Homework
HOMEWORK PHILOSOPHY
Homework is defined as any assignment completed on the student’s own time.
The purposes of homework are:
• to reinforce classroom instruction
• to increase the student’s ability to work independently
• to provide an opportunity to do research and projects that expand the student’s knowledge
• to develop the student’s sense of responsibility and accomplishment
• to provide practice which can lead to a greater facility of skills
Parent involvement should include:
• fostering a partnership with the teacher to further the education of the child
• serving as a coach, gradually allowing for more independent work
• creating a homework environment conducive to learning
Homework is an important element in the development of life-long learners. Homework must be done by all students, on time, and be Complete, Accurate, and Neat (C.A.N.). Some homerooms make use of homework buddies in an attempt to get homework to an absent student in a timely fashion. Absent students are ultimately responsible for missed work, should check Edline on the day of the absence(s), and should check with each teacher upon their return about all aspects of work missed during an absence.
HOMEWORK PROCEDURE
Grades K-3
When a homework assignment is missed, a note will be written in the student’s plan book. After five assignments are missed in one quarter, an official letter will be sent home requiring a parent's signature and the parent’s plan of action for solving the problem. A copy of this letter will be placed in the student’s file. If a student cannot complete homework due to an emergency or illness, a parent should write a note to the teacher explaining such matters. Acceptance of the excuse is at the discretion of each teacher.
Grades 4-8
Students in grades 4-8 who have a missing assignment, will lose lunch and recess until the homework/assignment is turned in to the teacher. These students will report to the MA Room during their lunch and recess period along with the assigned work. They will eat their lunch in the MA Room.Student attendance at MA/Loss of Recess is tracked on a monthly basis. Once a student has attended their sixth session of MA/Loss of Recess, the principal will contact the student’s homeroom teacher. The teacher will call the student’s parents/guardians to make them aware of the situation. If a majority of the MA’s are from a particular subject area that teacher will make the call. If the MA’s are split then the homeroom teacher will place the call. The principal will also send an informational letter home to the parents/guardians. Parents are to sign and return the letter as an acknowledgement that they have received the information. A copy of the letter is given to the homeroom teacher. Individual interventions may take place at this time if necessary. If a student attends nine sessions within the month, a mandatory meeting is scheduled with the parents/guardians. The principal, as well as the homeroom teacher, will attend the meeting. Other staff members who are involved may also attend the meeting.When a student has three missing assignments, he or she will attend Homework Club after school. Homework Club will take place every Thursday. A notification will be sent home to parents/guardians so they can make arrangements for transportation. If a student completes and turns-in the missing assignments before their scheduled Homework Club, they do not have to attend their assigned session.Consistent violations of the Conduct/Discipline policies may result in the student not attending special events such as field trips/class functions, entertainment/performers, Walk-a-Thon, and Track & Field.
HOMEWORK REQUESTS
Grades K-6
Other than when a student is on vacation, a parent may request a homework packet for the absent student in grades K-6. The request must be made prior to 9:30 a.m. on the day of the absence. When requesting the homework, parents need to also indicate to whom the homework packet should be given and what books, if any, are needed. Homework will be available in the school office from 3:00-3:30 p.m. Upon requst, homework will be sent to the Afterschool Program and will be available from 3:30-6:00 p.m. in the school lunchroom. Parents are asked to refrain from having students in grades K-3 carry home textbooks for students in grades 4-8.
Grades 7 & 8
Students and parents in grades 7 and 8 are to check for homework by use of the Ascend program and/or other classmates. Teachers will gather books if the parent states which books are needed when calling in the absence prior to
9:30 a.m. Requested books will not be sent to other students in the lower grades. Books will be available for pickup in the school office from 3:00-3:30 p.m. Upon parent request, books will be sent to the Afterschool Program and will be available from 3:30-6:00 p.m. in the school lunchroom.
VACATIONS
Vacations during the school year are strongly discouraged. If a student will be absent due to a vacation, it is the parents’ responsibility to notify the teacher(s) at least one week in advance and to make arrangements for how missed work/tests will be completed upon return from the vacation. Teachers are not required to provide assignments prior to the vacation. Before planning a vacation during the school year, please be aware that vacations are always considered unexcused absences.