Homework helps your child to learn responsibility, independence, and good work habits. It also reinforces certain topics covered in class. It is a way to evaluate what has been learned and what may need further work.
Homework will be assigned Monday through Thursday evenings with some exceptions. Occasionally homework will be assigned over the weekend but may be just to study for a test or to finish a project. Usually homework consists of Spelling, Reading, Writing, or English, and on occasion Science or Social Studies. Math homework is given nightly. You will receive written notification (either by memo or in your child's assignment pad) of any major tests so that you can help your child to study.
Children are responsible for copying their homework into their agendas each day. I expect the children to do their best, work neatly, and to hand each assignment in on time. Children should be encouraged to do the work on their own and to only ask for help once they have given it their best effort. Students are expected to have their Friday folders and agendas signed weekly in the beginning of the year. This is part of their homework. PLEASE make sure your child is copying the homework daily. If not, please let me know immediately. Children are also expected to get certain graded assignments or tests signed promptly. Since I know things can sometimes get hectic on any given evening I allow 2 evenings for any work that has to be signed before it is considered late. For example, a Friday folder that should be signed by Monday is acceptable on Tuesday. However, if it is handed in on Wednesday (or later) it is marked late. I will be giving a copy of the Homework rules to the children. I will ask you to sign it so you know what is expected. Any homework that is not completed according to these rules will have to be redone.
I will check all homework. I will model all assignments in the beginning of the year so the children will know exactly what is expected of them. I will keep a daily record of all completed/not completed assignments.
As in my discipline plan there are rewards and consequences for homework. Any child who has completed all their classwork and homework assignments for the week will get a star on the class chart. After receiving a star for 3 consecutive weeks the child will be given a FREE HOMEWORK PASS to be used for a future homework assignment at my discretion. Any child who has all their stars for a grading period will earn a PERFECT HOMEWORK AWARD. Homework passes will only be given until mid May. This will allow the children time to use any passes they have saved without having to lose them.
A child who does not hand in an assignment will be marked late and will be either given an extra night to hand it in or will be asked to do it during recess. If the problem persists you will be notified immediately. If the problem becomes chronic I may require you to sign your child’s agenda nightly.
It should take approximately an hour for the children to complete their homework. However, if the children do not complete all their classwork or have make-up work to do they will have to finish it for homework. This may add some extra time. Any incomplete classwork must be finished that evening and handed in the next morning. If it is not handed in it will count as late work. Please contact me right away if there is a problem so we can work together to solve it.
When your child is home ill please notify me so I can send the work to the office where it can be picked up at the end of the day from the homework table. I fully understand that in the case of serious illness a child may come back with some incomplete work. As long as I have a note from you they will not be penalized for this. The same rule applies for any extenuating circumstances that may arise. Please just drop me a note. I will not accept any excuses for late work without a note from you.