Good Morning ACPS FAMILIES!
WELCOME TO WEEK 20 @ ACPS...THE HALFWAY POINT OF THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR!!!
WEEKLY ATTACHMENTS
CLICK THIS LINK FOR WEEK 20 ATTACHMENTS
ADRIENNE CLARKSON SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR IS AVAILABLE AGAIN!!!
Please click the link below to order ACPS School Spirit wear:
EXTREME COLD WEATHER (YRDSB POLICY/PROCEDURE)
Cold temperatures and the presence of ice and snow make winter in Canada a naturally more hazardous season. When severe weather occurs, such as blizzards, freezing rain or extreme wind chill, conditions that are already challenging can become even more dangerous. As with all severe and hazardous weather, knowing what to expect and how to prepare your child is essential.
Winter temperatures in the minus teens and even minus twenties are not uncommon for many Ontario students to face as they travel to and from school. Health authorities, such as York Region Public Health Services, advise that risks arising from cold weather come from prolonged exposure of unprotected skin.
Strategies
Refer to Environment Canada’s Information about Cold Weather or Environment Canada's Information about Wind Chill Index
Students are to come to school ready for winter and prepared to be outdoors for both recess (20 mins) and lunch recess (40 mins).
When temperatures and/or wind chill reach minus 20 degrees Celsius or colder, students will remain inside for indoor recess/lunch recess.
When temperatures and/or wind chill reach minus 18-19 degrees Celsius, the outdoor portion of recess/lunch recess will be shortened.
Students with health concerns, such as, but not limited to, heavy colds, coughs and flu, which are serious enough to prevent them from participating in physical education, recesses or other outdoor activities, should remain at home until the condition improves.
Children need to be dressed properly for our invigorating winter days. It is advisable for students to bring extra pants and socks. A change is often necessary due to the wet and cold weather of the winter months. To avoid adding to the clothing collection in the Lost and Found, parents/guardians should be advised to label all articles of clothing, including but not limited to, boots, hats, mitts/gloves, scarves, and snow pants.
Remind your child to engage in physical activity while outdoors, such as walking or playing, to increase metabolism – which generates more body heat.
A NEW AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE!
An after-school Sketch Maters program in partnership with Echo Kidz is available for students in Grades 1–4! This 8-week program is a hands-on art class where students are introduced to different concepts and projects each week. All materials are provided for students, including their own sketch books filled with their art creations that they take home at the end of the term.
Proceeds for this program will support school fundraising.
Program Details:
📅 Duration: 8 Weeks – Every Thursday from February 26th to April 23rd – does not include March Break
📍 Location: ACPS 2nd Floor Arts Room
🕒 Time: 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
💲 Cost: $220 + HST for 8 1-hour sessions
Echo Kids Website: https://www.echokidz.ca/
Registration Link: https://www.echokidz.ca/registration
Thanks for your support,
Adrienne Clarkson P.S. School Council
MESSAGE FROM OUR TRUSTEE - FEBRUARY 2026
There’s a lot happening as we move into the second half of the school year, and I want to share some updates and opportunities.
Programs and Opportunities
Well done to all secondary school students who have completed their exams and are starting a new semester with new courses and teachers.
We encourage students to connect with their guidance counselors and to learn about the many secondary programs and courses available - programs that let students explore their interests, gain transferable skills and get hands-on experience that will benefit them in the future. Opportunities include earning college credits, workplace certifications, lifeguarding certifications and real on-the-job experience - all while earning high school credits.
Our elementary and secondary schools also offer a variety of clubs where students can meet peers with similar interests, take on leadership roles and try new things. Getting involved is a great way to build connections and skills.
We also regularly host events to help students and families learn about different pathways and programs and to bring communities together. Check your school newsletters and the Board calendar so you don’t miss these opportunities.
Black History Month
Throughout the Board and community, events are being held to celebrate Black History Month. We look forward to honoring the contributions of Black Canadians and creating opportunities for community to come together.
