Student Expectations

Parents and students are asked to review the following general overall expectation guidelines. They can be seen as good sense, simple courtesy, and respect for one's self and others. Therefore, students are expected to:

1. Set a good example for all fellow class members in conduct and effort as well as in academics.

2. Help in any way possible in assisting classmates.

3. Be in all scheduled assignments at all times when on school property.

4. Respect teachers and peers at all times whether in or out of school.

5. Keep the school clean and in order at all times.

6. Accept full responsibility for actions both individually and as a group.

7. Follow all rules and regulations of the school.

8. Recognize that any privileges or special programs are based on responsible behavior, but can be denied if necessary.

9. Develop a sense of pride and ownership in the school through active participation in as many activities as possible.

Student Homework Expectations

Procedures

Research states that homework is effective when students clearly understand its purpose, when it is meaningful and relevant, and when it allows for practice, reinforcement, extension of learning (including research), and choice. Homework is effective when used as formative checks for understanding accompanied by relevant and timely feedback (teacher to student, student to student and student to self) about learning goals, and when it involves learning processes as well as products. Nightly homework allotment includes reading and follows the research-supported “ten minute” rule (roughly 10 minutes per grade level), although with longer term projects involving independent work, high school homework assignments vary, and college-level courses may require more substantive assignments. Although benefits of homework include the fostering of time-management, responsibility and study habits, research suggests the effects of homework at the secondary level may diminish after two hours (Marzano and Pickering, 2007).

Varying Role and Responsibilities

1. The student will:

A. Complete assignments to the best of his/her ability.

B. Take responsibility for understanding the purpose and requirement of assignments.

C. Take home all necessary material with which to work.

D. Plan a personal schedule that will include enough time to complete assignments.

E. Make up missed work.

F. Monitor progress on the portal (MS, HS).

2. The teacher will:

A. Emphasize quality over quantity, clearly explain the purpose, and provide clear, concise directions for completing homework.

B. Where appropriate, differentiate assignments to reflect the varied abilities of students, and involve choices.

C. Teach skills needed to complete assignments successfully and independently.

D. Expect and encourage completion/revision of unsatisfactory and missing assignments.

E. Assign homework that is an outgrowth of class, that provides opportunities to practice, and that can be completed successfully within a reasonable time limit.

F. Check to ensure homework has been completed.

G. Return assignments promptly, providing meaningful and timely formative feedback.

H. Notify parents if students establish unsatisfactory homework practices.

I. With administrative support, coordinate major due dates and projects with other teachers to avoid overloading students.

J. Not assign work to be completed over holidays and vacations, and limit summer assignments to what is most essential *

K. Input relevant grades into portal every two weeks (MS, HS).

3. The administrator will:

A. Clearly and thoroughly communicate homework guidelines to teachers, and ensure teachers communicate homework expectations to students and parents.

B. Consistently monitor the implementation of homework guidelines.

C. Provide opportunities and support for teachers to communicate about and coordinate major assignments and projects.

4. The parent will:

A. Support students’ homework routine by providing an environment for learning including space and necessary materials.

B. Assist the student in working out a personal schedule that will include enough time to complete assignments.

C. Display an active interest in the work of each child, and foster and support student independence.

D. Monitor progress on the portal (MS, HS).

Student Work Completion

Student Work Completion meets daily from 2:30 - 3:30. Students attending are required to bring their schoolwork and work appropriately for the entire hour. A teacher may refer a student to Work Completion, and students will complete a contract with their guidance counselor, stating the rules and obligations for each student.