FAQ
If you have further concerns not addressed here, please email me at omalley_a@surreyschools.bc.ca
At the beginning of the year, to ensure that good work habits are being practiced, I will check the planner. Thereafter, it is the responsibility of the students to pay attention when we go over the planner in the afternoon and plan all the materials they need to complete their work for the following day. If there is a consistent problem with incomplete homework, the student and I, likely with support from Mr. Baker and from home, will develop a plan to maintain the planner and keep the student organized.
I usually give about a week's notice for tests or exams. I will occasionally, however, give the students “pop” quizzes to assess their knowledge and understanding of current units.
Usually the test happens the next day. Generally, a day's grace will be given for assignments when students have been absent due to illness, though I strongly encourage students to have a friend bring them home textbooks or materials they might need to help keep them from falling behind.
Usually an assignment is given as homework after time has already been given in class to complete it. Math homework will be given on a regular basis that will be an extension of a topic we have already introduced and discussed in class, and that your child should have little trouble completing. If there is free time, a student should silent read, review notes, organized their binder or desk, or study beyond the basic topic area. If a student misses a homework assignment, he or she will bring home a Pink to be signed by the parent. Three Pink slips in a given period will mean the student has to spend 8 sessions in the homework room. Homework Room is generally held in Mrs. MacDougall’s room and the schedule is as follows:
Monday-Thursday- 8:05-8:30 (students must be in attendance by AT LEAST 8:15)
Monday-Thursday- lunchtime
No. Worksheets are not a substitute for being in the classroom. If it were, then there would be no need for teachers. Anything missed will be kept for the student and they will have to catch up.
Cell phones and other media devices are not allowed to be used at school. This issue is especially important to me in grade seven, as high schools generally have fairly strict policies on cell phone use, and this is something students should get used to ahead of time. I will confiscate a cell phone if I see it or hear it, and return it to the student at the end of the day. If this becomes a routine problem, more drastic measures will be taken. If you need your child to have a phone, it should then be turned off and stay in his or her backpack until the end of the day. The class has a phone that can be used and if you absolutely need to get in touch with your child during the day, please do so through the office.
Occasionally students will be allowed to bring electronics to school to use on projects. All technology will be locked in the teacher cupboard at the very beginning of the school day and should only be used for academic purposes. If a student fails to have her device locked up, it will be confiscated and cannot be used for the remainder of the day.
Occasionally students will be allowed to bring electronics to school to use on projects. All technology will be locked in the teacher cupboard at the very beginning of the school day and should only be used for academic purposes. If a student fails to have her device locked up, it will be confiscated and cannot be used for the remainder of the day.
I have chosen to work in the public school system and believe strongly that it can provide an excellent learning environment for all students. Therefore, please do not ask me to fill out a student evaluation form for a private school. If a student wishes to attend a private school then they may gain entrance on their own merits, entrance exam scores, and interview performance.
Students (as well as parents) may email me if they have an urgent question regarding homework or an assignment that cannot wait until the following school day.
Students are expected to have at least a change of shirt and appropriate footwear for P.E. Acceptable P.E. strip consists of sweatpants or shorts, a t-shirt, and athletic shoes. Consistently having strip is an important part of P.E., and students will not be allowed to participate in gym class if they do not have the proper attire to safely participate. This is standard practice for high school gym. Further, we all participate in Daily Physical Activity, so proper footwear should be on hand at all times! Gr. 7s- you will appreciate this preparation when you get to grade 8!
