This page will answer questions commonly asked by students and parents.
When do you send tests home?
1. How can I get my child's work when he/she is abesnt?
If your child is going to be absent for an extended amount of time, I will be happy to send books and assignments home and work with you so that he/she does not fall behind. However, if the absence is only going to be for a day or two, it may be given when the student returns. I allow students to work on some of their missed assignments during school time (usually at lunch), and will help them with any questions they may have. If you ask to have work sent home with a sibling, please keep in mind that this may require sending home a heavy load of books - too many to carry comfortably and safely. If you would like to come in and pick up your child's work, please e-mail me by noon. I will leave the books and assignments in the office, where you may pick them up at your convenience. If your child is absent for a test, he/she will take it upon return.
2. Should I check my child's homework?
Homework is an integral part of the educational program. The purpose of homework is to improve understanding of the subject matter, to help students assume greater responsibility, to offer opportunities for self-direction and to reinforce basic skills. Homework may involve drills, research, review work or outside reading. Students should be able to complete it independently. Parents can help by showing an interest in the work, discussing it with the child, checking the work for neatness and completeness, and above all, providing a quiet place to study.
All homework is checked during class, and I review any concepts as needed. When a long-term project is assigned, it is perfectly all right - and recommended - for you to proof-read it before it is handed in.
Rubrics are given out when the projects are assigned so that you can see how much weight is given to proper mechanics, as well as the other requirements. Your child should refer to it frequently to assure himself/herself a better chance of achieving a good grade.
3. How long should my child be spending on homework?
According to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, a fourth grade student should be spending an average of sixty (60) minutes on homework each night. This includes both written and study work. Please monitor the time and contact me if it is consistently taking a longer period of time.Â
It has always been my policy that if a child does not understand a concept, he/she should circle the question(s) and ask me for help the following day. At NO TIME do I want your child to become stressed over an assignment simply because he/she does not remember how to do it. We will go over it in class. Most times, others in the group benefit from this review as well.
5. When do you send tests home?
I grade all tests and projects as soon as possible, usually on the same day. I will post the grades on FACTs. Each student will have his/her own test folder. The folder goes home every Friday so that you may review and sign the tests or rubrics. They are due back to me by Monday. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have a question. I keep all tests on file until the end of the school year.