HOMEWORK POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
General Homework Policy
Homework is an important aspect of learning at St. Catherine of Siena School. Its purpose is to:
Reinforce skills and materials taught in the classrooms.
Allow the students to apply concepts taught to related activities.
Teach responsibility, time management, organization, and follow-through.
Connect parents with the curriculum, the student's progress, and the teachers.
Written homework is typically given Monday through Thursday. Some Friday or weekend assignments may be needed for long-term projects or make-up work due to absences.
Junior High may have assignments over a weekend. Assignments are typically due the next day or as assigned. Long-term assignments will be given when appropriate.
Homework is always to be neat, in proper form, on time, and completed. For all students, no late work will be accepted for full credit. Half credit will be given for one day late and zero credit will be given for any assignment turned in after the second day. Due dates will be given well in advance.
In order to participate in Sports and After school activities, students must have no missing assignments.
In general, families and students should expect the following of nightly homework load:
Transitional Kindergarten & Kindergarten: Given on Mondays (1st day of school week) and due on Friday.
Grades 1-2: Approximately 30 minutes
Grades 3-5: Approximately 1 hour
Grades 6-8: Approximately 2 hours
Note that these are guidelines, and may vary by student. Some long-term projects may require additional time (i.e.: Science Fair Project).
Absences & Homework
Absences do not release students from any work. Generally, one day is given to return work for each day's absence. Weekend days will be counted when completing this work. Parents are responsible for picking up student's work on days when a student is absent. Teachers may set due dates for absentee work. Students are responsible for getting the missing assignments and turning work into the teacher. Students need to take the initiative for homework.
Make-up assessments will be given at a time set by the teacher. Make-up tests may be given in a different format. If test dates were given prior to absence, students will be expected to take tests as scheduled or as designated by the teacher.
Be aware that some work done in class cannot be done at home or after the fact, especially group work; therefore, some work may not be given grades.
Long term absences require special arrangements with teachers. Teachers are not required to give work to students to take on a vacation during the school year. Teachers are not expected to give private instruction for work missed due to vacations taken or by commercial-work absences. Work permit applications are obtained by the parents and submitted to the office.
Note: The school and its teachers reserve the right to make changes to the Homework program, as needed.
