September 12, 2014

Dear Families,

This year, your child will have access to an online learning program for mathematics for the
2014-2015 school year. DreamBox is a program that incorporates adaptive learning technology.
Adaptive technology is defined as software that learns and alters itself based on the users inputs,
while allowing for interaction with a broad base of learning styles. This differs greatly from
many of the other math sites you may have heard of (e.g., IXL, Prodigy, etc.) in that information
is gathered on how students respond to a question rather than simply the answer.

We encourage your child to access the program at home. It is often difficult to watch our
children make mistakes. It is a natural instinct to want to help, however, please resist helping
your child in the moment. When your child makes mistakes, DreamBox uses this information to
meet their learning needs and provide additional support in a fun and interactive way. True
learning comes from making mistakes. The data collected to support your childs learning needs.
Knowing that you are interested in your childs progress, here are some ways that you can
support them:
Ask them to teach you how to use DreamBox
Have them explain what they are doing as they work through the program
Communicate with your childs teacher with periodic updates of what you are seeing at home
(e.g., improved confidence in working with concepts, where they are needing help, etc.)
View the Parent Tips and Resources at http://www.dreambox.com/parent-video

The Fraser Institute released an article about adaptive technology and makes reference to the
benefits of DreamBox: http://www.fraserinstitute.org/uploadedFiles/fraser-ca/Content/research-
news/research/publications/AdaptiveEdDraft_final.pdf

This year, the HSDB Program Department will run 3 regional information sessions for
parent(s)/guardian(s). The dates and locations are indicated below:
West Session (7 - 8 pm)
Thurs. Oct. 2, 2014
North Session (7 - 8 pm)
Wed. Oct. 15, 2014
East Session (7 - 8 pm)
Tues. Oct. 28, 2014
M.M. Robinson H.S. in
Studio Theatre
Milton District H.S. in
Studio Theatre
White Oaks S.S. North in
Cafeteria

The most important thing you can do to support your child in learning mathematics is to
encourage them. You are an important partner in your childs mathematics education.
When you find ways to engage your child in thinking and talking about mathematics, you are
providing an important key for unlocking his or her future success.
(source: Doing Mathematics with Your Child, Kindergarten to Grade 6: A Parent Guide)

Please contact your childs teacher with any questions you may have.

Sincerely,

Sean Marks
Chris Hadfield Public School


DreamBox Log-in Information
Chris Hadfield P.S.

School Log-in Details
For Computers/Laptops

Your DreamBox Internet address is: https://play.dreambox.com/login/z3vf/chrishps
* Save this URL to your desktop.

For iPads (*Please note the DreamBox Math app is a free download.)

Your DreamBox School Code is: z3vf/chrishps
*Enter this code on your iPad.


Student Log-in Details

Step 1: Select the link with your teachers last name on it.

Step 2: Enter your student username and password.

*Please note: Individual student usernames and passwords will be given
out by your childs homeroom teacher.