1. What we did in class each day is posted here. Students are expected to complete tasks in class. If they miss a day, it is their responsibility to check here and complete what they have missed.  All handouts, worksheets, and notes are posted on the Web site or in Google Classroom.  (See All About Homework for more info)

2. All tests and summative assessments will be kept at school until a unit is complete.  Grades will be recorded - by students - in their Test Tracker, which you should sign. Class averages will be posted in the online BOK.  Concerns? please email me. :)

3.  Personal Technologies (cell phones, iPads, laptops, etc) are welcome in my room.  They are each student's responsibility to manage appropriately, and the school accepts no responsibility for damage, loss, or theft. My expectations are simple:

1) store them -- turned off - on the wall when not in academic use -- THIS IS NOT AN OPTION

2) ask to use them, and put them 'on the wall' when asked,

3) use the school wifi, not data, and

4) no social media or social use in school (this includes no parents texting or calling during the day. If you need to reach your child, you MUST contact the school office at 519-452-8240).

5) Any use beyond academic will result in natural escalating consequences. 1. On the wall 2. in the phone jail 3. in the office.

4. The BOK is your child's lifeline to academic success in grade 8.  This binder should come home every night. This link will take you to the model BOK that I maintain for reference. Your child's BOK should -- for all intents and purposes -- match.

Things you want to ask to see Daily:

1. Book of Knowledge:  Binder or Digital Version

Students will receive a photocopied BOK starter package, and needs to go in a binder (1.5 - 2" recommended).  This binder should come home daily.  In the subject sections, students will record definitions from across the content areas. These will serve  as a portable word-wall for each student.  Students will also receive copies of monthly calendars,  anchor charts, algorithms, and rubrics.  They will take this binder to every class throughout the day.  Think of it as an 'uber' planner.  They will have 'studying/homework' in this binder almost every day. PS.  Lots of Dividers will help!

2. The Test Tracker (in the front of the BOK) 

This is where students will record all assignments, their own grade on each assignment, and the class average.  Please initial beside marks to indicate you are aware of your child's progress.

Things you want to see Weekly:

Thumb through the Interactive Language Notebook or browse a section of the BOK. Explore the concepts in the Interactive Math Notebook. You should see foldables, graphic organizers, their own reflections, mini-lessons, and more. Ask to see their science notes. You should not find blank pages, loose papers, or random scribbles and graffiti.  Students need to be held accountable for neatness, organization, and their personal engagement in learning.  Students who struggle with organization may do well to come in early and receive assistance managing their 'stuff.'

Toto, we're not in the Junior Division anymore...  

Many students find the transition between the Junior division and the TY division challenging. Academically, the expectations are very different.  I usually call it the  'freshman 15' -- students typically gain about 15 pounds and drop their average about 15%.  The big difference is a focus  on depth of critical reasoning, and having to quickly apply significant effort to tasks. We gradually release responsibility to the student; first teaching, modelling, cuing, and then expecting a high level of effort, organization, application, and ownership ---- Kind of like being smacked in the head with a cold wet fish of reality.  :) If I sense students are struggling with any aspect of the process I'll be in touch by email.

Developmentally, it's a really tough age, too. Typical medical 'wellness' care at this age includes: 

1) screening for hearing issues (Audiologist) 

2) arranging for a comprehensive eye exam (Optometrist)

3) ensuring immunizations up to date (Physician). 

Many parents find that having their tween/teen see their family doctor for a complete medical/physical can be very helpful at this point. Most doctors will also screen for scoliosis, and provide education and screening for breast cancer, and testicular cancer, especially if there is a family history. Contrary to conventional wisdom from 20 years ago, growing pains are 'real' - and may need to be discussed with your doctor.  Rapid growth at this age can cause issues too, such as bi-lateral Osgood-Schlatter, a condition that affects many rapidly growing tweens and causes intense knee pain.   Additionally, basic blood work now, establishes a baseline for later in the teen years. Common issues that pop up in teen blood-work include: anemia, hypoglycemia, diabetes, and B12 deficiencies, all of which can affect focus, concentration, sleep-patterns, and mood.

It's also a good idea for parents of girls to see if their daughter would prefer a female physician she gets older.  There are several female physicians in town with waiting lists, so acting now might be a good idea.  Parents of non-binary, trans, fluid, and gay teens may wish to find physicians who are allies. Feel free to email me with any questions and I can connect you with our School's Public Health Nurse. :)

Valuing Cultural Capitol (what each of you brings to our class)

I'm of course happy to accommodate any ethno-cultural traditions or faith practices that are important to your family, and would appreciate a simple note in the event of feast day or holy days (which might result in absences) or fasting days (which will affect concentration and focus in the days to follow) of which I may not already be aware.  Please also feel free to let me know if there are certain aspects of the curriculum that concern you, or cause conflict with your home faith and cultural practices.  The complete curriculum can be viewed on-line athttp://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/index.html

Please note, it is not possible to opt-out of whole subjects, as everything we teach is the Ontario Curriculum.  However, we are required to (and will happily) accommodate how a child works with content to better reflect their own family values, ethno-cultural traditions or faith practices. Please just make me aware.

If, after reading through the curriculum documents, you have additional concerns or questions, please e-mail me and we'll set a time to meet and discuss how to find a balance between your family's needs and beliefs, and my commitment to supporting our learning community.

Thanks for taking the time to check out the Website.  I look forward to working with each of you throughout the year!

Dr. Megan Parry-Jamieson

B.Mus., B.Ed., M.Mus., PhD Mus.Ed.  OCT OMEA