Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- How much homework does my child have each night?
- My child says s/he did the homework in school. Is this correct?
- Is extra help available?
- How can my child get access to the computer lab to do reports or other work?
- What is the most common mistake students make on their assignments?
- How can I best utilize homework time for my child?
- How long should my child study on the night before a test?
- What should my child study for the test?
- Are students allowed to do extra credit projects to bring up their grades?
- What are some study hints my child can use to improve his/her grade?
- How are class levels for high school determined?
- What happens with late assignments?
- How can my child get rid of demerits?
- My child tells me it is OK to chew gum in school. Is this true?
- How can I find out about my child's progress?
How much homework does my child have each night?
The Milford Board of Education requires teachers to assign 20
minutes of homework per subject per night. This means your child
should be studying for 1 1/2 to 2 hours per night.
My child says s/he did the homework in school. Is this correct?
Students are not given time to do homework in school. Homework
is meant to be completed at home. It is an extension of the
material covered in class that day.
Is extra help available?
Of course!! Team 5 teachers are available every morning from
7:30 on. We are also here after school on Tuesday and Thursday
when late buses are available. Mrs. Michaud has "homework club"
every Tuesday and Thursday for students who wish to attend.
How can my child get access to the computer lab to do reports or other work?
The computer room is open every day after school until 4:00 p.m.
Your child will need a pass from one of his/her teachers to go
there.
What is the most common mistake students make on their assignments?
Many students rush through assignments and make careless
mistakes. It would be best if students took a couple of minutes
after completing an assignment to check it by re-reading each
answer carefully.
How can I best utilize homework time for my child?
Students need to study every night. They should take about five
minutes to review notes, vocabulary, or key concepts of work
previously covered in class. The rest of the time can be spent
on written assignments. Quiz your child nightly about a topic
from his/her book.
How long should my child study on the night before a test?
Students should study no more than 30 minutes on the night before
a test. They should have been studying the material nightly and
would just need to review a few ideas. Students who cram on the
night before a test do not retain material or get very confused
when taking the test.
What should my child study for the test?
During the unit of study, teachers usually have the students
complete
worksheets for each section. These worksheets contain key terms
and
concepts. The worksheets are excellent guides of what to study.
Students
should correct these sheets when they are passed back. Time
should be spent
studying the questions the student got wrong the first time
around.
Students
can also go back over the questions at the end of each section.
Are students allowed to do extra credit projects to bring up their grades?
As eighth graders, the teachers feel students must do well on
their first attempt of completing an assignment or a project.
Therefore, we do not feel extra credit projects are helpful.
Students must take the responsibility of spending time on an
assignment the first time around. We also believe that students
can best spend their time studying current assignments rather
than doing "additional assignments".
What are some study hints my child can use to improve his/her grade?
Students need to study a little bit each night. Written homework
assignments need to be checked for accuracy. Students are
encouraged to study the homework questions to reinforce key terms
or concepts being studied.
How are class levels for high school determined?
High School placement is done using the following criteria:
The Math & English classes the student is currently taking
and their grades in those classes for the first two marking
periods in 8th grade.
The math department gives a district-wide 8th-grade exam
that assists in placement, as well.
A review of 7th & 8th grade report-cards/grades.
A review of CMT scores and in-district assessments.
A review of the student's work habits and typical classroom
and homework performance.
Usually, level I classes require an "A" average
for 8th grade, level II classes require C+ or better.
Sometimes...if a student is on the line between being
eligible for two levels, this is discussed on team, and even with
the student or family.
Science and Social Studies levels are determined by the
students' average in the first two marking periods in eighth
grade. Students' placement is based on performace and not
potential.
What happens with late assignments?
We are always happy to accept late assignments. However, late
work will not receive full credit. The penalities are as
follows: one day late--minus ten points; two days late--minus 20
points; three days late--minus 30 points; after three days, the
highest grade attainable is a 50. But these assignments should be
completed to keep up with the rest of the class and to learn the
most. Students can also be given a detention (and demerits) for
not submitting homework.
How can my child get rid of demerits?
Students are encouraged to do volunteer work to earn merits.
Students who continuously add to their demerit total will not be
allowed to participate in certain activities. You can contact
your child's teacher if you have questions about this policy.
My child tells me it is OK to chew gum in school. Is this true?
Not at all. We do not allow gum chewing in school. The penalty
is usually a detention plus demerits. Children often put "chewed
gum" under desks, or it falls out of their mouth and onto the
flood, or it gets stuck in a book. All of these examples are
costing taxpayers money. Who wants their child coming home from
school with a wad of gum on their pants or sweater?
How can I find out about my child's progress?
First, students are expected to keep an up-to-date grade record
sheet. This is a list for each studject's assignments and grades
earned upon completion. Secondly, every parent and student has
access at any time to the child's grades in the PowerSchool
program. Each student and parent was given a username and
password to access the site at any time from any computer.
