Parent and Student Handbook - Ada Merritt K-8 Center - Miami ...

LIBRARY/MULTIMEDIA CENTERChildren in all grades are permitted to check books out of the library during school hours withthe permission of their teacher. Lost or damaged books must be paid for accordingly. Weencourage our students to be responsible citizens and return books on time. Remember nofood or drinks are allowed in the Media Center.LOST AND FOUNDStudents should take any found items to the school office. If you lose something, please checkin the office to claim your possession. Mark all personal items brought to school with thestudent's name for easy identification. Unclaimed articles are donated to needy organizationstwice a year (December and June).HOME LEARNINGHome learning is an integral factor in fostering the academic achievement of students. Regularhomelearning provides the opportunity for developmental practice, drill, the application of skillsalready learned the development of independent study skills, enrichment activities and selfdiscipline. Homelearning should provide reinforcement and extension of class instruction andshould serve as a basis for further study and preparation for future class assignments.Reading is recognized as a universal skill that relates to all subjects. Therefore, when specifichomework assignments are not given, or, when the homework assignment is completed in anexpeditious manner, every student must read, minimally, for the amount of time specified in theBoard Rule. Further, the District’s Comprehensive Reading Plan requires 30 minutes of readinghomework each evening of students in all grade levels.In the event a student is absent, teachers are required to provide students with make-upassignments once the absence has been excused; however, it is the responsibility of thestudent to request the assignments from the teacher(s).Students will be responsible for:1. Completing assigned home learning as directed;2. Returning homelearning assignments to the teacher by the designated time;3. Submitting homelearning assignments which reflect careful attention to detail and quality ofwork;4. Obtaining parent’s initials next to the written assignment in the Agenda Book; and5. Devoting at least 30 minutes to reading as part of the homelearning assignments.Parent’s responsibilities include:1. Providing continued interest and concern for the child’s successful performance in schoolthrough encouraging and supporting the child in his/her performance of homelearningassignments;2. Indicating an interest in assignments and assisting, if possible, when requested by the child,but not to include performing the work for the child;3. Supporting the school with regard to assigned homelearning;4. Requesting assignments for students when short term absences are involved;5. Signing or initialing the daily assignment in the Agenda Book;6. Assisting the school in stressing the importance of reading and its benefits; and7. Assuring that students read for a period of at least 30 minutes each day in addition to anyother assigned homelearning.It is understood that it is not the parent’s responsibility to give a great deal of assistance to thestudent in completing homelearning assignments. Parents or other family members, however,should make every effort to read to students who cannot read on their own during the assignedhomework period. Due to the nature of the program at Ada Merritt K-8 Center, increasedhome learning time is to be expected.- 30 -