PETER KIRK ELEMENTARY

Homework Policy

The goal of homework is to help transfer the application of knowledge or skills learned in school to real life situations.  HOMEWORK IS IMPORTANT because …

                  -     A direct line of communication is established between home and

                        school, which helps parents to be involved with the student's

                        progress on a first hand basis.

 

                  -     It helps the development of study habits and self-discipline

                        that are needed by all our students.

 

                  -     Homework reinforces learning as a life-long habit that should

                        occur in a variety of situations including both home and school.

 

                  -     Homework helps the child to develop:

• responsibility for his/her own learning
• independence
• positive work habits, and
• self-motivation

      Homework is:

                  -     Practice:  Reinforcing and reviewing of skills so that mastery is achieved.

                  -     Preparation: Getting ready for future class activities.              

                  -     Extension: Applying classroom learning to new situations.

                  -     Creative: Stimulation of learning through activities requiring original expression

  Homework expectations for each child at Peter Kirk include:

                  -     Completing any unfinished class assignments

                  -     Reading independently or being read to for ten to fifteen minutes daily

                  -     Completing extra projects as assigned throughout the year (3 to 5

                        projects may be assigned).  Family help will be needed and appreciated.

                  -     Coming to class prepared with daily supplies and extra materials

                  -     Being responsible to return notices from school

-           Completing any occasional extra practice assignments

We believe that teachers, parents, and students all share in the responsibility to decide what is appropriate homework to meet the individual needs of the students.

TEACHER ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

1. Teachers will share homework policy with students in class.

2. Teachers will communicate homework procedures with parents at curriculum night.

3. Teachers will notify students of long-term assignments.

4. Teachers will acknowledge/check/return homework.

5. Teachers will provide opportunity to write due dates and special events/projects on calendar.

6. Teachers will contact parents regarding excessive incomplete homework assignments.

PARENT ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

1. Parents will make homework a priority in your evening schedule.

2. Parents will provide a place with proper supplies, equipment, and a regular planned time when your child can study without distraction from TV, telephone, and siblings.

3. Parents will provide time for homework.  Time will vary from a few minutes to one hour depending on grade level, difficulty of assignment and student readiness.

4. Parents will become involved; give support and encouragement to your child.

5. Parents will check with your child/calendar frequently on the status of long-term assignments where appropriate.

6. Parents will monitor homework to insure quality time.

7. Parents will give reason in writing for incomplete homework assignments to teacher.

8. Parents will contact teacher if there are questions or concerns about the homework assignment during school hours (8:30-4:00) by message, note or phone.

STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

1. Students will write assignments on calendar and check (Grades 3-6)

2. Students will take homework home.

3. Students will plan evening schedule.

4. Students will complete and return homework on time.

5. Students will tell parents about each homework assignment when given and note long term assignments.

6. Students will organize papers and supplies.

Homework is assigned with the intention of helping a child.  However, there can be times when problems do arise.  If this should happen, it is essential that parent and teacher keep each other informed.  Through good communications and cooperation, we can best assure that homework is a productive extension to school learning.

The teacher, parents, and student will discuss reasons for incomplete homework.  Parents please feel free to contact the teacher regarding homework assignments.

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