Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1506794
22 Parents' Handbook 2024– 2025 Students may communicate with the librarians or teacher documentalists at penturnlibrary@tfs.ca, especially if they don't find a resource they would need or if they need help with correct citations and bibliographies. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY The integration of information technology into the curriculum at TFS is a priority. Students have access to a wide array of technology, including laptops, iPads, mixed reality devices, 3D printers, video production equipment, robotics and a variety of educational software. Staff, students and parents can receive IT support via techsupport@tfs.ca. Laptops, chargers, video cameras, audio recorders and projectors are available on loan through the Senior School library system. TFS staff and students have ubiquitous access to a secure, high-speed Internet connection within our campus-wide network. In 2024-2025, students in Grade 1 are assigned an iPad for school use. Students from Grades 2 to 4 are assigned a Chromebook and Grade 5 students a MacBook Air. Each TFS student has a password- protected TFS.ca account for accessing online resources and receives in-class digital citizenship lessons. All TFS teachers are equipped with a MacBook Air laptop and iPad to support integration of technology driven by pedagogy. In 2024-2025, Grade 6 to Level V students will again participate in a Bring your Own Device (BYOD) one-to-one program. The laptop requirement is either a Mac OS X or Windows laptop with minimum 8GB of RAM. Laptop loans are available through the library if needed; please email questions or concerns to byod@tfs.ca. SPECIAL TOOLS, FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES There are many information technology and media facilities available at TFS: - Full Adobe Creative Cloud Suite for all Grade 5 to Level V students - RoboticsLab including mBot, Arduino and EV3 Educational Robotic Systems; - Mobile solar panel cart; - Virtual reality kits; - Computer-equipped science labs; - Mobile computer carts with scientific probes; - Online subscriptions to educational resources, research tools and database catalogues; - Large-format poster-sized printers and scanners; and - Digital media and broadcast studios, producing Internet radio, VOD and live video streaming. VALUE-ADDED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AT TFS INCLUDE: Mobile hotspot: Mississauga-based students travelling to the Senior School have Wi-Fi connectivity while on the bus. This mobile Wi-Fi service is also available during school trips, when more than one hour of time is spent on the bus. HOMEWORK Research shows that engaging in homework of high instructional quality has a positive and statistically significant effect on student achievement, particularly so from Grade 6 to the end of high school. For younger grades, the purpose is more to teach positive habits, strengthen the parent-school partnership as well as to reinforce and practise learned skills. In older grades, its focus is to improve student achievement. Some of the positive outcomes for quality homework can include: - Allows students to deepen content knowledge via review and practise; - Hones academic skills and increases student achievement; - Prepares students for upcoming learning; - Teaches students to work independently and develop that habit; - Develops self-management, builds self-discipline