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Homework Assignments

Tom Naatz

Subjects:
Homeroom (8th Grade)
History/Social Studies (6-8th Grade)
Science (6-8th Grade)
Religion (8th Grade)

Degree: AA and BS in Social Science

Responsibilities: Student Council Advisor

Named 2005 Teacher of the Year by the Southern District Teacher's Conference

I teach 6th grade American History and Physical Science; 7th grade World History and Biology; 8th grade Religion, Earth Science, and Geography. Born and raised in Minnesota, I received my AA degree from Austin State Junior College in Austin, Minnesota and my BS degree from Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska. Currently I'm working on my Masters Degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix. I have been privileged to serve at Grace Lutheran since 1974. My wife Monica graduated from Valparaiso University and teaches 4th grade here at Grace. Both of our children have attended Grace. Eric is currently in 7th grade, and Victoria now attends Grissom High School. I also serve on the church staff as Events Coordinator.


GRADING (+ or - towards a grade)

  • Class participation (+)
  • Attentive (+)
  • Takes notes (+)
  • Replies when called upon (+)
  • Asks appropriate questions (+)
  • Participation in class discussions (+)
  • Participation in group projects (+)

NOTES (not graded)

  • Kept in separate notebooks
  • Dated
  • Organized

HOMEWORK

  • Labeled properly with date and assigned page(s)
  • Single graded
  • Completed on time (incompletes are given a zero)
  • Appropriate headings: name, date due, assignment
  • Kept in a notebook according to subject
  • Neat and readable

QUIZ

  • Single graded
  • May be announced or unannounced
  • May be daily - students should be prepared
  • Students absent during a quiz are not required to take it upon return
  • If a quiz is given the day a student returns, they take the quiz, but have the option of taking the score or not

TEST

  • Double graded
  • Announced in advance
  • May cover more than one chapter
  • Review will be held prior to the test
  • Normally not given on Mondays
  • Must be taken within two days upon returning to class

REPORTS

  • Typed or in blue/black ink
  • Double spaced
  • One side of the paper
  • Grading will be announced when assigned

MAKE-UP WORK

  • Responsibility of the student to get assignments and turn them in for credit
  • Available on the website or school office after 12:00 daily
  • Completed in a reasonable amount of time -2 for 1 - not more than two days for each day absent
  • Work not completed within this time frame will receive a zero
  • Pre-arrangements should be made for extended absences and due upon returning to class

NO EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP

  • Ask your child for all graded assignments, tests or a quiz
  • Monitor your child's progress by accessing your Edline account
  • Know the exact amount of "study time" your student spends - 1 to 1½ hours an evening is normal
  • Share experiences
  • View educational TV together
  • Set the example by reading books, magazines or newspapers
  • Know what your student views on the computer
  • Encourage independence, and know things are about to change

HELPFUL WEBSITES:

AboutSchool.com
Excellent and extensive directory of resources for K-12 students and parents.
Atlapedia Online
Provides facts and statistics for every country in the world.
Homework Spot
Provides links to homework sites in nearly every subject from K-12 grades.
National Education Association's Advice on Homework
As a parent, you might wonder how to handle issues regarding your child's homework, such as how much help you should provide.
Time for Kids
Time magazine's edition for students.