Tips

Attend Back-to-School Night

Back-to-School Night offers a chance for parents to learn about long-term projects, homework expectations, and extra credit opportunities when they meet as a group with individual teachers.

Check the Homework Board

Teachers post each day's homework assignments on the board located outside the Middle School office. Students and parents can double check the board against the daily planner.

Check the Test Board

Teachers also post tests on the test board outside the Middle School office.

Check STOA

Students and parents can access the Student/Teacher Online Application through the link right here on the Parent's Page. Students are given a username and password during computer class. Parents will use the same username and password to login. If for some reason a parent has a problem with access, please call the Middle School office. STOA lists homework, tests and project information. Students may also use STOA at school.

Absent Child? Check in With the School

When a child is absent it is important for him/her to obtain any missing assignments and complete them promptly. You may e-mail cberger@canterburyschool.org or your child's advisor to request that day's classroom and homework assignments.

Middle School Homework Guide

HELP!

  • How much do I help my child?
  • My child always tells me he or she has no homework!
  • What do I do if my child has left a needed book or paper at school?
  • If my child has worked for over three hours and the homework isn’t complete, what should I do?
  • How do I find out about long-term assignments? 

These are just some of the questions parents of middle schoolers may have regarding their child’s homework. Let us explore ways to make the “homework hour” a more pleasant and productive activity in your home.What can you do to help your child succeed?

Provide the optimal environment.

  • Supply your child with a well-lighted quiet place for study...let's call it the "Homework Corner." Decide with your student where he/she works best. Some students are able to work well alone in their rooms, while others may need your watchful eye.
  • Avoid scheduling entertainment and family activities on school nights.
  • Limit or eliminate TV and phone time on school nights.
  • Control and limit online computer time not related to their studies.
  • Provide supplies necessary to complete the work. Check to see that pencil case is still filled with pencils, etc. Check student’s binder to see if refills are necessary. Go through binder together and file loose papers. Stock and restock the homework corner with supplies of loose-leaf paper, pencils, erasers, rubber cement, markers, construction paper, and poster board.

Establish a daily rapport with your child regarding homework.

  • Homework is the child’s “job” and should be treated as such.
  • Ask your child specific questions about classwork. “Do you have homework tonight?” requires only a “yes/no” answer. “What topics are you now studying in science class?” is likely to generate more discussion.
  • Become familiar with the assignment planner. The assignment planner is the “window” into your child’s school day. A blank planner is not a good sign. Check assignment planner and finished homework to see if assigned work is neatly and carefully completed. This should be a nightly task.
  • Assign a place for packed book bags to be put for morning departure. This minimizes “forgotten” homework left on desks or in study areas.
  • Check the last section of each week in the assignment planner. Teachers will write a note if there is a problem with homework or grades that week.
  • Long-term assignments can be entered in the assignment planner in a “countdown” manner or posted on the refrigerator at home, bulletin board or family calendar. Highlighting is a helpful reminder. Most teachers distribute extra information in the form of handouts for long-term assignments. Explore possibilities of a given assignment or project with the child. Determine if library trips or excursions are needed to gather information and materials.
  • An assignment of a test the next day does not mean, “I don’t have any homework.” It indicates a need for focused review of the material. Ways to help the child:
    Rehearse the material. Question and have the child respond.
    Reverse roles. Have student formulate questions that may be asked on a test.
    Review text and note materials available.
    Write down. Have the student write down everything he/she knows about the topic. Help cluster, categorize and clarify ideas. Discuss and help child fill in details.
    Reward, reward, reward!
  • Avoid a situation in which you become the student. Give support, but don’t do the work for him/her.
  • Give help with math or subjects that require analysis and
  • application. Ask questions and help read directions and
  • examples in the book or class notes. Help do a problem of each type.

Praise and encourage!


Positive Parents Praise Plentifully!


The Canterbury Middle School philosophy views student academic success as a team effort among the student, teachers, and parents. Parents need to be involved positively and actively in their student’s academic life. This brochure offers suggestions for the parental role.

FAQ

Q

What if my child dawdles and never seems to finish his/her homework tasks?

A

Try using a timer. Encourage student to remain on task for a given time. Try 15-20 minutes of solid work and then a 5-minute break. Assess progress. You may increase time later. Remove any distractions.

Q

What if my child spends 2 to 3 hours on homework and still has not finished?

A

If your child has put forth honest effort and is becoming frustrated, please stop him/her. Conscientious students have difficulty leaving work unfinished and worry about class the next day. Be sure to send a note to the teacher explaining the situation. Frequently students end up with long marathon sessions of homework because they have procrastinated. Try to discern if this is the problem. At any rate, teachers are very interested in these matters and a conference is in order.

Q

What if my child resists doing his/her homework or says a book or needed paper was left in the locker at school?

A

Consequences are wonderful things! The urge to
“rescue” your child will be strong, but refrain from
repeated rescues. Middle school is a comfortable place to let children experience the consequences of their actions.
The most obvious consequence will be the grade at school. You are the parent and in your role, you may provide your own appropriate consequences. Consistency and follow-through are important. Remember that the typical middle schooler yearns for more freedom and independence — great “carrots” in the homework saga! Remember that adults may not tackle the workplace with the same level of enthusiasm each day. Middle schoolers feel similarly. We all find some tasks more enjoyable than others. The math homework that Susie loves may be absolute torture for Ben, who struggles with math but enjoys any writing assignment.

Q

What is a Midterm?

A

There are two answers to this question. Midterms are sent to all grade 5 and new students during first semester to give parents an update on how their child is handling the change in school divisions or schools.

Midterms also may considered as a RED FLAG when sent to other students who are performing at a letter grade of C or below or an effort grade of 3 or below. What can you do? If the midterm indicates a problem talk with your student's advisor. Supervise homework more closely. Help students study for tests, review nightly and read assignments together. Consider reducing extracurricular activities and TV.