Philosophy of Homework
I believe the purpose of homework is for the practice and retention of skills in core subjects. The subjects of language arts—Reading, English, and Spelling—fit that description. The school day alone does not provide ample time for students to perfect those skills taught in the classroom. The responsibility and discipline required to complete assigned homework prepares students for their future academic and career life. Also, it is my belief that homework gives parent and child a chance to share time and dialogue together, thus strengthening their relationship and helping the parent stay in touch with what the student is doing in school. I give homework in one or all subjects most days. Homework is due the day after it is given or the next day that class is held. Points are deducted on late papers, unless the student has been absent due to illness.

Grading Policy
I use points rather than percentages for grading purposes. I have found it to be a better method, especially for short quizzes, group activities, or projects. Our computerized grading system calculates the percentage grade as it appears on the parent portal. Most all reading assignments are completed in the reading logs. I usually correct them on Tuesday and Wednesday, so students are expected to have them in the designated bin on those days. If a log is missing or turned in late, there is no guarantee the points will be entered into the computer for that week.

I use the points students earn on Accelerated Reader tests as a 100-point test grade in reading, and this is calculated at the end of the quarter. The points earned are applied to a grading scale that begins at 67%. Copies of this are available at the school.

I correct all tests, usually within the same week they are given. Writing assignments or large projects take longer to assess and may not be returned that soon. Students correct their own paper or a classmate’s paper on daily assignments. The papers are then turned in to me for final grading. Students may retake tests or quizzes for a better grade. This retake must be completed within one week. I post grades to the Parent Portal once each week, usually on Thursday afternoon.

I do not give extra credit assignments. If students do their best on assigned work and turn it in on time, they should have passing grades. Since the students all have two classes—Reading and English/Spelling—with me each day and usually have assignments in one or more of those classes, neither they nor I have time to expend on extra-credit assignments. I give bonus points on some quizzes, tests and daily assignments.

Schedule
Reading class is held every day of the week. Most weeks, Wednesdays are designated as Accelerated Reading (AR) days.

Spelling class is held 3 days of the week—Monday, the assignment is given; Wednesday, the assignment is due; Friday, the final test is given. Exceptions to this are shortened weeks, and parents are usually informed of this in the weekly communication.

English class is held every day. Grammar is taught Monday, Wednesday and Friday following Spelling. Tuesdays and Thursdays are Writing Workshop days. Again, an exception to this schedule would be a shortened week.

See Middle School Class Schedule.

Contact Information
If you have a question or concern, please call me at school (495-4183) between 7:50 and 8:10 a.m. or 3:30 and 4:00 p.m. You can also e-mail me at wanda.swenson@k12.sd.us. If you call me at home, I am willing to visit, but I may not have my grading and assignment information with me.