Kindergarten Registration is Open
Is your child turning 4 or 5 in 2026? Or do you know someone who is? Kindergarten helps children develop the academic and social skills they need to thrive in Grade 1 and beyond. Our skilled and caring teams of certified teachers and early childhood educators work together to support every child in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Start your journey at www.yrdsb.ca/kindergarten.
Preparing Students for the Future
As a school board, we know that it is important that we continue to evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society. That includes preparing students to use artificial intelligence (AI) effectively, appropriately and safely. We are developing guidelines for educators, students and families to support responsible AI use. While AI can support student learning, it does not replace student work. We teach and encourage critical thinking and honesty when using these tools. More will be shared in the near future.
Student Trustee Elections
We are also in the middle of the student trustee elections for next school year. This is an excellent opportunity for students in Grades 5-12 to participate in the democratic process. Student trustees represent student voice at the board table, influencing discussions about policy, budget and more. The final vote takes place later in the month and students will receive an email to their GAPPs with information on candidates and how to vote.
York Region Presidents’ Council
Student Trustees work closely with the York Region Presidents’ Council. The council includes leadership from all secondary school student councils. All secondary school students are welcome to attend their meetings and receive invitations in their GAPPS email. It’s a great opportunity for students to get involved and have their voices heard.
Wishing You Success
We wish all students and families the very best as we begin this second half of the school year and look forward to spring break ahead.
I encourage you to reach out to me if you have any questions.
Cindy Liang, Trustee, Richmond Hill Wards 3, 5 and 6
REMINDER GRADE 1 FRENCH IMMERSION (FI) REGISTRATIONS - CONTINUES UNTIL FEBRUARY 9, 2026
Program locations and additional information is available on our website. Families can learn more about the French Immersion program on the Tune In YRDSB: French Immersion Podcast.
What is French Immersion?
- Provides opportunities for students to develop enhanced proficiency in French.
- Students receive instruction in French from teachers who are fluent in French.
- Begins in Grade 1 and is designed for children whose first language is not French.
- In Grades 1, 2 and 3, all subjects are taught in French. Starting in Grade 4, instructional time is shared equally between French and English.
- Program continues in secondary school.
- Secondary school students must earn at least 10 French Immersion credits to qualify for the French Immersion Certificate upon graduation.
Important Considerations
- Grade 1 is the only entry point into French immersion in YRDSB.
- Communication with parents/guardians is in English including, but not limited to, report cards, newsletters and parent-teacher interviews.
- For the first few months of Grade 1, children may not acquire skills identical to those learned by children in an English program as the focus is on learning in French.
- During the first few years of the FI program, students may not develop the same level of English proficiency as their peers in an English program, however children should acquire these skills by the end of Grade 8. Families are encouraged to continue to read to their children in their first language.
FI Accommodation Plan
YRDSB’s FI Accommodation Plan provides long-term consistency and equity of access to all students in York Region and will enable YRDSB to continue to offer the FI program to all who wish to enrol. The FI program is offered in Dual Track or Single-Track settings, in a variety of configurations. In order to meet community needs and optimize available space in our schools, a community's Grade 1-8 FI program may be provided over more than one school during the course of a student's FI education. Space requirements at some schools may mean that siblings are in different schools for primary dual track French Immersion programs due to differing grade structures. Like any of our schools across the Board, changes to school boundaries, and/or the accommodation model for the French Immersion program may need to be considered when new schools open, a school experiences enrolment growth, and program changes occur. This will allow flexibility in addressing community needs and the opportunity to use existing space in schools.
More information is available on the Board’s website. Please note: Some of the FI accommodation plans will require facility modifications or the development of new schools and will require short-term transition plans that might include overflow while we work toward the long-term vision. Overflow refers to situations in which the Board directs students to attend a school other than their community school or optional program for a specific period of time, as defined in Policy #108.
Registration - FI registration will begin on January 16, 2026.
Parents or guardians of Year 2 Kindergarten students entering Grade 1 in 2026, and wishing to enrol in the FI Program, can email or call their home school office and indicate their intention to enrol. The home school will notify the French Immersion school, and the French Immersion school will contact families by phone or email to collect any necessary information. Families are asked to register by February 9, 2026. Registration during this period is not first come, first served.
