The homework battle is an ongoing one in the world of education. Research shows conflicting arguments that are in favor of more homework and others that are in favor of less homework. While this debate has been ongoing for decades, research is clear about identifying that more homework does not equal academic rigor and that quality of homework matters more than quantity of homework.

 

At Shepherd, we value homework as a teaching tool to practice class material. Its purpose is to promote mastery of specific course objectives. It is also our intent to develop study skills and life-long learner habits. Homework should be assignments that the student is capable of completing on their own as the instruction has already been given in class. While we ask that parents be supportive of a student completing their homework, it should not require their assistance. Homework may or may not be assigned every night. Your child has often been very involved in learning all day long and may need the mental break to reach better performance long term.

 

As stated above, research has been unable to prove that homework is an indicator of academic rigor. While we value the above reasons for homework, we would rather you spend your time doing things that are actually proven to correlate with student success. Spend your evenings eating dinner together as a family, READ TOGETHER, play outside, and get your child to bed early. 

 

Below is a link to an article that I found to be very helpful in setting up parental involvement with homework.  Homework time guidelines should be:

 

Grades K-2: 20 minutes per night

Grades 3-5: 30-50 minutes per night

Grades 6-8: No more than 1.5 hours per night

 

*Please recognize that these are approximations and can vary for each child, depending on environment, family dynamics and individual focus factors. These times do not include reading on a daily basis which has also been proven to be one the highest indicators of academic success long term!

Click HERE to read the article.

-Mrs. Jennings

Does saying no to your child cause disappointment, tantrums, a feeling of guilt? Do you want to learn the positives of saying no and negatives of saying yes to much? Do we have an answer for you? YES.  Jack Lipski, our church and school counselor, will be presenting a class called, "Learning to say NO!" This parent class is scheduled for Sunday, November 12, 2:30-4:00 pm. Babysitting and a movie will be provided for children infants-5th grade. Youth 6th-8th Grader will attend Koinonia during this time.  Please sign up at the church & school office, online at our website under Upcoming Events (beginning Monday, November 6), or inform Jodie Stoltenow. 

 

This event is sponsored by the Shepherd of the Hills Family Ministry, wanting to walk alongside parents to teach our children to Know and Love Jesus as their Savior, be deeply rooted in the Holy Scriptures, and Standing Firm in their faith in our present-day culture.

Last call for Original Works orders!  Orders were due on October 27 but you still have a chance to get those late orders in!  Original Works cannot guarantee late orders will be done in time for Thanksgiving but they should have them in time for Christmas.  Please get your orders into the office or to Mrs. Hoza by November 10!  Thank you for supporting our school!

 

Would you like to practice your advanced art techniques? Come join Advanced Art Club!  Grades 6th-8th are welcome to sign up! Art club will meet on Fridays in the art room from 3:30-4:30 p.m. We will begin next Friday, November 10, and continuing through December 12. The cost is $12 to join.  Please bring a sketchbook.  If you would like Mrs. Hoza to supply a sketchbook, please let her know before club begins. There are limited spots available, so please email Mrs. Hoza to reserve your space today,  [email protected].

 

Do you love art?  Do you have a great imagination?  Do you want to practice your art skills?  Are you in Kindergarten-5th grade?  Come join Mrs. Hoza in the art room for art club on Mondays starting November 6-17 and continuing through December 18. The cost is $15 to join. There are limited spots available, so please email Mrs. Hoza to reserve your space today,  [email protected]

Did you know that private piano lessons are available at Shepherd during the school day?  Nancy Duensing has been teaching piano to Shepherd students for 30 years. For more information, email Nancy, [email protected].