General Guidelines

Homework makes the school’s instructional program more effective and enhances the development of good study habits. One of the objectives of a consistent homework policy is to give students responsibility for completing assigned work in a structured home environment. Although parents may help their children establish organizational skills, the student should complete assignments. Assuming the role of teacher is discouraged. If your child is experiencing difficulty completing assignments, a note or a call to the teacher may be helpful. Each teacher will communicate to parents his/her expectations and procedures at the beginning of the school year.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten children will receive homework 2 to 3 times per week and it should take 10 to 15 minutes to complete. In addition, parents are encouraged to read to their kindergarten children every night for 15 minutes or more.

First Grade

The purposes of homework in first grade are to develop in our students a sense of responsibility and to reinforce concepts being taught in class. Reading homework every night is ESSENTIAL.

Your child will be bringing their “book bag” home with them each night to continue their practice reading of their “just right books”. Please feel free to also read appropriate material you have at home in addition to what’s in your child’s “book bag.” Please be sure to fill out and sign the accompanying Home Reading Record.

Math Trailblazers homework will come home on the nights when the day’s lesson has an accompanying homework piece. Not every math Trailblazers lesson has a homework component.

Throughout the year, your children will receive science, social studies and/or thematic homework practice when appropriate.

You can expect about 2-3 nights per week of homework in addition to daily reading.

Second Grade

Second grade students receive homework assignments each night from Monday through Thursday. The assignments generally reinforce science, math, spelling and reading lessons that children experienced that day. Homework should take approximately 20 minutes for the average second grader. Parents are encouraged to contact the classroom teacher if homework takes longer than the expected time. In addition, second grade students are asked to read for 20 minutes each night.

Third Grade

In third grade, homework generally consists of weekly spelling, math and writing assignments and occasionally science or social studies work. Third grade students are expected to spend no more than 45 to 60 minutes each night on homework, including 20 minutes of daily reading. Students in third grade are introduced to long-term assignments that help them begin to learn to plan over time. These usually last 2 to 3 weeks, and during these periods, regular homework is reduced. Students complete 4 long-term projects during the year.

Fourth Grade

Fourth grade students receive about an hour of homework each night. Depending on the child’s work habits and ability, it may take from 50 to 70 minutes. Their assignments include math, reading and spelling every night. Additionally, content area homework (science, social studies or writing) is given on a rotating basis so that students have at least one of these subjects (but not all three) each night.

Fifth Grade

In fifth grade, students receive homework assignments that generally take one hour or more per night, and they are also expected to read for 20 minutes or more. Their assignments will vary based upon classroom lessons and special projects. When homework is incomplete, homework notices are sent to parents to be signed and returned the next day.