1. Welcome!

2. Teachers
Math, Science, History/Geography, Dance/Drama, Health, Art and Language: Mrs. Ganesh
French: Mme. Walters
Music: Ms. Raun
Physical Education: Mr. Fineman

3. Some thoughts on Math…
Problem solving is the most important and challenging process in mathematics.
Students learn math best when they are active participants in the learning process. Students are active individuals who construct, modify, and integrate ideas by interacting with the physical world, materials, and other students.
NCTM, 1989, p.17

4. Inquiry Based Math learning (3 Part Lesson)
Students are learning Math using the inquiry based problem solving approach.
It consists of working collaboratively with peers to solve the problem as they share ideas and strategies and justify their thinking
The strategies are then shared with the class so that every student has an opportunity to learn according to their learning style
This will be reinforced by checking for understanding and homework
Parents will receive copies of their child’s work compiled in a portfolio
Conferencing with your child about the strategies used to solve the problem will give an opportunity for you to be a part of their learning

5. Assessing Math
Students are assessed on how well he or she solves problems, shows understanding of concepts, applies mathematical procedures, and communicates required knowledge. Assessments do not just consist of tests and quizzes. Assessment includes a variety of tasks; accountable talk, performance tasks, projects, quizzes, tests, and observations.

6. Technology
Our learning incorporates the use of technology to engage our 21st century learners
We will be using them as a very important tool for learning
We will be working towards using applications like, MS Excel, PPT, Word, online surveys, creating websites, interactive Gizmos, GSuite (Google Apps for education) classrooms and many online educational applications
Students will be using Google Drive for working collaboratively and sharing
Students who have permission to BYOD (laptops) are encouraged to bring them to school as required. The devices will be stored in a safe place in the classroom while at school

7. Homework Homework is a reinforcement of concepts learned in class
It is my expectation that students complete all assigned homework in a timely manner. It will be taken up in class regularly
If homework is incomplete, students need a note from their parent or guardian explaining the reason for incomplete homework
Reading for 30 minutes is a nightly homework

8. Communication/Classweb
There are many ways to communicate with me
a note in your child’s agenda
leaving me a voic at the school number x 217
Please take time to check your child’s agenda nightly
Link is our class website that can be accessed by both students and parents
Homework is being updated daily by student volunteers and news/event updates will be done by me regularly

9. Assessment, Evaluation & Communication of Student Learning & Achievement
The Growing Success document requires that every board formulate a procedure that addresses academic honesty
In our classroom, we try to promote this in several ways.
During our math congress, we go over the importance of paraphrasing and collaboration. As the students work in groups, they develop mutual respect for their ideas, which preserves the integrity of the classroom environment. Students share freely their thinking as they are learning.

10. Assessment, Evaluation & Communication of Student Learning & Achievement
In our classroom, we also emphasize organizational skills which helps students to adhere to mutually decided on timelines
Students are given ample time in class and at home, to complete given assignment
Quizzes/projects will be sent home for parent signature. It is an expectation that signed quizzes come back to class promptly the very next day
If a student does not hand in their assignment at the pre-decided date, then this will reflect on the students learning skills in their report card

11. PROVINCIAL GUIDE for GRADING Percentage Mark Grades 7 & 8
Level
Definition
Letter Grade Grades 1-6
Percentage Mark Grades 7 & 8
Level 4
The student has demonstrated the required knowledge and skills. Achievement exceeds the provincial standard. A+ A A-
95-100
87-94
80-86
Level 3
The student has demonstrated most of the required knowledge and skills. Achievement meets the provincial standard. B+ B B-
77-79
73-76
70-72
Level 2
The student has demonstrated some of the required knowledge and skills. Achievement approaches the provincial standard. C+ C C-
67-69
63-66
60-62
Level 1
The student has demonstrated some of the required knowledge and skills in limited ways. Achievement falls much below the provincial standard. D+ D D-
57-59
53-56
50-52
R or Below 50
The student has not demonstrated the required knowledge and skills. Extensive remediation is required. R
Below 50

12. Secondary School Transition
Beginning in grade 7, students become familiar with the Career Cruising portal on the YRDSB website by completing a Learning Profile Project
Career Cruising is used as a tool to create an Individual Pathway Plans (IPP) for each student, where he/she/they will eventually be selecting and managing courses for secondary schools (YRDSB)
In grade 8, students will complete a Career Project on Career Cruising as part of their IPP, and will select their grade 9 courses

13. Secondary School Programs At a Glance
Click on Students section to see information about programs, graduation requirements, course levels, etc. Go on to YRDSB website for all information related to YRDSB programs
The MacLeod’s Landing community falls into the boundaries of King City Secondary School as our home school.  To see YRDSB secondary school boundaries, go into the Schools Section, under Find A School – Boundaries
Students can apply to any YRCDSB school or specialty program (such as Arts, IB, etc.), which they will need to do independently - they can go on the school's/program's website to learn more

14. Thank you for coming tonight!