News

<img src="/images/12e69969-3015-5b08-91cf-4c0810c206db?fingerprint=ppb20251217013147" srcset="/thumbnails/12e69969-3015-5b08-91cf-4c0810c206db?fingerprint=ppb20251217013147 450w, /images/12e69969-3015-5b08-91cf-4c0810c206db?fingerprint=ppb20251217013147 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span>Student wellness, environmental stewardships, mentorship, STEM, cooperative and experiential learning, bucket drumming and LEGO robotics, these are just a few of the initiatives awarded grants by the Limestone Learning Foundation.<br> <br> Fifteen projects will share a total of $35, 285 this granting session, with continued and generous support from the Foundation’s long-standing funding partners – the Estate of Larry Gibson, Empire Life, and Enbridge Gas (formerly Union Gas).&nbsp;<br> <br> Through donations, event attendance and sponsorship, volunteer work and mentorship, the Limestone Learning Foundation has been able to support extraordinary learning projects. The LLF Board of Directors deeply appreciates the continued support of individuals and associations for their heart-felt belief in excellence in education.<br> <br> Congratulations to the following recipients:<br> <br> <strong><span>Module Vanier</span></strong> - This year's recipient of the Larry Gibson Estate Music Fund. From pails to percussion: exploring missing voices project will provide opportunities for students to engage in&nbsp; learning that reflects the Board's commitment to innovation, wellness and collaboration, as well as support a 'music for all' environment as Vanier transitions into the new Grade 7 - 12 Kingston Secondary School.&nbsp;<br> <br> The percussion ensemble will serve as both a tool and a lens for students to have knowledge and appreciation of the music around the world, as well as a specific focus on contemporary and traditional First Nations, Métis and Inuit traditions, cultures ad perspectives.<br> <br> The bucket drumming program receives $8,324 from the Larry Gibson Estate.&nbsp;<br> <br> <strong><span>Central P.S</span></strong><span>.</span> -&nbsp;The Old Time Fiddle Club will connect students with community musicians and a neighbourhood arts organization in order to learn the fundamentals of playing the violin. Students will learn how to play as an ensemble while learning the cultural background of North American folk music and the history of music performed. The program will continue to support music education and appreciation through square dances at the school and out in the community at special events like the Skeleton Park Arts Festival.&nbsp;<br> <br> The project receives $3.254.<br> <br> <strong><span>Centreville P.S.</span></strong> -&nbsp;Groove and Move” will expand students’ musical learning, while inviting family participation in events, FamJams, and supporting interactive family learning with an array of audio-visual resources that will allow families to integrate creative musical play at home. The LLF grant of $2,107 will be used for resources, specifically the take-home tools that will introduce innovative approaches to music education, including a range of culture, genre, tonality, meter and mood.<br> <br> <strong><span>Enterprise P.S.</span></strong> -&nbsp;Enterprise Public School will build their own school garden in partnership with Loving Spoonful’s GROW program.&nbsp;<br> <br> Students will learn about food systems, food security, food culture, cooking and of course, growing and cultivating their own garden. In addition, local artist Nancy Douglas will lead a 2-day mural project with students to form and express their ideas around community and food security.&nbsp;<br> <br> Enterprise P.S. receives 2,260 to support this initiative.<br> <br> <div><strong><span>Frontenac S.S.</span></strong> -&nbsp;Frontenac’s Global Classroom receives a grant of $919 to help fund a collaborative space that connects students to the community.&nbsp;<br> <br> Students in the Business Leadership class will be building connections with elementary students, seniors, area businesses and alumni throughout the world through their global and virtual classroom. Through a video conference system, students will offer elementary student tutorial sessions; design science experiments &amp; connecting with area elementary students to compare results, and connect with experts and their community to discuss experiences and build relationships.&nbsp;<br> <br> <strong><span>Glenburnie P.S.