Homework

Homework is an integral part of the learning process, and should be done in a quiet environment free of interruptions and distractions so that it can be successfully completed in a timely fashion.

Purpose

The purpose of daily homework is to reinforce and apply concepts taught in the class and to prepare the students for continued learning in the classroom. Homework assignments include but are not limited to reading, research, studying for tests, and written work.  In order to improve time management, self discipline, synthesis of information, and individual responsibility for learning, homework assignments may be short term, intermediate, or long term.  It is assumed students will do their own homework unless a teacher specifically requests parental help or allows cooperative group work.

Assignment Book and Homework Website

Each Middle School student is encouraged to keep an assignment book; however, fifth grade students are required to keep an assignment book.  Students are expected to make note of their homework while in class.  Homework is also posted on DASHboard the school's homework website.  During the first week of school, your daughter will learn how to access the site, register for her classes, and set up a password.  Students are expected to share their password with their parents.

Homework Missed Due to Absence

If a student is absent from class, it is the responsibility of the student to meet with the teacher to get the work missed and to arrange make-up tests or quizzes.  A general rule in cases of illness or family bereavement is that the student is granted as many days to make up tests and homework as she has been absent.  For example, if the student has been absent two days, she will be expected to turn in all make-up work and take all tests by the third day after her return.  Students will always be granted a minimum of this amount of time, but in cases of lengthy illness or special situations this may be extended.

When a student knows in advance that she will be absent or missing classes for any reason, all work assigned by the teacher prior to her departure is due the day she returns.  This includes early dismissal for a sporting event or any other school sponsored activity.  If the teacher changes or adds to the assignment during her absence, the make-up time will be the same as that in case of illness.  Students are responsible to notify all teachers a minimum of three days prior to their departure that they will need to collect work for their absence.  If they have made no attempt to contact the teacher, it is their responsibility to access the website or to contact a friend for the work and it will be due the day they return.  It is the parents' responsibility to contact the Dean of Students in writing prior to departure.

Homework Missed Due to Extra Curricular Activities

The School will schedule and sponsor a wide range and number of grade level appropriate extra-curricular activities for students. Given the nature of particular activities, some Middle School programs may warrant after-school or weekend participation.

It is the student's responsibility to submit any work that is due prior to leaving campus or upon immediate arrival to school the following day. This includes absences due to athletic and/or extra-curricular activities. Failure to do so will result in the application of the late work policy.

The School reserves the right to limit any student's participation in extra-curricular activities if it believes to be in the best interest of the student, family, school, or community.

Late Work Policy

All student work in grades 5-8 is due at the beginning of the class period. Assignments that are not turned in on time will receive an 80% if turned in any other time than the assigned instructional day and teaching block.  Additionally, only 50% credit will be given if work is turned in on the next school day (not the next block day). No credit will be honored on the third school day.  Late work is still assessed with the appropriate point deductions taken for content. The stated percentages should be understood to be the maximum percentage possible.  Work will not be accepted beyond the second school day and will be posted with a grade of zero. This policy applies to projects as well.

All work must be turned in to be assessed or no credit will be given. All assignments are due within the grading period assigned. A grading period is defined by the 6-7 week reporting period. Any student submitting late work must hand deliver the assignment to the assigning teacher. Homework, projects, essays, etc., that are placed in teacher boxes, mailboxes, folders, left with office staff, etc., may incur late penalties.

Students in grades 5-8 have a structure that is based upon timely submission as a valuable life-long skill. Given the myriad responsibilities and activities of our students, the school believes this to be a sensible and fair approach to student learning and assessment. The school warns that reliance upon the opportunity to turn in late work will result in low grades, poor comprehension, and most likely, failure in the course. However, for the conscientious student who is also an artist, an athlete, a student leader, in youth/church groups, etc., the policy gives some flexibility to better manage their schedule and academic responsibilities should a conflict arise.