Why I assign homework: I believe homework is important because it is a valuable aid in helping students make the most of their experience in school. I give homework because it is useful in reinforcing what has been learned in class, prepares students for upcoming lessons, teaches responsibility and helps students develop positive study habits.
When homework will be assigned: Homework will be assigned Monday through Thursday nights (and some Fridays). Students should be working hard to complete assignments in school when I am there to help them. If a child has homework it should take them no more than 30-40 minutes to complete at home, not including studying for tests and working on projects. If your child spends more than half an hour each night on homework please contact me so that we can determine why they are spending so much time on homework. (Students may be choosing not to use their time wisely in school so that assignments are not completed at school.)
Student homework responsibilities: I expect students to do their best job on their homework. I expect homework to be neat, not sloppy. I expect students to do the work on their own and only ask for help after they have given it their best effort. I expect all assignments will be turned in on time.
***If a student does not complete homework, he or she must fill out a Missing Work Log and will have points deducted from their Daily Dojo points. All students are responsible for turning in any late or missing assignments, due to absence or otherwise, within 2 days. Homework that is not turned in within 2 days may lose points from their final score. Students who do not turn in any late or missing assignments within 2 days may be asked to complete the homework during recess time.***
Teacher homework responsibilities: Homework will be checked. Because I strongly believe in the value positive support plays in motivating children to develop good study habits, I will give students praise and other incentives when they do their homework.
Parent homework responsibilities: Parents are the key to making homework a positive experience for their children. Therefore, I ask that you make homework a top priority, provide necessary supplies and a quiet homework environment, provide praise and support and contact me if you notice a problem.
Grading Policy
I believe strongly in the importance of feedback. I will do my best to ensure that homework assignments, tests, and projects will be graded in a timely manner and returned to students on a regular basis. It is my goal to have all grades updated online weekly, which is accessible through your Powerschool account. If you do not have a Powerschool account, please contact the office to get assistance logging on the office. Grades will be given as follows:
I believe strongly in a classroom culture where students are not afraid to take risks and where failure means an opportunity to learn. Therefore, students are always able to correct any assignment within a week and turn it back in so I can regrade it. Some assignments will be an exception. This allows for students to relearn any material he or she may have been confused about the first time.