Purpose of homework
Homework should be a meaningful experience, designed to develop independent work habits that will assist students during their years of study. Students need to learn to organize their work and budget their time, both daily and long-range assignments. One important aspect of homework at this level is to instill in a student the idea that homework doesn’t always have to be written. Studying spelling words, reading independently, studying for tests, doing a science project, etc. all qualify as “homework.” Homework should be seen as a reinforcement of skills learned at school, a way of practice or possible remediation, and an opportunity to complete unfinished class assignments. Homework should provide a means of communication between the home and the school and an opportunity for parents to become involved in their child’s education.
Individual abilities, development of study habits, and efficiency of time will be contributing factors in determining how long a student will spend on any given task. Therefore, additional time may be required for mastery of math facts, spelling and independent reading in grades 1 through 5.
Expectations by grade
Kindergarten
Up to 30 minutes of homework may be expected each week. In addition, all parents are encouraged to read every day with their children.
Grade 1
Up to 60 minutes of homework may be expected each week. In addition, all parents will need to read every day with their children. Children in the remedial reading and/or resource room programs are given further practice sessions of about 15-30 minutes a night.
Grade 2
Up to 2 hours of homework may be expected each week. This does not include independent reading, nor the practice of math facts and the like. Children in the remedial reading and/or resource room programs are given further practice sessions of about 15-30 minutes a night. In addition, all parents are encouraged to read every day with their children.
Grade 3
Up to 3 hours of homework may be expected each week. This does not include independent reading, nor the practice of math facts and the like. In addition, students are expected to complete work not finished in class. Children who receive remedial reading and/or resource room assistance may receive further work or practice. In addition, all children are encouraged to read each day for recreation. This may include books, magazines, and/or newspapers.
Grade 4
Up to 4 hours of homework may be expected each week. This does not include independent reading, nor the practice of math facts and the like. In addition, students are expected to complete work not finished in class. Children who receive remedial reading and/or resource room assistance may receive further work or practice. All children are encouraged to read each day for recreation. This may include books, magazines, and/or newspapers.
Grade 5
Up to 4 hours of homework may be expected each week. This does not include independent reading, nor the practice of math facts and the like. In addition, students are expected to complete work not finished in class. Children who receive remedial reading and/or resource room assistance may receive further work or practice. All children are encouraged to read each day for recreation. This may include books, magazines, and/or newspapers.
Requesting assignments for students who are ill
If your child is absent from school and you feel that he or she is capable of working on assignments during an illness, you may request work. By 9 a.m., please call the office and indicate if the work is to be sent home with another child, or if you plan to pick it up yourself by 3:30 p.m. The teachers will do their best to accommodate you. Please remind your children to bring their books back when they return to school.
Assignments for students on trips
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake discourages the practice of taking children out of school for an extended period of time. We believe that children learn best in the classroom along with their peers. The school calendar allows many opportunities for families to arrange trips and activities so that normal school days need not be missed. Absences to attend a family vacation while school is in session are illegal under Education Law. Homework will not be provided in advance to students in these situations. Teachers will maintain a file of homework for students to complete when they return to school.