</span></strong> - The “I am a Maker!” project receives $3,502 in funding to create a formal makerspace for students where they will be able to design, experiment, build and invent as they deeply engage in science, engineering and tinkering. Students will have access throughout their day to engage in the Makerspace, as well as, “I am a Maker” school-wide challenges and family maker evenings.&nbsp;<br> <br> <strong><span>Granite Ridge Education Centre</span></strong>&nbsp;-&nbsp;Students in Northern Ridge Media will explore and learn new technology, gaining a deeper understanding of digital literacy while producing high quality promotional videos for community agencies and the school. Empire Life is providing a grant of $2,503 for this initiative.<br> <br> This program is an offshoot of the school’s drone project ‘Above and Beyond’, which the Foundation helped to launch. The introduction of Northern Ridge Media will allow secondary students to mentor elementary students in the art of storytelling.&nbsp;<br> <br> <span><strong>École J.R. Henderson P.S.</strong></span><strong></strong><span>-&nbsp;Enbridge Gas (formerly Union Gas) is providing a grant of $1,000 from the Helping Hands in Action fund for the school to purchase of a Sparks Fly ‘brain’ Bike.&nbsp;<br> <br> These bikes provide students with an immediate opportunity to take a body break throughout the day, allowing students to self-regulate and thereby helping them to refocus on their learning.&nbsp;<br> <br> <div></div> </span><strong><span>Kingston Collegiate &amp; Vocational Institute</span></strong> - Let's Talk &amp; Move connects to multiple disciplines including the Arts, literacy, health and physical education as well as social studies.&nbsp;Students gather to talk about mental health, develop strategies for wellness, and encourage open conversation in order to support student achievement.&nbsp;<br> <br> The LLF grant of $2,418 will be used to purchase a variety of items that support the movement portion of this student initiative, for example yoga mats, balance cushions, to name a few.<br> <br> Let's Talk &amp; Move enhances what is happening within the classroom and takes it to the next level, with open conversation and movement ideas that are student-driven, encouraging students from all backgrounds, academic pathways and grades to attend and participate.<br> <br> <strong><span>Lake Effect Robotics FRC Team 2708</span></strong> - Project Lake Effect F.L.L.E.R.Y. (FIRST Lego Lake Effect Robotics Youth) is an initiative to expand FIRST Lego League and STEM opportunities to elementary students in Grades 4 - 6.&nbsp;<br> <br> A grant of $4,242 will support secondary student members of the Lake Effect Robotics team to mentor students at Centennial, Polson Park, J.R. Henderson, Rideau and Welborne Avenue Public Schools.&nbsp;<br> <br> Through this program, students will learn programming, building, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while also learning how to collaborate and community with others through working in teams. Students will then test their knowledge at the Limestone Skills Competition next year.<br> <br> <strong><span>LaSalle S.S.</span></strong> -&nbsp;Students from LaSalle will be going on a service trip to the Dominican Republic and teaching Dominican children English through Rotary Kingston. Students will be responsible for developing and preparing lessons at the Literacy Centre and Literacy Camp as part of their outreach through Rotary. A grant of $340 will allow students to purchase materials to make LLF literacy bags.<br> <br> <strong><span>Loyalist Collegiate &amp; Vocational Institute</span></strong> -&nbsp;<br> The LCVI Coffee Cart receives a grant of $1,881.&nbsp;<br> <br> The LCVI Coffee Cart has been operating since September 2018 and offers a delicious hot beverage selection to staff on a daily basis. The coffee cart has been well received at LCVI and offers School to Community students the opportunity to hone their entrepreneurial and communication skills.<br> <br> <div></div> <strong><span>Odessa P.S.</span></strong> -&nbsp;A small grant of $502 will enable students to design and build a set of xylophones.&nbsp;The project will combine technology and music learning, focused around the design, construction and performance of the instruments. The class will create 12 one-octave xylophones out of wood, with mentorship by the music students from adjacent Ernestown Secondary School.