Homework Guidelines ~ A Shared Responsibility

Holy Family Academy Homework Policy

Parental support of homework is a critical responsibility of Holy Family Academy parents; this is the line past which teachers have precious little control. The following homework guidelines outline the teamwork expected of all parties involved.   Holy Family Academy is dedicated to training students in both the essential and advanced skills necessary for ongoing education. Homework is an essential means of providing students with specific opportunities to practice and extend the application of skills and knowledge. Parents of students in grades 1-5 should expect their children to do homework at least 4 days per week. Parents of students in grades 6 - 8 should expect their students to do homework 5 days per week. A Homework and Conduct Journal is provided for all students to record daily assignments. In addition to daily homework, it is highly recommended that all children read at least 1/2 hour each day from a book that they love.
 

HOMEWORK GUIDELINES

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SCHOOL BOARD

  • Approves a homework policy that addresses the general purposes and expectations about homework to facilitate consistency within the school.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ADMINISTRATION

  • Develops and communicates school guidelines for homework to be used by teachers, parents and students.
  • Institutes school-wide practices that support homework (i.e. Homework Journal)
  • Provides information that will assist parents as they help their children at home (Curriculum Night, Herald and conferences)
  • Provides information to parents on importance of homework

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TEACHER

  • Informs students of the importance of homework and how it relates to school success.
  • Assigns homework that is appropriate to the students’ grade level.
  • Teaches the study skills necessary for students to be successful independent learners.
  • Supports parents in established homework routines, as requested by parents;
  • Works cooperatively with other teachers to assign a reasonable amount of homework.
  • Provides feedback to students by monitoring or evaluating homework.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT

  • Has a clear understanding of the homework assignment, if not asks for clarification.
  • Records assignments in the Homework Journal and shows the Journal to their parents as requested by their teacher.
  • Completes work by due date.
  • Studies appropriately for tests and assignments.
  • Asks for help when needed.
  • Manages in-school time effectively to complete as much work as possible.
  • Completes work to the best of his/her ability.
  • Checks/edits work prior to turning it in.
  • Brings all necessary tools to the classroom so that work can be managed appropriately during the school day. 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARENT

  • Provides encouragement and support for the completion of homework.
  • Schedules a regular time for homework and helps their children plan around extra-curricular activities.
  • Establishes a place for homework that has the necessary materials and is free from distractions. 
  • Provides help with homework as needed but decreases assistance when the time is right.
  • Helps their children see the relevance of homework and acts a role model and teacher advocate by actively engaging in learning activities.
  • Helps their children set goals for their homework.
  • Encourages reading as an important part of homework routines. 
  • Keeps in touch with teacher and stays informed through the Homework Journal, conferences, email, etc.
  • Checks and signs the Homework Journal as requested by the teacher (daily for grades 1-4).
  • Helps their child organize themselves and teaches good study habits.