Homework Philosophy:
During the middle school years organization, work ethic, responsibility, and attitude begin to play as equally an important role in academic success as ability. Middle school parents, teachers, and students need to work together to help students develop the skills to plan for, organize, and complete schoolwork independently. This not only provides the basis for academic success, it provides the foundation for skills which will benefit students for a lifetime.
At Yellow Breeches Middle School, we believe that all students can develop the skills to plan for, organize, and complete school tasks independently. For some, it takes more effort than others. To this end, our expectations, standards, programs, and policies are geared to help students acquire these skills.
Expectations and Standards:
Homework is an essential part of the total education of the student. Middle level students could expect 60 minutes of homework per night. Homework provides the opportunity for the student to:
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practice, apply, integrate or extend school learning.
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reinforce independent work-study skills.
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develop self-discipline.
Homework assignments will be meaningful and based on student needs. When assigned, homework will be integrated into class discussions and relevant to the current learning of the student. As a result of the importance of homework, teachers will:
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publish general expectations for homework in their classroom syllabus and provide students with specific expectations on long-term/major assignments.
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assist students in understanding the importance of using a YBMS student planner.
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assist students in understanding and planning for long-term and short-term assignments.
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assist students in establishing priorities and setting goals.
Students will have opportunities to complete work in class, during flex, and at home. If a student does not complete assignments, they will be moved to a structured flex and they will be supported and monitored carefully. If assignments are still incomplete, the student will be assigned to a working lunch period where they will be supported and monitored carefully.
Excused Absences and Homework:
It is the student's responsibility to contact the teacher to obtain the make-up assignments that were missed during any excused absence. In the event of an excused absence, students will have one school day for each excused absence day to make up any short-term assignments. Any long-term assignments, projects, or research papers are due immediately upon the student's return.
After the first day of an absence, teachers will honor reasonable requests by parents to have homework sent home. In order to have time to collect a student's homework, requests must be before 10:00 AM. Parents may call 258-6484 and follow the instructions for reporting a child absent. You may leave your request for homework at the same time you report the absence.
Unexcused Absences and Late Homework:
Homework assignments, if accepted after the due date, are subject to a reduction in grade. Teacher discretion is to be used to determine what credit, if any, is given for late assignments. Teachers will publish their homework standards within their syllabus.