&nbsp;<br> <br> <div><strong><span>École Polson Park P.S.</span></strong> -&nbsp;&nbsp;Incubator Inquiries is a hands-on learning series that introduces our natural world to Kindergarten students. Students are completely responsible for monitoring the incubator and eggs – building a home, providing water and food to the chickens, ducks or quail, and readying them to return to the farm to live. A number of community experts will also visit the students to share their knowledge about animals and proper care of them.<br> <br> Students will document this learning journey using a variety of communication tools, and post to social media feeds.<br> <br> A small grant of $490 is all that is required to construct and maintain the incubator.&nbsp;<br> <br> <span><strong>École Polson Park P.S.</strong></span><span>&nbsp;-&nbsp;Students will be trekking to many outdoor sites using Kingston Transit to engage in a variety of activities, including pond study, tree and plant identification, watershed management, and visual arts, to name a few. This LLF grant of $1,542 will provide travelling resource kits for student investigation.</span><br> <div></div> </div> </div> </span> <div></div>

<img src="/images/dec06bea-7a29-5178-a93c-04d4ec9d07fd?fingerprint=ppb20251217015036" srcset="/thumbnails/dec06bea-7a29-5178-a93c-04d4ec9d07fd?fingerprint=ppb20251217015036 450w, /images/dec06bea-7a29-5178-a93c-04d4ec9d07fd?fingerprint=ppb20251217015036 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span><span>Johnson Insurance Inc. has been with the Foundation since its inception. For two decades Johnson Insurance Inc. has sponsored many special events, including the renowned Crystal Ball Galas and annual golf tournament. These amazing and generous friends of the Foundation are true leaders, ensuring funding is available to support special projects primarily in the Arts. Their gift inspires many.<br> </span><span><br> We are pleased to announce that Johnson Insurance Inc. will be the presenting sponsor for the annual <a href="/news___events/ongoing_events/golf" title="https://llf.limestone.on.ca/news___events/ongoing_events/golf">Sandra Davison Memorial Golf Classic</a>, Thursday, June 6 at Loyalist Golf &amp; Country Club.&nbsp;<br> <br> <span>On behalf of students, educators and schools, our sincere thanks to everyone at Johnson Insurance Inc. for the continued support and heart-felt belief in excellence in education.</span><br> <br> <a href="https://www1.johnson.ca/" title="https://www1.johnson.ca/">Johnson Insurance Inc</a>. provides auto and home insurance products and plan benefits in Canada. As part of their ongoing commitment to excellence in education, Johnson Insurance Inc. gives the LLF a $20 donation for every new quote on auto and/or home insurance.&nbsp;</span></span>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4d0baaf2-981c-5a2b-ba57-8b283478baf6?fingerprint=ppb20251217013727" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Limestone Learning Foundation is proud to be celebrating 20 years of enhancing educational opportunities for Limestone District School Board students.&nbsp;</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In planning for the future the Foundation took a close look at its visual presentation and recently launched a new website. We also captured the concept of learning beyond books with a dynamic new logo, which was generously designed and donated by professional designers at Greenmelon Inc.&nbsp;Ottawa.&nbsp;</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We love our fresh new contemporary look. We hope you do, too.</span></p>

<img src="/images/1fb279f2-6024-5e88-9968-aa33f28e4668?fingerprint=ppb20251217013311" srcset="/thumbnails/1fb279f2-6024-5e88-9968-aa33f28e4668?fingerprint=ppb20251217013311 450w, /images/1fb279f2-6024-5e88-9968-aa33f28e4668?fingerprint=ppb20251217013311 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span>What is kindness? Who can be change-makers? How does kindness grow? These are some of the questions local author and illustrator Peggy Collins helps students explore as part of a writing workshop about kindness. Students in kindergarten through to grade 8 work through the writing process from idea generation to final published printed books and an e-book for each class.&nbsp;<br> <br> Kindness Rocks is more than just a topic, it will be an action, as students will come together in a culminating activity to share their empowering messages to spread kindness and to make a difference. A collection of published books will be provided to each student to share with their family or to gift to someone else, as a token of kindness. <br> <br> This LLF project is funded through the Anna and Edward Churchill Foundation.</span><br> <div></div>

