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Welcome to the 4th Grade! As you are aware, the 4th grade strictly enforces the Hales Corners Elementary Code of Conduct in order to keep all students safe. In addition, homework is an important element in developing good study habits and practicing concepts that have been taught in the classroom. Below you will find the rules of the Code of Conduct, as well as our homework policy and ways that you can assist your child.
The Code of Conduct
Hales Corners Elementary has a school-wide Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct rules are:
- Be kind and respectful to yourself and others.
- Work and play safely.
- Listen politely and follow directions.
- Treat all property with care.
- Use appropriate language.
- Take responsibility for your own work and behavior.
All fourth graders who successfully follow the Code of Conduct earn a weekly reward which we call "Extra Recess." On Friday afternoons, these students have an extra 15 minutes of recess.
If and when a student breaks a Code of Conduct rule, he/she is given a "Conduct Slip." On the Conduct Slip, the child will reflect on the Code of Conduct and which rule was broken. He/she will identify the problem that contributed to the choice of breaking the rule and then think of a solution to that problem. When a student receives a Conduct Slip, he/she will stay inside during the "Extra Recess" time and set a goal for him/herself.
Homework Help
Each day before dismissal, we review what homework is due the following day. Your child should be recording all homework in his/her assignment notebook and gathering the appropriate materials to take home. We assign approximately 45 minutes to an hour of homework each night. There are a couple of assignments that need to be done almost every night. They are:
- Read or write for 20 minutes each night.
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Study the weekly spelling list. Tests are on Fridays.
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Practice the basic math facts.
Students that complete all homework each month are rewarded by having his/her picture displayed on the "Fourth Grade Homework Hall of Fame."
Students that do not complete their homework are given a "Homework Slip." The slip is intended to be a means of communication between the student, parent, and teacher. The slip is filled out by the student and includes which assignment is late and the reason why. It is then sent home to be signed by the parent and returned to me by the following day along with the completed work. Three homework slips accrued in one week will result in a Conduct Slip.
Homework- How involved should you be?
It is no secret that children - and many parents - dread the thought of homework. While students are responsible for homework, parents also play an important role in helping children develop good homework habits.
Here are a few tips to avoid homework nightmares.
Make homework a non-negotiable issue. Make it clear to your child that completing assignments is not an option, but a requirement. You may want to require that all homework be finished before soccer and dance lessons, TV watching, and playing with friends.
Help your child develop a healthy homework routine. Fourth graders at HCE typically get between 45 minutes to an hour of homework per night. Make sure that your child is setting enough time aside.
Provide a good environment for doing homework. Children need to concentrate during homework time. This is not a time to chat. Get down to business in a quiet place that is free from distraction.
Offer support, but not too much. The homework your child is given was discussed before it was brought home. Your child may have even had time to start the homework. Homework is meant to strengthen your child's abilities. Help him/her to discover the answers - don't give them the answers. Instead of telling him/her what a word means, have your child use the glossary, index, or a dictionary to look the word up.
Prevent your child from becoming over-committed. If sports and other activities are part of your daily life, make sure you are aware of how much time is involved for these extracurricular activities. Reserve time for homework and plenty of sleep. These are wonderful activities, but do not overbook your child. Your child's routine should provide a sense of balance.
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