Homework and grading

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    HOMEWORK & GRADING POLICY

    FIRST GRADE

    2016-2017

    Dear Parents/Guardians,

     

    Welcome to first grade!  We hope you find this school year very rewarding for your child.  As this school year gets underway, we want to make you aware of several important details concerning the work required of your child and how his/her progress will be monitored and communicated.  This Homework and Grading Policy will help you to become familiar with first-grade procedures in these areas.

     

    Homework

    First grade is likely one of the first places that your child will encounter homework.  In first grade, we introduce homework and study activities for the home so that students begin to understand that learning occurs both in and out of the classroom.  Homework gives your child the opportunity to practice skills that we have covered in class.  It also gives parents the chance to see which skills the child is comfortable with and which ones will require extra practice. Although we will practice all activities at school, your one-on-one attention makes a world of difference! 

     

    It is very important that your child has a quiet place to complete homework.  Pencils and crayons will be required to complete most written homework.  Homework must always be done in pencil!  Homework not completed may result in the loss of recess privileges.

     

    Math Homework  

    Our math program includes homework for students to complete almost daily.    Most children will require an adult to read the math homework directions to them.  Please provide this support for your child.  After your child completes his/her math homework, an adult should check over the papers for errors and help the child correct them.  If your child is having difficulty with a concept, it is very important that you go over it at home, as all math assessments are based on class work and homework. 

     

    English Language Arts

    The Wonders Reading Program allows students to work at their own reading level.  Word lists for spelling and reading will be sent home with each new week of study.  Please make time to practice these word lists with your child. In addition, it is very important to make time to read with your child every single night. Additional information will be sent home with your child from the home room teacher during the year.

     

    Supporting Your Child at Home

    There are many things a parent can do to enhance the learning process.  Check your child’s “Take-Home / Homework Folder” so that you can review your child’s papers on a daily basis.  Make sure your child completes all homework daily, and provide help as necessary.  Again, I will encourage the students to have an adult check their written homework before returning it to school the following day.  With your child, go over the papers he/she completes in school.  Explain any items marked incorrect and help your child practice those concepts.  Reading with your child daily will give your child much practice.  Emphasizing your own positive attitude toward school, school work, learning, and homework will help your child value these ideals as well.

     

    Periodically, I will send notes asking for you to practice with your child something new the class is learning.  I will keep you informed if your child has any problems so that you can help him/her at home. I will send home missed work whessen your child is sick.  Please complete them as your child begins to feel better. A few papers completed a day will be fine.  Some missed work may be completed during class time.

     

    Continued communication concerning school activities can be found on the district website.  A monthly newsletter is posted each month communicating activities in our classrooms.  Also parents are welcome to visit individual teacher web pages to find specific classroom information.  Please feel free to contact your teacher with individual concerns.

     

    Grading

    A report card communicating your child’s progress will be issued for each of the four quarters this school year.  Language arts and math will be graded using a checklist on which children can earn the following marks.  

     

    +  Mastered

    ? Progressing

    -   Area that needs improvement

     

    Grading in English Language Arts

    The student’s reading level will be indicated on the report card.  Also the standards will be used to determine progress in the English Language Arts curriculum on the report card.

     

    Grading in Math

    Math skills we are learning in class will be tested and graded through different assessments.  This provides students many opportunities to practice the skills they are learning.  Helping your child understand and complete daily math homework is the best way to help your child prepare for math assessments, as test items are very similar to the daily homework problems. 

     

    Grading in Social Studies, Science, and Health

    Grades for these areas will be determined by your child’s effort, class participation, oral recall of information presented, participation in group activities and experiments, and completion of workbook pages.  These subjects are not tested.

     

     

    First grade is a year filled with leaps and bounds of learning, as we are learning to balance having fun with learning academic skills, organizational skills, and social skills.  I am sure that your child will find first grade to be a fun and exciting experience.  It takes cooperation on your part, as well as mine, to instill in a child a love for reading and an enthusiasm for learning and school that last a lifetime!!  I am looking forward to teaching your child this year and to having the opportunity to watch each child learn and grow!

     

     

    Sincerely,

    First Grade Team

     1H- Mr. Hartman- Perry

    1A- Mrs. Parent- Perry

    1W- Mrs.Kennedy- Perry

    1H Mrs. Staudenmeier ext. 4121 (jansta@hasdhawks.org)

    1A Mr. Bindus ext. 4126 (bribin@hasdhawks.org)

    1M Mrs. Fegley ext. 4125 (lisfeg@hasdhawks.org)

    1K Mrs. Blakeney ext. 4123 (rebbla@hasdhawks.org)

    1S Mrs. Felty ext. 4124 (jenfel@hasdhawks.org)

    LS Mrs. Beretsky ext. 4122 (regber@hasdhawks.org)