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Back to School Night Packet

Homework Policy:

Homework! Homework! Homework! (and Policies)
Students will have a homework packet in their Homework Folder. It is sent home on Monday with specific assignments each day. Homework provides students with extra practice on concepts learned in class and that will help develop good study habits and responsibility with work/assignments that is not teacher-directed. Doing homework is an important life skill that will continue for sometime.

I realize that many students are involved in extra curricular activities, but it is important that we teach them how to prioritize what is important! Remember, too, that sports in middle school, high school and college do require that their academics and studies be at acceptable grade levels to even participate. Please encourage your child to be responsible for his or her own homework in their “Homework Folder”.

Please look at your child’s homework each night, but please limit your corrections to it. It is important that I see their efforts so I know where they are at academically. Having perfect papers is not the goal of my homework program. It is important that you support your child’s learning at home by being in tune with what they are doing; however, it is their responsibility to show me what they know.

Homework should take approximately 10- 20 minutes. However, this can be a shorter or longer time period depending on the child. If you find that it is taking your child longer, that is okay as long as he/she is having a positive, learning experience. The homework should NOT be stressful or something that is a constant struggle at home.

Homework is an extension of the learning that has taken place in the classroom with independent practice at home. The goal is to reinforce concepts learned and promote responsibility. Keep in mind that adjusting to the new grade curriculum and expectations I’ve set forth (as well as yours) will take some time and patience. I am more than confident your child’s success will come at their time. Allow for growth and stay in tune with them, and make homework something good. We know it will continue as they progress through the grades...and only get harder, and learning this now is something I believe your child will benefit from!

Students will also need to read for 10-15 minutes a night in addition to their homework and/or be read to. Listening to literature is important, too. Read different genres like poetry, a chapter book, or magazines. Just recognize that the reading is a key component to their learning successes.

LATE WORK POLICY: If your child does not complete his or her homework, LATE work will be accepted, but a penalty will be incurred. If a pattern of late work takes place, I would suggest a meeting to work with your child/you to come up with ways to lessen this practice.

“Homework Folder”
This folder will come home Monday and will need to be returned on Friday. It is your child’s responsibility to get this to and from school (not yours). Gentle reminders are fine, but doing it for them will not foster independence but dependence. I want them to learn responsibility of my expectations as their teacher. Even though the Homework Folder has the week’s assignments, it is suggested that your child do it “daily” versus all in one day. The skill is for them to learn the material, yet also to better understand and experience the routine of a day. All work will be corrected and returned via the Wednesday Envelope.


Suggestions to help your child with homework include the following:

  1. Set up a study area for them to do their homework daily--routine “space” can be helpful
  2. A friendly reminder to make sure their binder is in their backpack is okay especially at the start, but--LET THEM PHYSICALLY PUT IT IN. *If you see it not in their backpack, refrain from doing it for them. This enables them to count on you, and I want them to learn to count on themselves. Sometimes to “forget and experience the consequence” on their own will be the step they have to experience in order to realize their role with regards to homework and being a responsible, active learner.
  3. Allow them to express themselves to you and use their words--facilitate but don’t direct.
  4. Encourage them to always do their best--that is what matters, and from this confidence and desire to take risks can bring huge rewards.

These are just suggestions that can help make the homework process a good, positive journey!

The “Homework Folder” will include your child’s Suggested Homework Schedule and assignments, any notes from the teacher. All work will have some marking usually a PURPLE star or check mark indicating the work is complete, back on time or not, and done accordingly. Corrections will also be made directly on to their work. Please take the time to review this for additional reinforcement. Thanks in advance!

 

Behavior Policy:

Mrs. Walker’s Wonders Classroom Rules:

12 WAYS TO A HAPPY CLASSROOM were talked about in D2. The Wonders gave examples and expressed their understanding of what each rule meant. The 12 are listed below:

  1. Do Your Best!
  2. Love to Learn!
  3. Smile!
  4. Be Patient!
  5. Give a Compliment!
  6. Make Friends!
  7. Respect Each Other!
  8. Take Turns!
  9. Come Prepared!
  10. Lend a Hand!
  11. Help Clean Up!
  12. Show Kindness!

After discussing what each one meant, each Wonder took an “oath” that they could do it and follow these rules. We are a "CIRCLE of FRIENDS" in D2...learning, helping and growing TOGETHER!

CONSEQUENCES FOR OUR NOT SO GOOD IN-SCHOOL CHOICES:

VERBAL WARNING
Yellow Card : TIME-OUT (2-5 MINUTES-BENCH)
Orange Card: 5+ MINUTES PLUS WORK AND/OR ASSIGNMENT
Red Card : CALL PARENT AFTER SCHOOL- STUDENT TALKS! (OFFICE IF NEEDED)

*The theme of "being part of the solution, not the problem" is consistently addressed as we WORK TOGETHER!

**AT THE END OF THE DAY CARDS GO BACK TO...TOMORROW IS A NEW DAY!!!