Late Work

Norris Elementary

Late Work Policy and Student Advice

It's very common for students to worry or stress about having a late assignment in fourth grade. I want to reassure you that is is very normal and okay to have a late assignment (or a couple) throughout the year. We understand that life is busy and sometimes we all forget or lose things. Our concern raises if students develop a habit of having late assignments or incomplete work. If that's the case, then the student, parents, and teachers work out a plan to help the student become more successful.

We expect that fourth graders will do their best to be responsible for their work and have good communication with us if they need help, have questions, or don't have their work to turn in for any reason. Our goal is to help students develop responsibility, good work ethic, and balance in their life. We do not want them to feel overwhelmed or over-pressured by fear of having a late assignment.

Since we use students' planners as a primary mode of communication, that's where we indicate if students had incomplete or late work during the day. If students do not have their assignment done for class this is the typical routine:

	A label will be put in the planner so parents know which assignment was due and in what class.
	Students will need to bring their completed assignment to the teacher during afternoon recess.
	Parents will need to sign/initial the planner that night indicating they have communicated with their child about the late work.
	The student should show their signed planner to their teacher the next day. For example, if the late assignment was in math class, the students should show his/her planner to their math teacher.

Fourth graders often develop good problem solving and helpful hints to avoid late work throughout the year. Here are a few tips from students:

If you leave your assignment at school:

Check your planner first to see what you were supposed to do. Maybe you can call a friend to help you or remind you of what is due the next day.

Go see your teacher before 8:30 the next morning to get an extra copy.

Some assignments are online, check your class website to see if there are instructions or a copy online.

If you have lost your assignment:

Go see your teacher to get an extra copy.

Some assignments are online, check your class website to see if there are instructions or a copy online.

Email your teacher if you have questions or need help.

Come in before or after school to get extra copies or redo something you lost.

Come in during afternoon recess to finish something you forgot to do.

Always, always, always check your planner at night at home. You may not have anything due and you're just worrying about it. Or, you may have forgotten about something that's due the next day and you will remember to do it when you check your planner.

Have your parents check your planner with you so you both know what assignments are due.

Double check your file before you go to school to make sure you have put your completed homework away and not left it on the counter or table.

Have a good routine of when you do your homework so it's the same every night and you get into the habit of doing your assignment and putting it back in your file right away.

Keep your file organized so you know where your homework is for each class.

Ask a friend if you have homework for a certain class. Maybe they'll remember something you forgot.

Always ask for help if you need it. Ask your parents or a teacher. They're always willing to try and help or answer questions for you.