<div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 2fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/2315e2ad-1593-4582-94c0-65371fbc05ca?fingerprint=ppb20260911193307" alt="Gov BC 2024 Logo" width="584" height="190" style="display:inline-block;max-width:100%;width:584px;height:190px"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">September 3, 2026</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Parents and Caregivers:</span><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The start of a new school year is always an exciting time for students and families. As schools reopen this fall, I am pleased to share important information about early literacy screening which will support and strengthen your child's learning. it also plays a vital role in how government is focusing on educational excellence for all British Columbia students. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Across the province, government has been focused on improving literacy outcomes for all students. Early literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning, student confidence, and learner well-being. One of the most effective ways to ensure children stay on track with their reading development is through early literacy screening. Beginning this year, all public schools from Kindergarten to Grade 3 will use screening tools to help teachers identify when students may benefit from additional instruction or early intervention. This helps build strong reading skills and sets students up for future success. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You may not be familiar with early literacy screening but it is important to know what it is and why it matters. Early literacy screening is an assessment that happens in your child's classroom, two to three times across each school year. Screening is a way to check in on your child's early literacy skill development, and it can help identify any gaps in their learning that may require additional support. Screening is one of the tools that supports quality classroom instruction and intervention, and this is the first school year where screening is required for all public schools from Kindergarten to Grade 3.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Every day, your child will engage in early literacy learning through play-based activities and targeted instruction that builds oral language, reading, and writing skills. Whether they are singing the alphabet, exploring letter sounds and new vocabulary, or beginning to write simple sentences, these foundational experiences are essential building blocks for future academic success. If you would like to learn more about what your child is learning, please connect with their teacher. You can also explore the </span><a href="https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">BC Curriculum</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> for literacy and numeracy expectations by grade:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/english-language-arts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">English Language Arts</span></a></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/fral" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Français Langue Seconde</span></a></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/francais-langue-premiere" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Français Langue Permiére</span></a></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/mathematics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mathematics</span></a></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To better understand what proficiency looks like in foundational literacy and numeracy, you can refer to the Pathways to Proficiency parent and caregiver resources for both </span><a href="https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/learning-pathways/foundational-literacy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Language Arts </span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">and </span><a href="https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/learning-pathways/foundational-numeracy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Math</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><a href="https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/sites/curriculum.gov.bc.ca/files/pdf/literacy-screening/parent-caregiver-brochure-early-literacy-screening.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A Parent Brochure</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> is also available with more details on early literacy, screening, and ways to support learning at home. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As a parent myself, I know how important it is to receive clear information about your child's learning and to feel confident that they are progressing. here are a few ways you can stay connected and informed throughout the year:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monitor report card feedback: Watch for your child's report cards and review teacher comments about their literacy and numeracy development;</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Talk with your child's teacher: Regular communication helps ensure your child receives the support they need both at school and at home; and</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reach out with questions: If you have questions about what your child is learning or the resources being used in their classroom, connect with your child's teacher first, or your school principal if needed. You can also refer to the </span><a href="https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/sites/curriculum.gov.bc.ca/files/pdf/resource-selection/learning_resources_policy_clarification.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learning Resources Policy Clarification</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to learn more about the resource challenge process (see page 5). </span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When parents, caregivers, and teachers work together, students benefit from the strongest possible support. i wish you and your family a smooth and positive transition into the new school year. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sincerely, </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lisa Beare</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Minister</span></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Download </span><a href="/documents/79067c9e-fee5-4cbf-988d-5a13e5f24a55/minister-letter-back-to-school-literacy-screening.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20260911193524" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Letter from Minister Lisa Beare</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></h3>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As we begin the new school year, we would like to raise awareness about the BC Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project and share important safety information for students and families.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Several communities within SD83 are participating in the Province of British Columbia's Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Program. Under this program, individuals must be </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">16 years of age or older</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to operate an electric kick scooter on public roads in participating communities and must follow the rules in the</span><a href="https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/247_2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Project Regulations</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, as well as any additional rules set by a participating community. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To support student and school safety:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For students 16+, electric kick scooters must be </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">stored outside school buildings</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> and secured with a lock whenever possible.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Charging of e-scooters is not permitted on District or school property</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SD83 is </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> of personal property, including e-scooters brought onto school property.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Are you wondering whether your community is participating in the Electric Kick Scooter Pilot Program? A list of participating communities and additional safety information can be found on the Province of British Columbia website: </span><a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/cycling/electric-kick-scooter-rules#participating-communities" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Electric kick scooter rules and safety - Province of British Columbia</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for your attention and cooperation as we work together to support the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and communities.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/53c3947d-afd6-4388-ab9c-5b9d1fe3a8e4?fingerprint=ppb20260904231636" alt="E Scooter 8.5 x 11 in" style="display:inline-block;max-width:100%"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>