Late Registrations
Late registrations are those submitted after February 9, 2026. Late registrations will be treated on a first-come, first-served basis and will be considered subsequent to registrations received during the registration period should overflow be necessary.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: CELEBRATING STEM WITH YRDSB
FEBRUARY IS CHINESE HERITAGE MONTH
In December 2024, the Government of Ontario proclaimed February Chinese Heritage Month.
Since the 18th century, the Chinese community has had a significant impact on Ontario's social, cultural, economic, and political landscape. Ontario is home to more than 820,000 people of Chinese origin. February is particularly important for the Chinese community, as it may be when the Chinese New Year and related celebrations take place. Chinese New Year is usually celebrated on the second new moon following the winter solstice. This year, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026. By designating February as Chinese Heritage Month, the York Region District School Board honors the identities, diverse experiences and achievements of Chinese students, families and staff in our school board.
CLICK HERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CELEBRATION AT BUR OAK SS ON FEBRUARY 12, 2026
FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER: SPARKING JOY THROUGH REPRESENTING IN MATH
February Newsletter:
Sparking Joy through Representing in Math
This month, we’re exploring how math connects to our everyday lives with a focus on representing our thinking and making math visible. When children use drawings, models, numbers, and words to show their thinking, they deepen their understanding and build confidence as mathematicians.
By encouraging children to explain their reasoning, try different strategies, and visualize their ideas, we help them see math as a creative, meaningful, and joyful part of everyday life
Connecting it Back to the Classroom
In Ontario’s math curriculum, one of the key Mathematical Process expectations is “representing”—showing our thinking in different ways to help us understand and communicate mathematical ideas. In classrooms, students might represent their thinking using drawings, diagrams, models, number lines, graphs, equations, or words. These different forms of representation help make their thinking visible, support deeper understanding, and allow others to follow and respond to their ideas.
When students represent their thinking, they learn that there’s more than one way to solve a problem and build confidence in sharing their strategies. It also helps them make meaningful connections between math concepts. At home, you can support this by asking, “Can you show me how you figured that out?” or “Can you draw or model it a different way?” Representing isn’t just about the answer—it’s about thinking clearly and communicating ideas with understanding.
Engaging in Representations at Home
Encouraging different representations at home doesn’t have to involve fancy materials—everyday items and simple strategies can go a long way. Here are some easy and meaningful ways you can support math representation at home:
Encourage Drawing and Sketching: Invite students to draw pictures, number lines, or bar models to explain their thinking when solving a math problem. Keep scrap paper, a notebook, or a whiteboard handy to make it routine.
Use Household Items as Math Tools: Items like buttons, pasta, coins, socks, rocks, or paper can be used for grouping, counting, comparing, building arrays, fair sharing or patterns. Folding paper is a great way to model fractions. These tools help students represent their thinking concretely before moving to abstract strategies.
Talk About More Than the Answer: Ask open-ended questions like, “How do you know?”, “Can you show it a different way?” “Can you explain your thinking using words or pictures?” These prompts invite children to make their thinking visible and consider other strategies.
Try Journaling or Math Chats: Have students write or talk about how they solved a problem—this could be a few sentences, a picture, or a step-by-step list. Representing in words helps reinforce their understanding and gives insight into their process.
By inviting children to show, explain, and reflect, families help build the habit of thinking deeply about math—not just getting to an answer. These small moments at home make a big impact on mathematical confidence and understanding.
A Fantastic Resource for Families: Polypad
Digital tools like Polypad ( https://polypad.amplify.com/p#numbers) offer powerful ways for students to make their math thinking visual at home. With virtual manipulatives like number tiles, fraction bars, algebra tiles, and geometric tools, students can explore math concepts, test out ideas, and represent their thinking in interactive ways. Using digital tools encourages creativity, flexibility, and experimentation—helping students see patterns, connections, and relationships they might not notice with pencil and paper alone. Best of all, tools like Polypad are free and accessible online, making it easy for families to support rich, visual math learning from home.
