5Th Grade Homework Policy

Villa Academy 5th Grade Homework Policy

Definition of Homework: Homework consists of out-of-class tasks a student is assigned as an extension of classroom work. These tasks will include different types of student engagement and focus; they are not limited to written assignments. Students may be asked, for example, to read literary or informative text, rewrite class notes, review notes, or do research on the Internet or in the library, among other assignments.

Purpose of Homework: At , homework is intended to supplement, reinforce, and extend classroom learning. Homework offers students the opportunity to:

 Practice and reinforce newly acquired skills independently.  Apply skills to appropriate learning activities.  Develop confidence, work habits, and motivation needed to study effectively and independently.  Prepare students for specific demands, which await them in middle school  Demonstrate to their parents the content and type of work in which students are engaged.

Amount of Homework: Focused, uninterrupted time is necessary for the successful completion of homework. All students vary in the way they approach their tasks and in the time they need to accomplish them. Below is a guide for a reasonable amount of time students should spend on their homework every day.

GRADE TARGET RANGE 5th Grade 1 Hour 45 min-1.5 Hours 6th Grade 1 Hour .5-1.5 Hours 7TH Grade 1.5 Hour 1-2 Hours 8TH Grade 2 Hour 1.5-2.5 Hours

During three-day weekends and school vacations, the fifth grade teachers will not assign any new homework. However some students may need that time to complete outstanding work.

Late Homework Policy: A primary goal in the 5th grade is to help students become more independent and responsible and to learn time management skills and accountability. We want all of our students to be successful. To that end, ’s 5th Grade Homework Policy is as follows:

 Each student will be given 4 homework passes (Elephant Slips) the first trimester, 3 the second, and 2 third trimester. These passes allow the student to miss an individual, daily homework assignment. Students are strongly encouraged to use these passes wisely if necessary and to plan ahead. They are not meant to be used to put off doing an assignment for another day, just because!  Homework passes are not accepted for long-term or group projects.  Homework passes are non-transferable and non-cumulative.  When a student makes use of a homework pass parents will be notified via email and the student will complete a missing homework form to be signed by a parent and returned to school as means of notification. It is expected that he/she turn in the assignment the following day. If not turned in at that time, the assignment is still expected to be completed, but will not receive a grade higher than a C.  Any assignment not turned in on time after all passes for the trimester have been used will receive a grade no higher than a C- and will be averaged into the student’s grade for the class. Again, it is expected that the assignment be completed and turned in the next day. The teachers will communicate with the student and the student’s parents as appropriate.  Villa Academy strongly discourages families from extending vacations or for missing school days for additional vacation time. When families choose to do so, the assignments missed are expected to be completed at the teacher’s discretion. The time table for the completion of these assignments will be the number of school days missed but not to exceed 7 days.  If a student is absent due to illness, the assignments missed are expected to be completed at the teacher’s discretion. The time table for the completion of these assignments is the number of school days missed but not to exceed 7 days.  Extended illnesses will be handled on a case-by-case basis.