relationships and adjust to the new school environment. Given the current circumstances, the District will use an accelerated gradual entry for this year’s students. Start times vary by school, please check our own school’s website. September 23 – September 26
Effective Tuesday, September 23rd (up to and including Friday, September 26th) schools will be in session following regular schedules. Friday, September 26th was originally designated a half-day non-instructional day, but will now be a full day in session. The non-instructional, school improvement half day is an important part of the District’s culture, and included in the Langley Teachers’ Association Collective Agreement; the District will reschedule this to a later date in the school year.
Transportation
Transportation services will run regular routes (including special needs buses) beginning on Monday, September 22nd. If you have not yet registered for bus services, please register as soon as possible. The form is available here: http://www.sd35.bc.ca/district/maintenance/default.aspx?ID=41.
More details as to how the year may unfold will be shared as we navigate the next few weeks but in the meantime Langley schools are clean, ready and safe for students to be welcomed. Staff is working together and supportive of students getting back to learning as soon as possible.
This journey has been long and challenging but the District is thankful for your patience and excited to begin a new school year.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Hoffman
Superintendent of Schools