Classroom News ~ Parents

Homework Policy

Homework is assigned four to five times per week.  Students are responsible for recording their homework assignments each day in their agendas.   

I check to make sure homework has been turned in and/or completed daily.  I ask that you would check your child’s homework agenda and look over the assignments that were completed.

Parents are encouraged to discuss homework assignments with their children as this will foster a deeper understanding of the material.  However, a student’s mistakes will make me aware if more instruction is needed, so please be careful that you are "helping" and not "doing" .

Time spent on homework will vary according to the student.  I expect that students in fifth grade will spend approximately one hour per night on homework.  In addition to this time, students should read for an average of at least 20 minutes each day.

If a student does not have his or her homework in class on the due date, points will be deducted for each day that it's late. The homework will not be accepted after a week overdue.

Parents often ask how they can help their child with their homework. Here are some tips:

*Have regular conversations. Use a family calendar and the child's planner to set a schedule for the week. Include upcoming test/quizzes/projects, and events such as practices and appointments.

*Set a timer for your child; have him/her estimate how long each assignment will take and set the timer for that amount of time. Timing each assignment helps to keep the child on task.

*Check your child's agenda EVERY night.  Once your child knows you will be checking, they should become more responsible with filling it out.

*If homework is taking more than 1 1/2 hours per night, it could be because he/she's not finishing work in school, finds the concepts too difficult, has difficulty concentrating, or is disorganized. Try to figure out what exactly is the problem.

*The primary role of a fifth grade parent is to: make sure the child understands the directions, be available if he/she needs help, check the work, and encourage him/her as he/she works.

Absences/Tardies   

When students are absent, they are responsible for making up the work.    Our classroom helper will record assignments. Students will have their assignments on their desk when they return. Students have the same number of days that they were absent to make up missed work.  Much of our classroom activities cannot be done at home (e.g., group work, experiments, in-class games, buddy class activities), so regular attendance is encouraged.  

Getting in Touch with me

I check my e-mail throughout the day.  It is a great way to get feedback to your questions or comments, and I encourage you to contact me this way.  My e-mail address is petrinm@smik8.org. You also may leave a message in the main office for me.  I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Graded Papers

Work from the week will come home for you to look at each week on Fridays.  I will note how many graded assignments you should find in the folder.  I will also insert a sheet to be signed, noting any missing or late assignments from your child that week.  Please review the contents with your child. EVERY student needs to bring back the signed folder on Mondays. 

Powerschool (online grades)

Want to stay up-to-date on your child's academic performance?  Utilize Powerschool to check your child's grades-24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  It's easy!  Please contact the office if you do not have or know your login information.

Tips for Helping Your Child with Homework

http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/studytips.shtml

http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content/homework.html

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