Take some time this month to encourage students to represent their thinking and make math visual, we can empower them to see math as a creative, meaningful process—and help them build the confidence to share, explore, and grow as mathematicians!
WINTER WEATHER
With winter weather here, we want to share a few important reminders.
Dress for the weather
Students should come dressed appropriately for the weather and for outdoor play. Students can stay warm by wearing layers of loose-fitting clothing, a hat, scarf, jackets, snow pants and mittens or gloves. Students may also want to bring extra pants and socks in case they get wet.
Recess
If students are well enough to come to school, they are expected to go outside for recess. Our students benefit from spending time outside and being active. We monitor weather conditions throughout the day. If there are extreme weather conditions, we may consider a shortened or indoor recess.
Bus or School Cancellations
When an extreme cold or inclement weather day is declared, school transportation (including buses and taxis) is cancelled in the morning and afternoon. Schools will remain open. Please notify the school if your child will not be attending school on those days. Students will not be penalized for missing school on these days.
There may be rare instances when emergency weather events occur, and we need to close all schools and Board locations. Please take the time to make plans in the event of an emergency school closure. Information about transportation cancellations and Board closures will be shared through local media, board and school websites and on X @YRDSB.
Our process for extreme cold, inclement weather and emergency weather days is outlined in the board’s Severe Weather policy.
SCHOOL COUNCIL LUNCH TIME @ ACPS
Hot lunches are officially back! Pizzaiolo is being offered on Wednesdays and Kome Shokudo is being offered on Fridays. Find the menu and more details on SchoolCashOnline. The parent council and school admin have strived this year to ensure the meat options are Halal-friendly (such as pork-free pepperoni for pizza), while continuing to offer vegetarian options, in order to be inclusive of all our school population. If your child has other dietary restrictions, and would still like to participate, reach out to our Hot Lunch council reps and they will work with you to try to accommodate.
The hot lunch is still looking for helpers to distribute food this year, especially with the combined lunch times of all grades, we need extra hands to ensure the food reaches the classrooms hot and fresh.
All proceeds go towards fundraising for the school, including athletics, trips, programs, events, instruments, books, and technology. If you have are interested in helping out or have questions regarding hot lunches, please contact our Hot Lunch council reps this year:
Zhen Wang - wangzhenmaggie@hotmail.com
ACPS SCHOOL COUNCIL – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, AND CHECK OUT INSTAGRAM!!!
ACPS School Council is bringing back hot lunches and are looking for volunteers to help with distributing lunch. As lunch times for all grades have been combined, we need more hands to ensure the lunches are distributed quickly. The popular pizza option will be moved to Wednesday, to help parents packing lunches break up the week, and the council is especially looking for help to make this happen. The other hot option will be moved to Friday.
The lunch partners are yet to be confirmed, be rest assured that the council is looking to ensure the food being delivered provides value without sacrificing quality.
All proceeds go towards fundraising for the school, including athletics, trips, programs, events, instruments, books, and technology. If you have are interested in helping out or have questions regarding hot lunches, please contact our Hot Lunch council reps this year:
Zhen Wang - wangzhenmaggie@hotmail.com
Stay up to date with all the exciting school council events—like pizza lunches, the year-end BBQ, and fundraisers—by following our official School Council Instagram (@acps_school_council)! Every activity helps us give back to the school community, including funding new and updated technologies for students to use.
ACPS CALENDAR
If you are looking to find school information and events, please click on this CALENDAR LINK and add to your favorites.
ON THE HORIZON
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 3 - School Council Meeting at 7 pm in the Library
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13 - SKIING @ DAGMAR, AND ELECTIVES DAY (GRADES 4 - 8)
MONDAY FEBRUARY 16 - Family Day - no classes today
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 17 - LUNAR NEW YEAR
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 19 - TERM 1 REPORT CARDS SENT HOME
WEDNESDAY MARCH 4 - RAPTORS 905 GAME
Have an AWESOME Weekend😊
Merci,
Mr. Arin Otis
Principal
Adrienne Clarkson PS | 68 Queens College Drive | Richmond Hill, Ontario | L4B 1X3 | 905-709-3554
InspireLearning!
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