R. J. Lang Elementary and Middle School is a caring and inclusive community-based school. For the past 50+ years we have served the educational needs of this changing and vibrant neighbourhood. The residential area includes apartments, condominiums, single dwelling homes, and newly-constructed townhouses. Over 25 different languages are spoken by our children with more than 60% of our students speaking English as a second language. Farsi, Korean and Russian are the most prevalent languages. Supporting our pupils we have special needs programs and ESL instruction. On-site Settlement Workers welcome and assist our newcomer families. We are also excited about our new partnership with Play and Grow - a before and after school program.
Student Leadership
Students at R.J. Lang have many opportunities for leadership experiences. The school actively promotes student leadership initiatives including: EcoTeam leaders, Me to We leaders, student morning announcers, office monitors, peer mediators, outdoor grounds managers, Colour House leaders, kindergarten lunchroom leaders, kindergarten recess helpers, Young Women on the Move leaders, Girls on the Run leaders, classroom volunteer leaders, and Newcomers to Canada peer mentors. Thanks to the parent volunteers, who generously gave of their time and sewing talents, all student leaders can be recognized by their school sashes and distinctive buttons.
Interesting Feature
R J Lang E. & M.S.
Students who attend R. J. Lang have the benefit of spending their entire elementary school years in the same location. As children attend from full day Kindergarten to Grade 8, siblings are able to remain together, lasting friendships are formed, and staff have the opportunity of building positive lasting relationships with our families. Most of the children are able to walk with friends through the neighbourhood to school each day, however school bus transportation is provided to those students in Kindergarten to grade 5 who live too great a distance from the school.
More Information about R J Lang Elementary and Middle School
Literacy
Our focus on Literacy involves learning new and re-defining current instructional strategies for all learners. Teachers and students collaboratively develop learning goals and success criteria. Through differentiated instruction and descriptive feedback, teachers provide guidance and direction. The focus on higher order thinking skills is a key component of each lesson.
Mathematics
A strong mathematics program is developed beginning with our youngest learners in junior kindergarten. Teachers use an inquiry-based approach focused on numeracy skills. Last year's targeted work on a few highly effective teaching and learning strategies to promote higher level thinking proved effective as evidenced by the improved scores on our EQAO results this year.
Community, Culture and Caring
R. J. Lang is continuing with our very successful school-wide Colour House System this year. Sixteen multi-age teams, involving all students and staff, participate in monthly challenges to promote school spirit and to strengthen our sense of school community. Opportunities for students to interact with students from all grade levels help to cultivate character development!
Student Success Initiatives
Our special education staff work closely with the regular classroom teachers and families of our students to maximize opportunities for student achievement. Our inspiring guidance counsellor provides grade 7 and 8 students with information about high school programs, career paths and high school transition days for our graduating students that takes place in the spring.
Student Life - Where You Belong
Our dedicated staff provide a wide range of extra-curricular activities that are supported by parents, volunteers and student leaders. A wide variety of leadership opportunities are offered to encourage students to explore their interests. Social responsibility is examined through the Me to We club and the Eco team. If music is their passion students are invited to join one of our 2 choirs or be part of the band. If they like competitive sports, they can try out for track and field, basketball, volleyball and softball teams. Pupils can stay active by participating in intramurals which take place at lunch or join the very popular Girls on the Run group, which focuses on developing a healthy body and mind. Event days such as Winter Activity Day, Track and Field Day and our monthly Colour House events are opportunities to participate in whole school activities. There are so many ways to get involved at Lang!
What Sets Us Apart
R.J. Lang is in a unique situation; we are fortunate to have a number of facilities that are not found in other K-8 schools. We have a fully equipped wood shop where students are actively engaged and participate in hands-on learning. Our full time music teacher provides a rich music programme including music history and appreciation, as well as the opportunity to learn how to play a variety of instruments in our custom designed music room. Our physical education program takes place in our divided double gym, allowing our students to experience playing sports on full size courts. R.J. Lang has a fully equipped cafeteria, which serves a variety of hot and cold nutritious lunches for students to enjoy each day. Our outdoor facilities include a primary and junior playscape, an open air classroom, as well as a very large play field, which features a baseball diamond and soccer field.
Parent and Community Engagement
Participation in the S.E.P.T. (Settlement and Education Partnerships in Toronto) Project provides settlement workers to assist Farsi, Korean, Russian and Chinese-speaking students and their parents. Evening International Languages classes are held every Thursday. An active School Council Executive meets monthly and all parents are invited to all meetings. Regular parent volunteers assist in the school's library, classrooms, and with excursions. Regular parent volunteers assist with pizza days and fundraising activities. Our commitment to working and communicating with students' parents is evident in school-wide initiatives including: newsletters, evening information sessions, parent-teacher reporting conferences, Open House and school concerts.
