How much homework should I expect my child to have each night?

This certainly varies, but a general rule of thumb is that there should be no more than 10 minutes times the grade level (e.g. 6th grade student= 6 x10 minutes= 60 minutes a night total).  Many of our teachers only assign homework a few nights a week, but it is encouraged that the students utilize their planner to pace themselves with ongoing assignments like Bible journals, Knowledge Fest projects, and Speech Meet so not to cram too much during the week(s) before a big due date. 

My student has a binder.  How should it be organized?

Students in middle school learn to organize using the SOAR system (Kruger, S., 2017).  The binders should include their school-issued planner, dividers with pockets, looseleaf paper, and at least a front binder pocket, as well as a pencil holder.  Students have been instructed to write down their homework and upcoming quizzes/tests in the respective columns of their planners as well as put all assignments in their front pocket to take home each night.  Once home, the students are instructed to present important papers for you to read and sign, complete their homework, and then file their homework according to the subject (grammar worksheet in the "LA" folder, math notepages in the "Math" folder, etc).  Students also learn to organize their schedules with this system, as well as check with parents for accountability and completeness.  

My child is missing assignments.  What is the procedure for getting caught up?

First, let your middle schooler self-advocate.  If he or she has missed school for illness or any reason, the question is not, “Did I miss anything?” but asking each teacher, “What did I miss while I was absent?”  From that point, according to the handbook, the student is given an additional day to turn in their assignment for each day missed (see page 15 of Student Handbook 2023/2024).  If you know your child will be absent, work can be sent home with a sibling or picked up at the office.  Secondly, students should be utilizing their planners for writing down assignments and upcoming quizzes/tests.  Please check your child’s planner frequently, daily if possible.  Additionally, Gradelink is updated frequently with graded assignments, and teachers indicate incomplete and upcoming assignments there.  Ensure that your student also knows how to sign in to Gradelink so that he/she can check grades as well. 

My student forgot his binder/book/paper at school.  Now what?

• Email your child’s teacher and if possible, assignments can be submitted via email or Google Classroom.  

• It is recommended that your child has a few classmates’ contacts so that if assistance is needed, he or she can ask for help from a friend.  

• There’s also time during homeroom and S’More that if something is forgotten, a student can retrieve or work on that assignment then.  Stay proactive and encourage your child to find transition times (car rides, waiting at appointments, carpool drop-in morning) to check their supplies and ensure they are ready for the day. 

• If your child forgets a book, many pieces of literature are available online! Check out the following resources to access books for FREE:

  • Gutenberg Press

  • Read Any Book Online-Free

  • Free Ebooks

  • Libby App (Free with Library Card)

My student needs help with a specific subject.  Is tutoring available?

Please contact the office as there are several teachers who offer tutoring. Mrs. Pidcock, (Resource Teacher) is also available throughout the day if students need further clarification or assistance in any of the subject areas.  Also, our middle school teachers often make themselves available during lunch, after school, and always during S’More to offer assistance on assignments and provide extra time for testing as needed. 

My student seems to have difficulty with learning, paying attention, behaviors...What are my options for seeking additional resources?

  If you suspect your child may have challenges that are impacting his/her learning, (e.g. difficulty focusing, comprehension, disorganization, avoidance of completing assignments), please contact our school counselor Dr. Elizabeth Valdez, elizabeth.valdez@iu13.org .  Our plan of action is that we utilize our IST (Integrated Support Team) to troubleshoot steps that have or may need taken to assist the student's academic, behavioral, and personal success.  It may also be helpful once that step has been taken to then discuss a formal evaluation. Dr. Valdez will walk you through steps for seeking an evaluation for your child if that route is recommended/requested.  Evaluations are free, can be conducted through the IU13 or your local school district, and they can be especially helpful in receiving accommodations for your child (if needed) that would be useful both at MCDS and beyond.