GENERAL INFORMATION

My webpage can be accessed via: staceypark40.weebly.com

Welcome to the GLS 1O - Learning Strategies course. My aim as your teacher is to make this year as interesting and informative as possible. I would ask that you keep the following points in mind - this way the course should be successful for everybody.

Discipline:

•	Treat people as you would wish to be treated. Everybody has something they can contribute to the class. Show courtesy and respect to your classmates and teacher and they will return the favour.

•	Please be quiet when your teacher or classmates are talking. You can not listen very well when you are talking, and you might miss something important. Remember, if I am talking it is probably because I want you to hear what I am saying.

•	Please face the front when I am talking. I don't want to talk to the back of people's heads. When you are talking make sure it relates to our work. Use positive language in class at all times. No swearing, and no put downs please!

Attendance/Hall Passes:

•	Attendance to every class is mandatory. You will be much more likely to succeed if you attend every class. Chronic absenteeism will be dealt with according to school policies.

•	Arrive on time, and prepared to work. This means have your note and text books, paper, pens, coloured pencils, ruler, calculator, etc. with you when you arrive. Use the time between classes to have a drink of water, use the washroom, etc. If you ask to leave the classroom for any reason, you must ask me for permission and then sign out on the clip board by the door. This will be monitored and reflected in your Learning Skills Tracker.

•	Please let me know in advance (if possible) if you are going to miss class so that we can make arrangements for any assignments or tests missed, provided that your reason for being absent is acceptable. It is expected that students will make every effort not to miss school, but absences are inevitable. If any student is to be away with a co-curricular or extra-curricular event, they are expected to discuss this with the teacher well in advance of the event and arrange to make up the material missed. If any student is ill, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the teacher upon their return to school and make arrangements to make up the missed work.

Notebooks:

•	Your notes will form a key part of your course work. A well organised set of notes helps you to be a better student.

•	Use a three ring binder with dividers for the course. You will be receiving numerous handouts. Keep your notes in the order they were given, beginning with the course outline and this general information sheet (these sheets are available on my web page).

•	Notes should be written out neatly, in ink, and in legible handwriting. Always date your notes and handouts, and number your pages.

•	Use a table of contents for your notes listing the title, date and page number. This makes it easier when studying for tests and exams. There is a table of contents template on my web page.

•	There will be random notebook checks to ensure that you are using the proper format and that you are "on top" of your work.

Assignments and Due Dates:

•	Due dates are given for all assignments and work - please hand them in on time.

•	Failure to do so will be dealt with according to the policy in the school planner, reflected in your Learning Skills Tracker, and you will be required to spend your lunch period completing the assignment(s). Chronic offenders will face other penalties also (i.e. phone call home, detention, etc.). Due dates for all assignments are listed on my web page, on the calendar on the south side of the classroom, and on the front chalk board.

Homework:

•	Do your homework, it is important. Completion of your assignments and regular review are vital to success. Work assigned in class but not completed at that time should be completed for homework.

•	There will be random homework checks to ensure that you are keeping up with your work.

•	Failure to do so will be reflected in your Learning Skills Tracker and you will be required to spend your lunch period completing the homework. Chronic offenders will face other penalties also (i.e. phone call home, detention, etc.)

Electronics, Hats, Coats, Book Bags and Food:

•	All forms of personal electronic devices (other than those used for note taking, such as laptop) are to be turned OFF upon entering my classroom.

•	Hats, coats and book bags must be left in you lockers. Don't bring them to class.

•	Food and drinks are permitted in my classroom. Please clean up any messes and use the garbage/recycling.

Help!

•	If you have any questions or problems please ASK! I am usually in my classroom by 8:00 am, or after school until 4:00 pm. If I am not in my classroom, I may be in my office adjacent to my classroom

•	I can be available for help before school, at lunch, or after school. Often problems can be quickly solved if you let me know about them - I am here to help you!

Textbooks and Materials:

•	The school has many books and materials available for your use. Please treat them with respect, as other students will also have to use them. You are responsible for any damaged or lost textbooks assigned to you. They can be very expensive to replace, so use them wisely.

•	Any textbooks that you wish to borrow from me is permitted. However, you will be required to sign them out after school, and return them by 8:50 am the following morning.

Internet and Computers:

•	The school has access to a variety of computer resources which are available for student use - use them wisely and appropriately!

Policy on Plagiarism:

•	Plagiarism is a serious offence which could result in the loss of a credit. Plagiarism is taking the work of another person and offering it as your own, either intentionally, or by failing to give proper credit to the original author. The Social Science Department considers plagiarism to fall into two categories:

A. Copying or paraphrasing a published work without properly giving credit. Published works include written work, art, photographs, charts, graphs, music, and electronic media.

B. Copying or paraphrasing the work of another student.

•	If you are unsure of how to properly give credit to original authors, please consult your teacher or the school's handbook.

I have read, understand and will adhere to the above expectations.

(Student Signature)