Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1506794
Parents' Handbook 2024– 2025 23 and responsibility; - Moves facts from short term to long term memory for more efficient retrieval when needed. Builds automaticity (i.e. addition and subtraction to 20, multiplication tables to 12, reading and writing grade appropriate vocabulary and/or high frequency words); - Helps students learn and practice study skills to prepare for assessments such as tests, quizzes and exams demonstrating their understanding; and - Allows teachers to gain insight into student understanding, working speed and fluency. In Grades 1 and 2, a homework sheet is given to students on a weekly basis. The main focus for the first two grades is reading for practice and pleasure, spelling, and practice in maths skills. Students have homework to do on a daily or in-advance basis. Parents are expected to ensure that homework is completed. Older students are frequently assigned homework several days in advance, so that students can plan according to their co-curricular and out-of-school activities. Since work habits, abilities and concentration vary greatly from child to child, it is impossible to determine the time required for a given assignment. For students in Grades 6 and 7, there is an evaluation calendar for tests in the Parent Portal (Veracross) along with a calendar view of upcoming assignments for your child. Even though they should be able to complete most tasks on their own, students may occasionally require assistance. Parents can offer guidance such as reviewing and organizing assignments and providing time and a place to work. If your child is experiencing difficulty with completing assigned homework on a regular basis, please inform their teacher. Learning strategies for homework can be suggested as needed. NOTE: Each student is responsible for their homework. If students miss class for sports or other school-related co-curricular activities or because of illness, the onus is on the student to be aware of the homework and/ or tests given during their absence. If a student is ill for more than three days, parents may request that teachers provide the student with the work that they missed. If your child is absent and you wish to pick up homework, phone your child's branch office. At the Senior School, any prolonged absence needs to be communicated to the Vice-Principal. They will coordinate homework and missed assignments with your child's guidance counsellor. ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION Grade 6 to Level II students are evaluated based on a variety of assessment tasks which may include projects, presentations and tests. All assessment tasks are evaluated using MYP criteria. Students in Levels I and II have a variety of final assessments (examination, projects, presentations, etc.) in June. Students in Levels III to IV write formal examinations in June. Students in Level V write practice or prep IB exams starting at the end of February, and the International Baccalaureate external examinations in May. Please do not schedule holidays and appointments during these exam periods. To respect the integrity of tests or exams, parents are required to provide a medical note if a child misses a summative assignment, test or exam. REPORT CARDS In order to assess our students' progress and level of achievement, we take into account daily assignments, research projects, study skills, attitude and test results. With this information, teachers identify the most consistent levels of achievement and look to recent results in order to evaluate the student's current level of achievement.