Dear Parents,
I have written this letter to answer any questions you may have regarding homework assigned in my classroom.
Why do I assign homework? I believe homework is important because it helps reinforce what has been learned in class. Homework prepares students for upcoming lessons, teaches responsibility, and helps students develop positive study habits.
When will homework be assigned? The exact days and length of time could vary due to the fact that all children work at a different pace. In general, you can expect your child to have nightly homework Monday through Thursday. I try to give the weekends off whenever possible. The length of time will range between 20-45 minutes. Most of the homework your child brings home should already have been started in class.
What are your child’s homework responsibilities? I expect students to do their best job on each assignment. I expect work to be neat, not sloppy. All written work should be done in pencil. Students will also be responsible for filling out their assignment notebooks. I require every student to write down all assignments and take the notebook home every night to be initialed by a parent. This way, both you and your child will know exactly what needs to be done.
What are my responsibilities? I will check homework assignments and record them in my gradebook in a timely manner. I will support good homework habits by giving praise and other incentives. I will also initial all assignment notebooks at the end of the day to verify that the assignments were written down correctly. This will continue at least through the first quarter, or longer if it seems that it is needed.
What are a parent’s homework responsibilities? Parents are the key to making homework a positive experience for their children. Therefore, I ask that you make homework a top priority at home, provide necessary supplies and a quiet environment, set aside a time everyday when homework should be done, provide praise and support, and contact me if you notice a problem. I also ask that you initial the assignment notebook when your child completes his/her homework.
What happens if students do not complete their homework assignments? If students choose not to do their homework, they also choose to lose certain privileges. As soon as a child is missing an assignment, he/she will fill out a “Homework Form.” This form provides a space for the student to explain why the assignment is missing and must be signed by a parent as well as me, the teacher. The student will also be fined $5.00 MonsterBucks for each missing assignment. This is a part of the consequences within our classroom’s mini-economy. Students who miss a homework assignment will also not be able to play Homeworkopoly at the end of that week. This is a game that rewards those children who are responsible with their homework completion throughout the entire week. Homework is also factored into each student’s grades. All homework counts as part of a child’s participation points in each subject area. During 1st and 2nd quarter, students are able to receive full participation credit for homework as long as it is turned in (even if it is late). Beginning third quarter, a late/incomplete assignment will be lowered one letter grade each day it is late.
What about legitimate reasons for a student not completing a homework assignment? If there is a legitimate reason why a student is unable to finish the assignment, please send a note to me on the day the assignment is due stating the reason it was not completed. The note must be signed by a parent. I will give the student another day to complete it with no penalty. Any assignment left at home is treated as an unexcused late assignment. If I do not do this, “I left it at home” becomes a great excuse!
What about the return of papers and feedback? On the last day of each school week, I will send a folder home containing graded assignments, school notes, and other important information. Please ask your child for this folder to make sure you are briefed on the latest news in our classroom. I will also contact you through phone calls, written notes and e-mail if you would like. I usually check my e-mail every day, so it is a wonderful way to communicate with me. My e-mail is scox@cusd200.org. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or questions. Thank you for your support!
Warmly,
Mrs. Cox
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Classroom Discipline Policy in 4C
CLASSROOM RULES: These rules were written and approved by the students in our class.
1. Respect Others, Self and Property.
2. Be Responsible.
3. Be Safe.
4. Be Fair.
5. Be Caring.
6. Be Trustworthy.
7. Practice Good Citizenship.
CONSEQUENCES:
- Any time a student does not follow classroom standards, he/she will fill out a ReFocus form. This form gives the student a chance to think through his/her actions and come up with a solution. It is a chance for the student to reflect on the pillar of our Character Counts program, which he/she has broken. Its purpose is to change behavior. This form will be filled out at a designated location in the room and then turned in to me. The student will also pay a corresponding MonsterBuck fine for the behavior. Depending on the severity of the behavior, the student might be required to attend the 4 th grade’s detention room during his/her recess time. The ReFocus form may or may not be sent home for a parent signature, depending on the behavior.
- If I feel that a student has acted very inappropriately or put others in danger, more severe action will be taken immediately by enlisting the help of the Principal.
- Please remember that I would like to solve all problems as soon as possible!
REWARDS:
I will positively reinforce good behavior and the following of class rules. Students will receive: praise, academic rewards, positive notes sent home, awards, MonsterBucks, stickers, tickets, class parties, and auctions.
If you have any questions, please contact me!
Thanks,
Mrs. Cox
