# 10 FAQs for Back to School

### [![back-to-school-2628012_960_720.jpg](https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/uploads/images/gallery/2019-06-Jun/scaled-840-0/back-to-school-2628012_960_720.jpg)](https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/uploads/images/gallery/2019-06-Jun/back-to-school-2628012_960_720.jpg)

#### 1. How do you lease a computer/tablet/iPad? 

Our computer lease program is available. For more information and forms please [visit here](https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/books/information-for-families/page/computer-lease-agreement-faq).   
**Please note:** You must obtain your Teacher's approval in order for the lease request to be processed.

#### 2. How do you purchase new curriculum?

New guidelines have changed how HCOS can process the purchasing of resources from companies that do not accept HCOS PO#s. For more information [see here](https://onlineschool.ca/new-curriculum-purchasing-procedure/ "Opens internal link in current window"). For a list of vendors which do accept HCOS PO#s please [go here](https://onlineschool.ca/other/resources-and-curriculum/resource-vendors/). For more information visit [Purchasing Process for Parents](https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/books/information-for-families/page/purchasing-process-for-parents).

#### 3. Do Lesson Providers need a Criminal Record Checks (CRCs)?

A reminder to HCOS Parents and all lesson providers: Provincial Regulations now mandate a Criminal Record Check (CRC) for anyone providing lessons to our students. Organizations need only provide a letter, on official stationery, that a CRC Policy for all staff and volunteers is in place.

<p class="callout info">Individual Lesson Providers MUST have a CRC done through the Ministry of Justice (RCMP CRCs are not acceptable). HCOS cannot process and pay invoices unless a valid CRC or CRC policy has been confirmed. For more information and to apply for a Criminal Record Check, please contact the HCOS office at <office@onlineschool.ca>.</p>

#### 4. What are FSAs?

The [Foundation Skills Assessment](http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/assessment/fsa/development.htm) is an annual, province-wide assessment of British Columbia students’ academic skills, and provides a snapshot of how well BC students are learning foundation skills in Reading Comprehension, Writing, and Numeracy. These are standardized tests held in October for students in Grades 4 and 7.

<p class="callout info">These tests are not optional unless students meet a very narrow set of requirements for exemption.</p>

#### 5. <span style="font-weight: 400;">How do I access Brightspace? </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Brightspace is your student's online classroom and is a required part of any online or hybrid course. For more information, please explore our [Brightspace SOPHIE resources](https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/books/information-for-families/chapter/brightspace).</span>

#### 6. <span style="font-weight: 400;">How do I use the Learning Commons search portal?</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">The mission of the HCOS Learning Commons is to provide </span>Christian community, discipleship, innovation and literacy<span style="font-weight: 400;"> to all our patrons and staff. As we purchase our collection of digital and non-digital resources, we try to discern what meets the needs of all our schools from a Christian perspective. </span>

#### 7. <span style="font-weight: 400;">Why should a family value learning a second language?</span>

To find out more information on learning a second language please visit our [second language](https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/books/information-for-families/page/learning-a-second-language) page.

#### 8. <span style="font-weight: 400;">What subscriptions does the Learning Commons offer?</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Online subscriptions are available to teachers and families through Learning Commons. Check out our [Subscriptions SOPHIE chapter](https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/books/learning-commons-for-families/chapter/subscriptions) to find out more information.</span>

#### 9. <span style="font-weight: 400;">How do Student Learning Plans (SLP) work?</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">The Student Learning Plans (SLPs) are very important documents. It is the first document the Ministry looks at when they check to see if we are following the government guidelines </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">(</span>[<span style="font-weight: 400;">SLP page</span>](https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/books/information-for-families/page/student-learning-plan-or-slp-45f)<span style="font-weight: 400;">).</span>

#### 10. A<span style="font-weight: 400;">re there are important dates that we should know?</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">For specific information about deadlines and due dates please reference the [School Calendar for Families](https://sophie.onlineschool.ca/books/information-for-families/chapter/calendars-schedules).</span>