Welcome back to our returning families and welcome to those that are new to the Village Elementary community. We hope your children are off to a great start this year and that they are enjoying school.
The beginning of a new year brings a mix of emotions for students and families. It also brings possibilities and opportunities with the months that lie ahead. With the outset of the year upon us, I would like to take time to talk about how parents and families can be partners in the success of our students.
- Make time for reading. Reading should be a priority in any child’s day-to-day life. When children are younger, they rely upon their family to read to them until they are ready to read to adults. Once they can read to an adult, they should be given time for this while also still having an adult read to them every day as well. Families can continue this routine as children become stronger readers by delving into chapter books to enjoy together. In fact, we’ll do this as a whole school community later this year through our One School, One Book program!
- Keep in touch. Families are busy, without a doubt. Teachers here at Village Elementary communicate with families in many ways. Make time to review this information, reach out when you have questions, and share when something unique in your child’s life may be happening. Don’t forget to follow the Principal’s Blog for updates throughout the year, too!
- Get involved. There are a number of ways to be involved here at Village Elementary. VEPTO, our parent-teacher organization, meets monthly and does much to support the work of our students and staff. There are ways to volunteer that are possible even for working families. Even a small amount of time can make a big difference.
District Homework Policy Updated
With the start of a new school year, I would like to take time to share that the District’s Homework Policy has been updated. Over the course of the 2016-2017 school year, our District Improvement Team (DIT) studied research that has emerged regarding homework since the policy was last updated a number of years ago. By engaging this group, the district was able to consider homework from multiple perspectives in light of the research, as DIT includes parents, community members, teachers, administrators, and Board of Education members.
Following the year-long study, DIT made recommendations to the Board of Education which were adopted in approving a revised district’s revised homework policy. While the full policy can be found on the district’s website, the following reflects some of the key points embedded within this document:
- In general, homework should not exceed in total ten minutes per grade level per night. For example, a fifth grade student should have no more than 50 minutes nightly; a tenth grade student should have no more than 100 minutes.
- Teachers assign homework that students can complete independently.
- Student are able work on the homework independently and complete homework in a timely manner.
- Parents/Guardians assume the role of the facilitator.
- Parents/Guardians provide a place at home for students to do homework.
- Parents/Guardians and/or students communicate to teacher(s) when students need additional homework support.
Should you have questions or need additional information, please contact your child’s teacher(s).
Thank you for all that you do to work as a partner in the success of your children. I’m looking forward to another outstanding year!
Dr. Rudd, Principal
