October 2007 

Dear Parents/Guardians, 

Have the homework blues hit you yet? I am sure you have dealt with this issue over the years. What to do when my child is out sick? How do I get their assignments? their books? How do I make sure they understand a new concept that was taught in class when they were out? How do they finish both class work and homework when they were too sick to go to school? What time do I come to pick up assignments and books? 

From the office and teachers’ perspective handling numerous phone calls or walk-ins for homework detracts from other office business. There is confusion about where to send the books? to the office? the homework shelf downstairs? home with a friend or sibling? How can the assignment be communicated in detail? The student needs to be here for clarification or questions about the assignment. Or the student can not do the homework assignment without first being here for the lesson. 

Let’s simplify this. Unless your child had an appointment that could not be scheduled outside of school hours, you kept them home because they were either contagious or they were too sick to come to school. How can they then be expected to complete both class and home assignments when they are sick? They can not! 

When your child is not in school we offer these guidelines for completing assignments:

• Books will not be sent home from the office or left in another location for pick-up.

• When your child returns to school their teachers will determine what assignments need to be completed and will allow for extra time to complete them. Usually one day absent equals one extra day, etc.

• You can access your child’s assignments on-line. Teachers will utilize School Notes more consistently and will post assignments. After the first quarter report card we will also make our Student Information System available to parents so that you can access both grades and assignments. Posting of information may vary according to grade, also please understand that this process will be new for all of us and we will need some time to work out the glitches.

• Calling a classmate is also an acceptable method of retrieving assignments.

• If you were able to retrieve assignments but your child does not have the books they need – no problem. They will get them when they return to school and complete the work as determined by the teacher.

• If a student will be out for an extended period of time we will make arrangements with you to get all the necessary books home. Please call the office.

In other words, this is your principal speaking- “It is okay not to do homework when you are sick! We’ll see you in school when you are feeling better.”

Sincerely

Maureen Harten

Principal.