Homework Policy

Why assign homework?

        Homework is assigned as practice.  As in any sport or hobby, the more you practice, the better you are able to perform.  Homework is assigned so that children can develop self-efficiency, responsibility and organizational skills that are needed to be successful in all areas.

When will homework be assigned?

        Most homework assignments  are given on Monday. Your child will have a weekly math spiral review assignment, a weekly writing notebook entry or comprehension packet, and 100 minutes of reading for the week. There may be other assignments or projects also given throughout the year.

Will homework be graded?

        Homework will be checked and discussed in class to ensure accuracy.  The assignment may or may not be given a grade.  However, if a child consistently chooses not to complete his or her homework, this will negatively affect the overall grade.

What will happen if homework isn’t completed?

        If your child does not complete a homework assignment, he or she will fill out a “Homework Alert”.  Your child and the teacher will then sign this sheet.  This sheet must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to school the next day along with the completed homework assignment that was missing.  If the letter and/or the homework do not come back, parent contact will be made that day to ensure that you knew about the situation.  If repeated Homework Alerts are being sent home, a conference may need to be set up.

What can parents do to help?

1.         Find a spot in the house, preferably at a desk or table FAR AWAY from the television that will become the “homework spot”.  Stock that area with all the materials your child might need to complete assignments (ex: pencils, papers, erasers)

2.      Set a specific time each and every day that homework will be completed.  This will foster a sense of routine and structure that, believe it or not, your child will appreciate.  Make this time a priority and if it needs to be changes because of other activities, discuss a new time with your child.

3.      Give your child the support he or she needs while encouraging independence.  If possible, stay in the same room and work on anything you need to accomplish.  Offer praise for completed tasks.  Talk them through and try to help them through difficult tasks.  Encourage them to talk to their teacher if they do not understand something.  If we know there is a problem, we can fix it!

4.     Check your child’s agenda and make sure all homework was completed and then sign it.  Help your child make sure that his or her backpack is packed with everything that came home that day.  Mornings can be hectic, so doing this before bedtime could save time and tears the next day!

5.      Teaching and modeling organizational skills is the number one thing you can do to help your child learn good study skills.