Homework

Homework assignments should be purposeful and meaningful, and provide an opportunity for students to enhance their skills, to express concepts, to practice lessons learned in school, and to broaden and/or deepen their understanding of subject matter. Difficult or new work should be reserved for the classroom, with sufficient time allotted for explanation and reinforcement. A balance of long and short-term assignments should be offered to all students and where appropriate, homework should be tailored to the needs, levels, and interests of students. Homework should not be assigned as “busy” work or punishment. 

Homework is intended to assist students in developing independent work habits. It is the student’s responsibility; parents should only see that it gets done. For students, homework provides an opportunity to establish a system of organizing materials, bringing them home, doing the assignment, and returning it to school on time. It is not expected that students will complete homework in school, and it is expected that both fifth and sixth graders will use a planner to support homework completion. West Woods will provide planners for all students. 

The Farmington Board of Education policy on homework recommends about one hour daily in grade five and grade six. It is also expected that students will read independently at home each night for 20-30 minutes. Students are not excused from regular classroom assignments because they are involved in extracurricular activities such as concerts, ski clubs, and sports. Students will generally be given as many days to make up missed work if they were absent due to illness. Parents may call the school for homework after the second consecutive day of illness.