Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- Can I use spiral notebook paper for homework in Social Studies?
- Does spelling count and do my answers have to be in complete sentences?
- Do I have to do Social Studies homework in pen?
- What about math homework? Do I have to show my work?
- How do I know what my homework is?
- Can I work on homework with my friends?
- If pages are assigned for reading, do I have to take notes?
- What about late, incomplete or missing assignments?
- Has your homework policy changed?
- If I was sick when the work was assigned, do I get extra time?
- If I am gone when an assignment is due, when should I hand it in?
- What if I hand my assignment in on time but I didn't do a very good job?
Can I use spiral notebook paper for homework in Social Studies?
No, you must use looseleaf paper or paper from notebooks that have
perforated lines for tearing paper out. The only exception to this is
homework packets which, of course, may be done in the packets.
Does spelling count and do my answers have to be in complete sentences?
Social Studies homework must be in sentence form except for definitions,
identifications and matching questions. Spelling ALWAYS counts. If we are
working on study guides or review packets you will have to listen to the
directions carefully because sometimes sentences are not required. When in
doubt, use sentences.
Do I have to do Social Studies homework in pen?
In 7th and 8th grade all social studies homework must be done in pen or
typed. The only exception is mapwork which may be done in pencil.
In 6th grade, work must be done on looseleaf notebook paper but you can
choose to use pen or pencil. There are advantages and disadvantages to
each. I am comfortable with your choices - you must be comfortable with the
consequences of your choices.
All work must be neat and legible. Handwriting must be cursive. Word
processor font must be large enough to be read easily (No smaller than 12).
Please do not use ornate or cursive fonts.
Please use only blue or black ink. These are the easiest to read.
What about math homework? Do I have to show my work?
Math homework should be done in pencil. The math is not in the answer; the
math is in how you got the answer, so yes you have to show your work. Use
the form you were given at the beginning of the year. Sometimes we will be
using math packets and you will do your work in the packet.
How do I know what my homework is?
At 6th and 7th grade your homework will be announced. Take the time to
write it down in your assignment book. If you are unsure about the
assignment - ask a classmate, check the website or ask me after class.
In eighth grade - Math homework will be announced and you will receive
assignment sheets for American History.
Can I work on homework with my friends?
I think students should always have a study partner or two and I expect my
students to cooperate with their partners on homework. However, cooperation
does not mean that one person does the work and the other person copies it.
I would not expect social studies students to produce exact copies of
answers because everyone writes in their own style. In math the situation
is a bit different. Students will often have exactly the same answer.
If pages are assigned for reading, do I have to take notes?
If reading is assigned, I expect you to know what you read. In 6th grade,
notetaking is required and I will be checking your notes when you take your
test. In 7th and 8th, notetaking is not required but it is strongly
encouraged. I use quizzes to check on the reading assignments. You may use
your notes on quizzes. If your quiz scores are low and you have not been
taking notes, you should start taking them. If your quiz scores are low and
your notes are not helping you (the answers aren't in them) you should come
down to the Cave for help. Of course, notetaking is not magic - you need to
read through your notes frequently so you know what is in them.
What about late, incomplete or missing assignments?
Don't have late, incomplete or missing work and you won't have a problem.
If you do not hand your homework in on time you will lose 30 homework
points. If you do not hand in the work by the next class,this score becomes
permanent (That's a bad thing). If the assigment is turned in by the next
class, you will only lose 15 homework points on that assignment, assuming it
is complete and acceptable.
Has your homework policy changed?
Yes, the policy has changed. Students now begin each quarter with a perfect
score in homework. They can maintain this score by doing their best and
handing their work in on time. Each late, incomplete, or poorly done
assignment costs the student 30 points. If these assignments are handed in
by the next class, the student loses only 15 points. A score of 100% on an
assignment will earn 5 bonus points; a score of 90% will earn 2 bonus
points. I believe this new way of dealing with homework will reward those
who do their homework on a regular basis and I hope it will encourage those
who have not done their homework regularly to change their work habits.
If I was sick when the work was assigned, do I get extra time?
If the class meets everyday (religion and math), a good rule of thumb is you
get an extra day but it is still your responsibility to find out what
assignments you missed while ill. If you have been out more than a few
days, make sure you check with your teachers as soon as you return.
Sometimes you will not have to turn in all the assignments that you missed
because the class has moved on to a new area. If the class is a block class
(one that meets Tues/Fri or Mon/Wed) and you return to school before the
next class meets, you should have the assignment on time. For example, if
you miss Monday's class but are in school on Tuesday you should have the
homework that is due for Wednesday's class on time. Just remember - if you
miss a class for whatever reason, you need to make sure you know what was
covered and assigned on the day you were gone.
If I am gone when an assignment is due, when should I hand it in?
If you are not in class when an assignment is due, you should hand it in as
soon as you return. If you wait longer than that, your assignment is late
and the standard late penalties will apply.
What if I hand my assignment in on time but I didn't do a very good job?
If you do your best on each assignment, this will probably never happen to
you. But if your assignment score is too low, if you have too many
crossouts or misspelled words, or if your paper is too messy, you will lose
30 homework points and you will have to redo the work by the next class if
you want to regain 15 homework points.
