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Vaughn Elementary School

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Info for Families

Homework Guidelines

Purpose of Homework

Learning is a continuous process, extending beyond the school day. Homework not only provides additional practice for important skills and concepts, but it also helps children develop lifelong work habits and study skills. In addition, it keeps parents informed and involved in their child’s learning.

Homework is effective when:

  • A review of things already taught in the classroom
  • There is a clear purpose-practicing concepts or skills that have already been taught
  • It can be completed independently
  • Parents, teachers, and students work as partners

The following chart demonstrates the responsibilities of the teachers, parents, and students.

Teacher Parent Student
Provide clear expectations for assignments Understand homework expectations Understand the homework expectations
Plan homework that is meaningful and relates to specific instructional purposes Establish homework routine; provide an appropriate place and materials to complete homework Complete homework assignments to the best of his/her ability
Modify homework based on individual needs of students Provide support as necessary, but ensure student completes the work (Homework should not be a point of conflict) Submit homework on time; this should be a reflection of your best work
Provide feedback; this can occur as written comments, in-class discussions, connections to in-class assignment Let your child’s Teacher know if they are having difficulty with their homework Tell a parent or teacher if you are having trouble understanding the homework

 

Homework Across the Grades

  ELA Math Approximate Total Time

How long should my child spend on homework?

Kindergarten & First
  • Reading
  • Sight words/Sounds/ Letters/writing
  • Math games
Children should spend:
  • K& 1st  : 10-15 Minutes daily
Second & Third
  • Reading
  • Spelling/
  • Word Work
    (optional)
  • Math facts
  • On-line option
  • Unfinished Work
  • 2nd : 20-30 minutes
  • 3rd : 20-30 minutes
  • 4th & 5th 40-45 minutes
Fourth & Fifth
  • Reading
  • Spelling/Word Work/Vocabulary
Math practice

 

(facts /computation)

Occasional learning Project

 

Vaughn Attendance Guidelines

  • COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE- In the State of Washington, school attendance is compulsory for children 8 years and older. The Washington State truancy law, otherwise known as The Becca Bill, requires schools to notify parents and make a plan when there are unexcused absences recorded. The Peninsula School District believes that regular school attendance is necessary for mastery of educational programs provided to students of the District. It is our desire to work with families to ensure compulsory attendance for our students. At Vaughn we believe that students who are on time and attend school regularly will build a foundation for academic and social success. Thank you for your support and cooperation in our efforts to ensure good attendance at Vaughn Elementary School. 

    • When your child is absent, it is important for parents to contact your school’s attendance line. If your school’s office has not heard from a parent by 9:30am on the date of the absence, parents will receive a robocall.  
    • Planned Absence Request Forms must be received one week in advance to the main office to be considered for approval.  Two weeks if the request will be for more than 5 school days.  Forms are available in the main office and on the PSD website.  

    START TIME:

    9:00 a.m. Mon, Tues, Thurs & Friday,  10:00 a.m. on Late Start Wednesdays. If not enrolled in the YMCA program please do not drop off students before 8:50 a.m. or  9:50 a.m. on Wednesday. 

    DISMISSAL TIME:

    3:30 p.m. daily, 12:15 p.m. (After lunch is served) on early dismissal days

    LEAVING EARLY:

    Parents are asked to send a note with their student in the morning if they will be leaving early or if they will be picked up by someone other than a parent or guardian. The office must be notified by phone no later than 2:00 p.m. Students will not be released after 3:00 p.m.

    TARDIES:

    • Excused Tardies: Illness, dental, or medical appointments are considered valid reasons to be tardy.
    • Unexcused Tardies: Oversleeping, traffic, missing the bus, and socializing are examples of unexcused tardies. Please be aware that 5 unexcused tardies are equal to 1 absence.        
    • All Tardies: All late arriving students must be accompanied into the school and signed in at the office.

    ABSENCES:

    • Excused Absence: Illness or bereavement, religious holiday, planned absences with 1 week prior approval by the principal. A call must be made to the attendance line daily to excuse absences.
    • Unexcused Absences: Oversleeping, missing the bus and unapproved planned absences (Vacation).
    • Unverified Absence:  An absence not accompanied by a parent phone call. An unverified absence will convert to an unexcused absence unless the office is notified within 48 hours.  
    Unexcused Absences Action by Vaughn Elementary School
    1st  unexcused absence Phone call, letter mailed home
    2nd  unexcused absence in 30 day period Conference, second letter mailed home
    7th  unexcused absence in one month, or Truancy stay petition filed with court
    15th in one school year Becca Bill Procedures Followed

    If unexcused absences continue a Full Petition with courts will be filed as per the Becca Bill

    Excused Absences Action by Vaughn Elementary School
    5 excused absences in 30 day period Attendance Conference /phone
    5 excused absences Notification Phone Call/Letter
    10 excused absences Attendance Conference/Attendance Contract