<img src="/images/399f9959-456f-5045-8b81-c71a932c3146?fingerprint=ppb20251217013540" srcset="/thumbnails/399f9959-456f-5045-8b81-c71a932c3146?fingerprint=ppb20251217013540 450w, /images/399f9959-456f-5045-8b81-c71a932c3146?fingerprint=ppb20251217013540 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p><span>The annual June golf tournament brings together Limestone educators, Foundation friends, and community partners, to enjoy a day of camaraderie and support for unique school projects.<br> <br> Save the date for this year's tournament, Thursday, June 6, 2019. Tee-off will be 12:30 p.m. at our host club <a href="http://www.loyalistcc.com/about-loyalist/" title="http://www.loyalistcc.com/about-loyalist/">Loyalist Golf and Country Club</a> in Bath, Ontario.&nbsp;<br> <br> Fill out and return your&nbsp;<a href="https://limestone-llf.ss16.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_13703163/File/Sandra%20Davison%20Sign%20Up.pdf" title="Link to the 2019 golf registration form">registration form&nbsp;</a>today.&nbsp;<br> <br> If you are unable to join us for a day of golf, please considering participating as a sponsor. Review our&nbsp;<a href="https://limestone-llf.ss16.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_13703163/File/sponsorship%20opportunities%202019.pdf" title="Link to fill-able golf sponsorship form">sponsor pledge</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mylesl@limestone.on.ca?subject=2019%20Golf%20Sponsorship%20pledge">let us know</a>&nbsp;the level of commitment that best suits you.</span></p> <p><span>The Sandra Davison Memorial Golf Classic is an integral part of the fundraising events offered for the Foundation. With a full complement of players, specialty holes with surprising prizes, silent auction, dinner and raffles, this tournament never fails to satisfy and entertain avid golfers.</span></p> <p><span>Collectively, we have raised approximately $938,000 for enhanced learning projects funded by the Limestone Learning Foundation.</span></p>

<img src="/images/8fb5e613-846a-50bf-a5cd-f429dbf4c45f?fingerprint=ppb20251217014328" srcset="/thumbnails/8fb5e613-846a-50bf-a5cd-f429dbf4c45f?fingerprint=ppb20251217014328 450w, /images/8fb5e613-846a-50bf-a5cd-f429dbf4c45f?fingerprint=ppb20251217014328 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span>The Foundation's musical fundraiser Crystal Concert: A Tribute to the Holidays was a huge success. The evening celebrated holiday traditions through music and song.&nbsp;</span><span><span>Featuring a large vocal ensemble of Limestone District students, under the direction of the Ernestown Secondary School Music Teacher Tim Stiff, and highlighting the ‘homecoming’ of some extraordinarily talented alumni.<br> <br> The concert and companion online auction raised $60,000, funds that will be used to support future projects.<br> </span><span><br> To find out more about the Crystal Concert Series, view videos, and more&nbsp;<a href="https://limestone-llf.ss16.sharpschool.com/go/99915f81-6f23-5a49-960f-e245cf7ad82a" title="Link to Crystal Concert Series web page">click here.<br> </a></span> <br> </span>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/084a6a47-6243-52e3-adb4-aba2ea0fdafb?fingerprint=ppb20251217013050" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The NASA mentorship program at Napanee District Secondary School fosters confidence and learning in math and sciences through a variety of workshops and one-on-one activities. The NASA mentors, who are senior science students, participate in a number of Queen’s University and Loyalist College science, technology, engineering and mathematics outreach events, and then share their new learning with the grade 9s as well as grades 7 and 8 students from feeder schools.&nbsp;</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Follow them on Twitter&nbsp;</span><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=NasaNdss&amp;src=typd" title="Link to NASA-NDSS Twitter feed" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">@NasaNdss</span></a><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">NASA:</span><a href="https://youtu.be/JOah-eGI_Ww" title="https://youtu.be/JOah-eGI_Ww" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> A Year in Review</span></a></p>

