Click the banner to return to the Holzshu site.

The Agenda: All students were given an agenda on the first day of school. Replacements are available at the office. Assignments are to be written in the agenda. Students are expected to:

• Write neatly so parents can easily read all assignments
• Math and History assignments for the week are displayed every Monday.
• Make changes as necessary to keep the agenda an accurate list of assignments.
• Bring their agendas home EVERY day so parents can see the day’s assignments.

The Notebook: Notebooks are where a student keeps their assignments, notes, school supplies, and other items of importance. We recommend:

• Create a folder where undone homework is stored. Also, create a different folder where homework to be handed in is stored.
• Use plastic sheet protectors to keep important class notes that might otherwise get ripped and fall out of the notebook.
• Take care to store returned papers and tests/quizzes in a place that doesn’t create a clutter. Old homework is an excellent study tool, but once we’ve moved beyond that unit, put it someplace at home or discard papers that aren’t important.
• Get a pencil box or plastic pencil holder. Always have extra pens/pencils. Highlighters are often used and area good investment.
• Having an adequate paper supply is good, too much is burdensome. Carry a usable amount and keep the rest in an easy-to-find location.
• Homeroom is an excellent opportunity for students to keep their notebooks and desks clean. Organized students are much more likely to succeed than disorganized students.

Day of the test: Tests determine 50% of your child’s grade, so it is important that all students live up to their potential on test day. Research has shown:

• Get a good night’s sleep and a eat a good breakfast.
• Always check your test as many times as possible before turning it in for final submission. Time is rarely a factor, so it pays to be careful and search for simple mistakes.
• Don’t spend too much time on a question, if you don’t know an answer, skip it and come back to it. DON’T FORGET TO COME BACK:)
• Read directions carefully and look at all possible answers before selecting an answer.
• When answering essay questions, be neat and plan what you want to say before writing. When you begin, be neat. If possible, use an erasable pen to write your answers. Use as many important details as you know.
• Ask questions if you don’t know what a question is asking.

Homework: Homework is designed to reinforce important ideas taught during class. For homework to be the most useful, take your time and do it right. If it’s not worth doing right, it’s not worth doing at all. Remember:

• Be sure to answer all parts of a homework question.
• Review your homework for any mistakes and make sure your answers make sense to you.
• Highlight/underline important information (the diamonds in the coal).
• If a student is struggling in a subject, it may help to journal about homework assignments. Ask what the main points of the assignment were and how you can see it in your daily life (make personal connections). Illustrating key ideas have also been shown to be useful. The intent is to internalize information through writing.

Extra Credit isn’t Extra: When extra credit is offered, consider it as assigned work. Don’t procrastinate and don’t rush through it. You should always try to connect extra credit concepts with the concepts that are being taught in class.

Homework at home: Homework completed in homeroom, on the bus, or at lunch isn’t as beneficial as spending quality time learning the concepts intended.

• Try to adhere to a schedule where homework is done at the same time.
• Keep necessary school supplies near your homework area. Don’t waste time looking for scissors, a pen, etc.
• Your study area should be quiet and free of distractions. Keep away from phone calls, stereo, or the TV.
• Make sure your homework gets put in your done homework folder and put in your backpack. There are two parts of homework, doing it and bringing it, bringing it is supposed to be the easy part.
• Have a study buddy’s phone number or e-mail in case you have any questions. It’s important a friend tell you where an answer can be found, not WHAT the answer is.

Closing Thoughts: Some points to keep in mind include:

• Research has shown being involved in school activities can help students’ grades. Don’t get them too busy that they sink, but encourage them to keep to a schedule.
• To be good at school, you must be.....at school. If a student is absent, it’s important they get caught up as quickly as possible. When students are attending school for six hours and then have homework, to stay caught up can be a challenge if frequently absent.
• There will be nights when it is challenging to get everything accomplished. The only place "Good Grades" comes before "Hard Work" is in the dictionary. Remember to use good study skills and frequent communication with teachers.
• Always encourage recreational reading. Good readers are very often good students. The more we can foster a reading attitude the more successful a student will be. Books make great gifts!