“Homework should be a risk-free chance to experiment with new skills, a chance for students to apply new learning so they can find out what they really do understand and can return to class to ask questions about what was not understood.” (Carr & Farr, 2001)

Homework is critically important so teachers can learn what students know, understand, and are able to do in order to plan instruction accordingly. Homework informs learning. Educators routinely hear parents stating there’s too much or too little homework. This is why homework must be differentiated based on students’ needs.

Not all students take the same amount of time to complete homework. Assigning the same homework time frames to all students by grade level is not the best method to follow. A 20-minute assignment for one student can take another student 60 minutes. As a result, grade and department teachers collaborate to determine what is appropriate in regard to time and students. At home, monitor your child’s approach to homework. If frustration sets in, have your child write down what is confusing and bring the assignment to the teacher the next day. Remember, this process informs the teacher about what to do next for a student. If you sense that your child needs more at-home practice or extension, contact the teacher to determine the best homework fit.

Homework is assigned to:

• reinforce skills or concepts introduced in the classroom
• extend knowledge previously acquired through such activities as book reports, projects, and library research

Homework is not assigned over breaks per Board policy. For students who take vacation during the school week, parents should request homework one week in advance. Assignments will be given by teacher discretion.

It is the student’s responsibility to obtain all homework assignments and make arrangements to complete any tests and projects that are missed due to absences. Work needs to be made up in a timely manner based upon the number of days absent.

If a student is absent, a parent/guardian may call the school by 8 a.m. for middle school students, and 9:30 a.m. for elementary students to have assignments collected. This work can be picked up in the school office by the parent or guardian from 2:45-4 p.m. or middle school students, and from 3:30-4 p.m. for elementary school students