<img src="/images/6562b6dd-042b-514f-8fa9-5fbd1f410a0b?fingerprint=ppb20251217013934" srcset="/thumbnails/6562b6dd-042b-514f-8fa9-5fbd1f410a0b?fingerprint=ppb20251217013934 450w, /images/6562b6dd-042b-514f-8fa9-5fbd1f410a0b?fingerprint=ppb20251217013934 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span>La Salle Secondary School has an organic garden so students and teachers could learn how to grow food and promote a healthy lifestyle.<br> <br> Students with mobility issues found it difficult or impossible to get to a garden bed and participate in the planting and care of the garden. That's when students of La Salle's&nbsp;<span>Senior Construction Technology Class decided to</span>&nbsp;design and build a garden that would allow access for all students.<br> <br> Students consulted their peers, who expressed a desire to have a garden that included a pumpkin patch. One issue that was brought forward through the consultation was the difficulty wheelchair users were having reaching into the garden to plant. The garden needed to have a portion that would allow someone in a wheelchair to pull up to it as if it were a work table.<br> <br> With these needs in mind, students decided that the garden should have paving stones up to and around it. They also invented a bridge garden – a long bed spanning between two raised beds.&nbsp;<br> <br> One group of students measured the area of the garden to be used and generated a list of materials needed to create the paving stone walkway and surround. Once the area was cleared, a layer of stone dust had to be spread, packed and graded so that the paving stones would be at the same level as the sidewalk. Finally, the paving stones were carefully installed.&nbsp;<br> <br> Another group of students explored options for the construction of the beds and how to support the weight of the soil in the bridge garden. A design was agreed upon, blueprints were drawn, and a material list was created. Communication was key as different teams built the separate components of the garden. Accurate measurement and cutting was needed if it would all fit together at the end - and it did!<br> <br> The students of La Salle’s Senior Construction Class are very proud of the work they did to foster inclusiveness</span><span>&nbsp;within the school community. They created a beautiful centerpiece for the organic garden, and now everyone can grow together.&nbsp;</span><br> <div></div>

<img src="/images/8d3c8c7e-5689-5075-8621-7cd57b2b0c4c?fingerprint=ppb20251217014314" srcset="/thumbnails/8d3c8c7e-5689-5075-8621-7cd57b2b0c4c?fingerprint=ppb20251217014314 450w, /images/8d3c8c7e-5689-5075-8621-7cd57b2b0c4c?fingerprint=ppb20251217014314 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><br><br><br><br><a href="https://maxsold.com/" title="Link to MaxSold.com">MaxSold.com</a>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/aed7170c-daee-5aff-a9bc-645472ec1df1?fingerprint=ppb20251217014623" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Crystal Concert &amp; Online Auction is a unique fundraiser for the Limestone Learning Foundation. Concert goers will delight in watching this musical smorgasbord celebrating holiday traditions through song, from blues to jazz, timeless classics and multicultural music.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are also offering a companion online auction running November 2 - 13, 2018. You'll find unique gifts and events for your holiday giving, and proceeds support LLF projects just visit&nbsp;</span><a href="http://l.ead.me/bawPVG" title="Link to maxsold/crystal concert online auction" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">www.maxsold.com/crystalconcert</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The show will be a large ensemble, starring students and alumni of the Limestone District School Board Saturday, December 15, 2018 at the Grand Theatre. The event starts at 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm curtain. </span><a href="https://www.kingstongrand.ca/events/crystal-concert-series" title="Click here to purchase tickets to Crystal Concert" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tickets are now on sale</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>