September 9: Homework Debate

T he homework debate is ongoing here at Highlands as it is around the country. Due to the recent films 

Race to Nowhere,   Most Likely to Succeed  and the research they have offered, we have been in conversations about what is appropriate and "best" for student learning and achievement. Some families enjoy homework and are lost without the weekly/nightly homework requirements, while others face the nightly horrors of the homework showdown and temper tantrums. Edina Public School Board policy 610 describes what Edina's expectations are for homework. These baseline requirements are: ten minutes in kindergarten, building by ten minutes per grade level, which ends with fifth graders at sixty minutes per night. A district homework study will be happening this school year to make needed updates to this policy. Highlands is working within this policy to support learning in a meaningful, continuous and ongoing manner. Here's what current research says:

• In general, homework has substantial benefits at the high school level, with decreased benefits for middle school students and little benefit for elementary students (Cooper, 1989; Cooper et al., 2006).
• While assigning homework may have academic benefits, it can also cut into important personal and family time (Cooper et al., 2006).
• Assigning too much homework can result in poor performance (Fernández-Alonso et al., 2015).
• A student's ability to complete homework may depend on factors that are outside their control (Cooper et al., 2006; OECD, 2014; Eren & Henderson, 2011).
• The goal shouldn't be to eliminate homework, but to make it authentic, meaningful, and engaging (Darling-Hammond & Ifill-Lynch, 2006).

As educators, understanding that the learning and work does not always end at 3:50 or begin at 9:20, we are asking for a partnership in the learning with families.

What does being in partnership mean? It means that sometimes your child might have some work completion or practice work at home because he/she needs to do a little extra. The teacher may also need to partner with you to make sure your student is getting everything he/she needs to reach their goals, which could look like practice work at home. In addition, the student may be exploring and learning about something at home that he/she read or found and decides to bring that to school to continue the exploration. We all want to support and help learning grow.  I believe this quotation from the article Research Trends: Why Homework Should Be Balanced. explains my idea of partnership: "Well-designed homework not only strengthens student learning, it also provides ways to create connections between a student's family and school. Homework offers parents insight into what their children are learning, provides opportunities to talk with children about their learning, and helps create conversations with school communities about ways to support student learning" (Walker et al., 2004). The home and school partnership allows a child to learn and grow to reach their goals and feel supported. We are excited to build this learning partnership with you this year. Please me know if you have any questions or concerns.

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/research-trends-is-homework-effective-youki-terada

Welcome Highlands Ambassadors! 

These student leaders will be assisting us this year to keep Highlands thriving. These students will be taking a look at how to keep advancing recess, lunch, the carnival, the media center and more... We can't wait to see all of their fabulous idea come to life!

Important Update:

 

CP and Discovery Information Night has been changed. 

It is now September 20th 6-8 PM.

Please make the change on your calendars.  Thanks!

Upcoming Event:

Dinner and Discussion! October 25, 2016 5:30-7PM HL Media center

Speak up Against Bias ;

Microaggressions and how to talk about difficult  racial issues and current events with kids! 

Lunch and recess:

I want to make sure everyone understands the basics of lunch. All students eat lunch with their grade level or CP hallways (Lisa/Michael, Jamie/Jackie and Kendal/Zach, Deb/Wally). Kids eat for 15 min. minimum. Then they are allowed to leave for recess but if they need more time to eat students are allowed to take as much time as needed to feel full. Students are asked to clean up their table space when they leave by clearing the tray, disposing of trash appropriately and wiping the table space if it is messy. Please be in touch if you have any questions or concerns.

Pick up Procedures:

It is very important to understand that the same pick up procedures for the afternoon pertain to the morning drop off. You can not park in the carpool area. You must park in the front of the building and walk inside if you need to speak to the office or a teacher. 

Here is the 2016/2017 video explaining our pick up procedures. There are some changes so even if you are a veteran of Highlands please take 3 min. to update yourself and anyone who may be picking up your child.

Car Line Procedure Video for Parents

What Emoji are YOU?

2016-17 Beyond ECFE 

Parenting Classes

Week of September 12th - 16th

Monday 12th

Running Club                 8:30 - 9:10  Field

Back to School Picnic Anderson Hopkins

6:30 - 7:30 Field

Tuesday 13th 

Running Club                 8:30 - 9:10  Field

Tour Guide Training                  3:00 Rm 9

School Patrol Training -Required  3:15   Rm 32

Wednesday 14th

Running Club             8:30 - 9:10      Field

PTO Exc Meeting           9:30-11:00  Staff Lounge

Thursday 15th

Running Club             8:30 - 9:10      Field

Friday 16th

Running Club             8:30 - 9:10      Field