Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- Why does my child have to memorize the Small Catechism?
- When should my child arrive at school each morning?
- If my child is absent, when can I get their missed homework?
- If my child missed a test while absent, when will they make up that test?
- May my child receive homework in advance if our family is going on vacation?
Why does my child have to memorize the Small Catechism?
The Religion class for seventh grade is the first year of
Confimation instruction. Lutheran Christians share a common belief in six core
teachings: the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the
Sacrament of Holy Baptism, the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and the Office of
the Keys. Luther's question and answer format provides a way for Lutherans to
understand and recall how God works in the life of his people.
When should my child arrive at school each morning?
Middle school students need to be at school and in their seats NO LATER THAN
8:55 each morning. When students arrive between 8:40 and 8:55 they have the
necessary time to organize their locker and desk for the start of the day.
There is time for them to turn in homework, use the rest room, check in with
the teacher, sign up for lunch, chat with friends, and review for a test or
quiz later that day. In this way, students are prepared and ready for the
challenges of the day and do not have to keep the rest of their classmates
waiting while they scrounge around looking for items or finishing tasks that
could have been done earlier.
If my child is absent, when can I get their missed homework?
1. If your child is absent only for one day, it is not necessary to come in
and get their work that afternoon. Their work will be waiting for them upon
their return the following day.
2. If for some reason, it is absolutely imperative that they have their
missed work that day, then please do not enter the classroom before 9:00.
This is very distracting for the teacher and students. Instead, call the
school office and inform the secretaries that you will need your child's work
by the END of the day. The teacher will send your child's books and papers to
the school office during the last period and you can pick them up from there.
3. Daily homework assignments will be posted on Ms. Westcott's website by
3:30 each day. Students who are absent can check there for all the
information they need.
If my child missed a test while absent, when will they make up that test?
According to school policy, missed tests will be taken ON THE DAY they return
to school. If a student is absent for an extended period of time, the
teacher(s) of your child will make special arrangements for test make up.
May my child receive homework in advance if our family is going on vacation?
Messiah strongly encourages families to make their vacation plans during
scheduled breaks on the school calendar. When students are away for a week at
a time, they don't just miss the "paperwork" of skill practice, but the
in-class explanation and often elaboration that is just not found in a text or
on the worksheet.
According to school policy, homework for the missed days of a vacation will
not be provided by the teachers ahead of time. Students will receive all of
their missed paperwork and reading assignments upon their return to school.
They will be given one calendar day for each day absent to complete and turn
in work.