Here are some answers to some Frequently Asked Questions:
What do I do if my child misses classes due to illness/excused absence
Your child should have the phone number of at least 2 homework buddies. He/she can phone their homework buddy to find out about the work they missed. This way they are not behind the rest of the class which can be very frustrating for the student. If there is a test on the day they return and they knew about the test (which is 99% of the cases), they are still required to take the test.
What if my child will be away for more than 2 days?
The office should be contacted and the secretaries will fill out a homework sheet that is given to each of your child's teachers. Each teacher will fill out the sheet and leave the necessary materials for assignment completion in the homework drawer in the office. This way you don't have to go hunting down teachers. After you have contacted the office, simply pop in at the end of the day and ask for your child's work from the homework drawer.
What if my child does not complete his/her homework?
Homework is work that the student did not finish in class time. If a student's homework is not completed for the next class, then the item is added to a homework log. If a pattern persists and homework is not being completed then you will hear from me.
Will I be notified if my child has not passed a test?
Yes! If a student fails a test, then a test notice is sent home for the parents to sign. If you know that your child prepared and studied for the test (not just half an hour the night before), then it is important for me to know. We can discuss possible review strategies that will help your child.
However, if your child was not prepared for the test then I ask that you discuss the test results with your child.
How should my child prepare for tests?
Throughout a unit, whether it is math, socials or science, your child should be reviewing their notes from class on a regular basis. A week before a final test student should start studying. They should use the study guide to make specific notes about what they need to know. Then they need to study. This is NOT just re-reading information, they should be writing out what they know, making mind maps or webs to remember information, or using RCRC (read, cover, recite/write, check).
With regards to math, they should be completing chapter reviews and chapter check-ups at the end of the chapter. Revisiting the text and making notes on definitions or key concepts with a sample problem is always a good idea.
Will my child receive letter grades?
Yes, all students will receive letter grades for all courses, unless otherwise stipulated on an IEP.
How can I find out how my child is doing?
You can write me a note and I will send home the approximate grade or comments on how they are doing.
What is an 'I'?
An 'I' indicates that your child is not meeting the learning outcomes of the course. This could be due to incomplete assignments or by not being successful on evaluation assignments or tests. In most cases, the 'I' can be changed by the student rewriting a test proving they have mastered the learning outcome. 'I' notices generally go home a few weeks before report cards. If the outcomes are not achieved by the reporting period then the 'I' becomes an 'F' for "failing".
What do I do if my child misses classes due to illness/excused absence
Your child should have the phone number of at least 2 homework buddies. He/she can phone their homework buddy to find out about the work they missed. This way they are not behind the rest of the class which can be very frustrating for the student. If there is a test on the day they return and they knew about the test (which is 99% of the cases), they are still required to take the test.
What if my child will be away for more than 2 days?
The office should be contacted and the secretaries will fill out a homework sheet that is given to each of your child's teachers. Each teacher will fill out the sheet and leave the necessary materials for assignment completion in the homework drawer in the office. This way you don't have to go hunting down teachers. After you have contacted the office, simply pop in at the end of the day and ask for your child's work from the homework drawer.
What if my child does not complete his/her homework?
Homework is work that the student did not finish in class time. If a student's homework is not completed for the next class, then the item is added to a homework log. If a pattern persists and homework is not being completed then you will hear from me.
Will I be notified if my child has not passed a test?
Yes! If a student fails a test, then a test notice is sent home for the parents to sign. If you know that your child prepared and studied for the test (not just half an hour the night before), then it is important for me to know. We can discuss possible review strategies that will help your child.
However, if your child was not prepared for the test then I ask that you discuss the test results with your child.
How should my child prepare for tests?
Throughout a unit, whether it is math, socials or science, your child should be reviewing their notes from class on a regular basis. A week before a final test student should start studying. They should use the study guide to make specific notes about what they need to know. Then they need to study. This is NOT just re-reading information, they should be writing out what they know, making mind maps or webs to remember information, or using RCRC (read, cover, recite/write, check).
With regards to math, they should be completing chapter reviews and chapter check-ups at the end of the chapter. Revisiting the text and making notes on definitions or key concepts with a sample problem is always a good idea.
Will my child receive letter grades?
Yes, all students will receive letter grades for all courses, unless otherwise stipulated on an IEP.
How can I find out how my child is doing?
You can write me a note and I will send home the approximate grade or comments on how they are doing.
What is an 'I'?
An 'I' indicates that your child is not meeting the learning outcomes of the course. This could be due to incomplete assignments or by not being successful on evaluation assignments or tests. In most cases, the 'I' can be changed by the student rewriting a test proving they have mastered the learning outcome. 'I' notices generally go home a few weeks before report cards. If the outcomes are not achieved by the reporting period then the 'I' becomes an 'F' for "failing".