Hickory Hills Middle School

Homework Policy

Guidelines for the Assignment of Homework and

Responsibilities of Students, Staff and Parents

I.  Purpose:

            Homework contributes toward building responsibility, self-discipline and lifelong learning habits.  It is the intention of the Hickory Hills Middle School staff to assign relevant, challenging and meaningful homework assignments that reinforce classroom learning objectives.  Homework should provide students with the opportunity to apply information they have learned, complete unfinished class assignments, and develop independence.  Homework grades are modified based on students’ individual needs (i.e. ESOL, IEP, 504 Plans).

            Homework assignments include:

· Practice exercises to follow classroom instruction

· Preview assignments to prepare for subsequent lessons

· Extension assignments to transfer new skills or concepts to new situations

· Creative activities to integrate many skills toward the production of a response or product

II.  Time

           Actual time required to complete assignments will vary with each student’s study habits, academic skills, and selected course load.  If your child is spending an extended amount of time doing homework, you should contact your child’s teachers.  Recommended average time allocations per night for each grade level:

            6th Grade = 60 min.

            7th Grade = 70 min.

            8th Grade = 80 min.

III.  Late Work Policies

            Students are expected to turn work in on time.  Students who turn in late assignments will receive up to 50% partial credit if turned in on or before the next Monday following the assignments original due date.  Students will receive no credit for all assignments turned in after the next Monday of school.  Students who on a consistent basis turn in late work, may receive any of the following based upon individual teacher discretion or grade level policy.

· Communication with parents

· After school detention

• S.O.S.

Students who miss homework because of an absence or Out of School Suspension will receive the opportunity to make up missed work.  Students are given one calendar day for each day absent plus one extra day to turn in their work.  It is the students’ responsibility to request their missing assignments from each teacher upon their return to school.  Parents may request assignments through the office after four consecutive days absent.

IV.  Responsibilities of Staff:

Assign relevant, challenging and meaningful homework that reinforces classroom learning

• Give clear instructions and make sure students understand the purpose
• Give feedback and/or correct homework
• Communicate with other teachers
• Involve parents and contact them if a pattern of late or incomplete homework develops

V.  Responsibilities of Parents:

Set a regular, uninterrupted study time each day

• Establish a quiet, well-lit study area
• Monitor student’s organization and daily list of assignments in their assignment guide
• Help student work to find the answer, not just get it done
• Be supportive when the student gets frustrated with difficult assignments
• Contact teacher to stay well informed about the student’s learning process
• Monitor students progress reports every three weeks

VI.  Responsibilities of Students:

Write down assignments in their Assignment Guide

• Be sure all assignments are clear; don’t be afraid to ask questions if necessary before the end of each class period
• Set aside a regular time for studying
• Find a quiet, well-lit study area
• Work on homework independently whenever possible, so that it reflects student ability. 
• Produce quality work.
• Make sure assignments are done according to the given instructions and completed and turned in on time
• Request missed assignments when absent from each teacher
• Request assignments ahead of time when absent for school activities

I have read and understand the Hickory Hills Middle School Homework Policy.

_______________________________      ______________________________

Student Signature                                        Parent Signature