Expectations

A homework contract is an agreement between a student/his or her parent(s) and the teacher that clearly outlines what each will do to ensure that out-of-school assignments are completed accurately and on time. Contracts outline rewards that will be given to students for completing assignments and consequences for not doing the work.
 * Hallett Fundamental Academy 5th Grade Student/Parent Homework Contract **
 * What is a ****// homework contract //**** ? **

Homework is an essential part of the learning process. Concepts taught at school are reinforced through homework. Students learn life skills such as time management, independence, organization, and responsibility by being held accountable for assignments. Some students, however, need assistance in getting motivated to tackle homework tasks. Homework contracts can help students get on track. Contracts also help students develop positive homework habits // before // problems arise.
 * Why should students have a homework contract? **

Many parents have said, “When my child gets a lot of homework, I get a lot of homework!” This should not be the case. Even though there are items in the homework contract that parents promise to do, they should be supervisory in nature, for example, making sure the student adheres to the set “homework time” each day. Although parents should support their children and enforce homework rules, assisting the child when help is needed, they should ** not ** be responsible for doing the assignments. ** OVERCOMING HOMEWORK BARRIERS: TIPS FOR PARENTS **
 * Whose homework is it, anyway? **
 * PROBLEM: ** The student completes the homework, but it is often sloppy and full of mistakes.
 * POSSIBLE SOLUTION: ** Parents make certain that their student does not rush and that the student spends time checking his/her own work. Parents can get students into the habit of proofreading. In one technique, the parent looks over the assignment then says to the student, “I have found two spelling mistakes on this page. Let’s see if you can find them.” Parents please make sure that not only do the students check their work but you take the time out to look over it as well.

returning from school. It is harder for many children to do homework once they are in “relaxation mode.” If a student attends an after school program, parents should check with the program’s director to see if there is a set time and place for studying.
 * PROBLEM: ** The student puts off doing homework until the last minute, so there is not enough time to complete the assignment or the student is too tired to concentrate.
 * POSSIBLE SOLUTION: ** An earlier homework time will likely be beneficial, for example, immediately after


 * PROBLEM: ** The student has many scheduled after school activities and is too busy to complete assignments.
 * POSSIBLE SOLUTION: ** Parents recognize that time management is an acquired skill, and it may not be possible to do everything. Students must prioritize their activities with **school work being their first priority** ** . **

does not understand how to do an assignment, parents and teachers need to address the student’s academic needs. It is helpful for parents to be available during the scheduled homework time, or at some time later that day, to provide encouragement. It is recommended that parents ask students about their assignments, make sure the student comprehends the tasks, and when possible, supervise the student through the first few parts of the assignment. Parents should not, however, do the assignment for the students.
 * PROBLEM: ** The student frequently gets stuck on difficult problems or does not understand the material.
 * POSSIBLE SOLUTION: ** The purpose of homework is to reinforce skills already learned at school. If the student

Student:___________________________
 * This homework contract is an agreement from: **

**STUDENT SECTION: ** I promise to complete my homework every day and return it to my teacher **__EVERY FRIDAY__** on time. // (Student checks all the steps she/he will take to make sure his/her homework gets finished.) // *After so many missed homework assignments students grades will be affected which will result in a **mandatory** phone call or in person conference.
 * I will write down homework assignments in my notebook, or on my homework planner form, every day.
 * I will call a friend if I am missing any of my assignments.
 * I will bring all of my homework assignments, and materials needed to do the work, home from school.
 * I will start my homework at this time every day:____________ OR...
 * I will keep this homework schedule each week:
 * MONDAY: ** from ________to________ (write in times)
 * TUESDAY: ** from____________to ___________
 * WEDNESDAY: ** from_________to__________
 * THURSDAY: ** from________to________
 * I will spend at least________ minutes doing homework every day.
 * I will not watch TV, listen to loud music, surf the internet (other than to do research for homework), or talk on the phone during homework time.
 * I will try to solve all homework problems on my own. I will ask my parents or other adults for help **only when I have tried everything to figure out the answer.**
 * If I do not have any homework, I will spend the time reading.
 * I will remember to pack my completed homework packet in my binder and backpack every night.
 * I understand that if I DO NOT turn in my homework COMPLETE or in a satisfactory manner the following consequences will apply:
 * 1) I will get a phone call home and given a chance to complete my homework over the weekend and turn it in on Monday.
 * 2) If I do not turn in my homework the following Monday I will have to stay in for recess detention (during recess) every day until my homework is complete.


 * Student’s signature: **______________________________ **Date: **_____________________________

Parent:___________________________ Child:____________________________ ** PARENT SECTION: ** I (we) promise to work with our child to make sure his/her homework assignments are completed and returned to the teacher on time. // (Parents check all that they will do to help their child.) //
 * This homework contract is an agreement from: **

*After so many missed homework assignments student’s grades will be affected which will result in a **mandatory** phone call or in person conference.
 * I will make sure that my child has a well-lit, quiet area in the home to do his/her homework.
 * I will make sure that my child has a block of time available each day for doing homework.
 * I will check my child’s homework cover page (provided by both teachers), every day.
 * I will contact my child’s teacher if I have questions or concerns about my child’s homework.
 * I will make sure my child has all of the supplies needed to do homework.
 * I will **NOT** do my child’s homework for him/her, but I **WILL** offer guidance and encouragement. I will help by quizzing my child and showing him/her how to find answers when s/he is stuck. I will encourage my child to check over his/her own work **BEFORE** I check his/her work. (Ms. Hamilton will provide the answers to the math homework for every assignment. I understand that the answers are for my eyes ONLY!)
 * I will sign my child’s reading log every night (provided by Mrs. McDermott). I will also sign both homework cover pages EVERY Friday verifying that my child’s homework is complete and that I have checked it. I will follow through and support the consequences (listed below) if my child breaks his/her promises in this homework contract.
 * I understand that if my child DOES NOT turn in his/her homework COMPLETE or in a satisfactory manner the following consequences will apply:
 * 1) He/she will get a phone call home and given a chance to complete his/her homework over the weekend and turn it in on Monday.
 * 2) If your child does not turn in their homework the following Monday he/she will have to stay in for recess detention (during recess) every day until his/her homework is complete.


 * Parent’s signature: **______________________________ **Date: **_____________________________