Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- Why are children expected to keep a planner?
- What is the achievement code?
- What are effort marks?
- When are conferences scheduled?
- What do I do when my child is absent from school?
- How do I arrange for early dismissal?
- What is the homework policy?
- How can I help my child be a better reader?
- What do I do if my child forgets a book at school?
- What do I do if we are going on vacation?
Why are children expected to keep a planner?
Every child should keep a planner for the purpose of recording
assignments and items to be remembered. The planner should be
with your child at all times so he/she can copy the class
assignments directly from the "homework board" in each
class. Even though homework assignments are usually put on the
web page, students are still expected to put the work in their
planner. The web page is to help parents keep track of
assignment.
Every teacher lists the work on the board. If no
work is give the student should write the word "none"
next to the name of the subject. All assignments should be
checked off when finished. The planner is the student's
responsibility. Parents may see everything is completed by
referring to them and having the child show what they did in
preparing for school.
What is the achievement code?
A+ = 100; 99; 98
A = 97; 96; 95
A- = 94; 93; 92
B+ = 91; 90; 89
B = 88; 87; 86
B- = 85; 84; 83
C+ = 82; 81; 80
C = 79; 78; 77
C- = 76; 75; 74
D+ = 73; 72; 71
D = 70; 69; 68
D- = 67; 66; 65
F = Below 65
O = Oral explanation is needed
NA = Not Applicable
Mathematics and science are graded using a checklist system.
What are effort marks?
Number grades are given to indicate extent of effort, according
to ability shown by a student and the attitude and habits of the
student.
1 - Excellent
2 - Above Average
3 - Average
4 - Below Average
5 - Unsatisfactory
6 - Improving
When are conferences scheduled?
Conferences are scheduled as needed and after the 1st and 3rd
marking periods.
What do I do when my child is absent from school?
In case of absence, your child is expected to make up work
missed. After TWO missed days, you can call the school early in
the day so we will have the work ready for pick-up in the office
by 3:00 p.m. or have a classmate bring the work home.
How do I arrange for early dismissal?
When you need to pick up your child before regular dismissal, a
note MUST be sent to his/her teacher. The note must include the
name of the child, the name of the person picking up the child,
the child�s homeroom teacher, and the time the child will be
picked up. Schools are required by law to release students only
to their custodial parents or legal guardians unless otherwise
stated in the note. ALL PARENTS MUST REPORT TO THE OFFICE FOR
THEIR CHILDREN.
What is the homework policy?
The purpose of homework assignments is to review and reinforce
skills presented during class. Students will not be trying to
learn a new skill on their own.Assignments are listed on the
board and should be copied in the planner. We suggest that
parents look over their child's homework including the work
your child says he/she finished in school.
An incomplete or missing assignment will result in loss of
classroom privileges. Three missed assignments in any subject
will result in a loss of points, and a notation on the report
card.
How can I help my child be a better reader?
To help your child a better reader, I offer these suggestions:
1) Your child should read orally for ten to fifteen minutes
nightly.
2) Silent reading is extremely important. A set block of time
should be
established for this activity.
3) Word games such as Boggle and Scrabble help increase your
child's
vocabulary, and are helpful in reinforcing spelling and phonics
skills.
What do I do if my child forgets a book at school?
The Dallas Library has copies of most of the textbooks used by
the Dallas School District.
What do I do if we are going on vacation?
The office should be notified as soon as possible, and an
education plan should be approved at least two weeks before the
scheduled absences. No advance work will be sent home, as per
school policy. However, if you take your math books,
grammar and science books along, you can check homework
on our class web page.