Back

        Homework is considered to be an integral part of the instructional program.  Assignments shall be in accordance with guidelines and procedures approved by the school committee. Homework should be a top priority in the planning of after-school activities.  If the child reaches a point of frustration, s/he should stop the homework for the night.  We expect a note from the parent in this type of situation. At grades K-2, homework assignments will be flexible.  Grades 3-5 will be assigned homework Monday through Thursday. Long-term projects may necessitate work that extends into some weekends. It is the obligation of the parent to provide an appropriate setting, environment, and time for his/her child to meet his/her homework responsibilities.  An appropriate setting or environment includes a quiet space, no television or radio or interfering activities, etc. 

Click on the links below for more information

General:  Homework will be given to teach the responsibility of completing an assignment, to reinforce skills learned in the various subject matter areas, and to enrich the school program.  Homework may be a one-night assignment or a long-term assignment such as a social studies project or a book review.  Parents are urged to understand what the child is assigned and to have the student verbalize and explain what s/he is doing.

Back to Top

Specific guidelines: 

1.        Homework should be given to reinforce specific skills or concepts.

2.        Homework should be given to stimulate the creative and investigative needs of

a student.

3.        Homework should be explained carefully by the teacher, often accompanied by written directions with an example, if possible, so that the student understands exactly what is to be accomplished.

4.        The returning of homework in a timely fashion and in a correct manner is a major goal of the policy.  Contact with the home or the issuance of progress reports would be appropriate action for repeated failure to turn in assignments.

5.        The student is responsible for completing the homework carefully and legibly. 

Parents should check for legibility and to be sure that the assignment has been followed.  Depending on the nature of the assignment, the teacher is responsible for returning it within a reasonable time period.

Back to Top

Length of Assignments:  As the students progress through the MPS System, it will be expected that they will complete homework assignments according to age-appropriate standards and levels of ability.  The MPS System expects students to extend their in-school learning experiences through a variety of home assignments.  These homework activities progress from informal assignments in kindergarten to more formal assignments as the students move through the grades.  Students may have assignments nightly, weekly, or as long-term integrated projects.  Under the aforementioned limitations and guidelines, the daily allocations of time for homework assignments are as follows:                                                           

 *MPS School Committee Policy

Back to Top

GRADE LEVEL HOMEWORK INFORMATION

KINDERGARTEN (occasionally) 

Homework is not given on a regular basis, but parents are strongly encouraged to READ to their children daily and to reinforce any concepts on which they are working.  Occasionally, family projects are requested.  Absentees are asked to do missed class work for homework.            

GRADE ONE (10 minutes) 

Take-home books (pre-read in school) are sent home weekly with students to be shared with the family.  A weekly theme-related paper-pencil activity is also sent home to be shared with the family.  Parents are encouraged to READ nightly with/to their first graders.

GRADE TWO (20 minutes) 

Assignments will vary in nature among math, language arts (reading or spelling), social studies, and science.  There will also be occasional “at home” family projects assigned.  If there is no assigned homework for a given evening, children are expected to READ and/or have a parent or other sibling read to them.

GRADE THREE (30 minutes) 

Each child is expected to read at least 30 minutes each night.  Fifteen-minute assignments will be given in one or two other subject areas.  Some variation in assignments is to be expected on occasion.  Additionally, book reports, social studies and/or science projects will also be assigned at certain times throughout the year.

GRADE FOUR (40 minutes) 

Assignments will be given in different subject areas nightly and should require at least 40 minutes.  If a child finishes his/her homework early, s/he is expected to READ for the remaining portion of the 40-minute time period.

GRADE FIVE (50 minutes) 

Assignments will total 50 minutes minimum in social studies, math, science, and language arts.  Special projects each month may carry over through weekends or vacations.

Students with Special Needs:

Homework for special needs students should be commensurate with their strengths and needs as defined within the goals of their individual educational plans.

(A complete copy of School Committee Policy SS08 may be obtained from the school office.)
Back to Top