FAQS
What is our homework philosophy?
PS 11 values family choice and flexibility when considering homework and student time spent outside of school, we believe in P.D.F.(playtime, downtime, & family time).
Though we have eliminated traditional homework, teachers will provide families with optional activities for continued learning and practice at home through our Home-based Optional Practice (H.O.P). Please note, some assignments will be sent home throughout the year to help maximize student learning time in the classroom.
In addition, research shows a direct correlation between time spent reading and academic development. Therefore, we encourage students to engage in daily reading at home. We also understand the expectation for our students in middle school, therefore our 5th grade homework policy will be adjusted to prepare our students for middle school.
Why are we changing our homework philosophy?
Over the course of the year, the SLT team has spent a tremendous amount of time studying researchabout elementary school children and how homework affects their academic progress. While reading research can be tricky, the overall research does not point to a direct correlation between time spent doing homework and academic success in elementary school years. There is a correlation found between time spent reading and academic development. With this information, we have committed to doing what the research claims is best for our students. If you are interested in the research that inspired our new vision, please visit click here.
What is P.D.F?
P.D.F. is an acronym that stands for playtime, downtime, and family time. Research that focused on “protective factors for kids – those things every kid needs in order to thrive physically, mentally, and academically was boiled down into three main categories for well-being (P.D.F).
CategoryWhat is it?What does it look like?
Playtime“The work of kids.” Anything that brings joy.
Structured Activities (after school classes like Hip Hop)
Unstructured Activities (playing with toys).*
Child initiated and directed
*Research suggests that unstructured and kid-directed play is linked to increased cognitive skills, physical health, self-regulation, language abilities and social skills (Alliance for Childhood, 2010; Barker et al.,2014; Hofferth & Sandberg, 2001)
DowntimeTime to relax, reflect, and unwind.
Unstructured and non-academic activities
Listening to music
Reading a book
Taking a walk
Family TimeLiterally spending time with family.
Eating meals together
Family rituals and traditions
Rooting on your favorite team
Movie/Game Night
Taking a hike
What is H.O.P.?
H.O.P. is an acronym that stands for Home-based Optional Practice. Our teachers have begun to collect and design home-based activities that students can do with their families or independently. These activities are closely aligned with each content area‚ units of study. They are rich, rigorous and fun. It is the same as doing homework except it will be a family‚choice as to whether their child will take the time to do them. The work will not be checked or facilitated by the classroom teacher. Students and their families can choose to do as much work at home as they see fit.
When is H.O.P. being implemented?
The plan is to have H.O.P. fully implemented in the 2016-17 school year. Fourth graders will be introduced to H.O.P mid-May 2016 followed by other grades. This is new and very exciting work, and we know there will be kinks to work out as it initially launches.
How will I know what my child is doing in class?
It is important for us to keep parents informed and we are planning for different ways to achieve this. First, PS11 Showme, a collection of video tutorials that cover strategies that are taught in the classroom, will be better aligned for each unit by grade. Also, class newsletters are being revamped to be another tool to keep you informed. In addition to the portfolio, more classwork will be sent home during the units for students to share with their parents. Lastly, the H.O.P work will be organized by unit and by grade that will continue to give you insight as to what is happening in the classroom. As we start this program, we will be evaluating best practices to make sure parents stay well-informed.
Will my child‚ teacher suggest H.O.P work specifically to help if my child is struggling with something?
As always, if a child is struggling in a particular area, the teacher will provide needed support. If appropriate, this might include specific H.O.P work.
The only way I know what they are doing in Math is through homework, how will I know what is going on in math?
First, PS11 Showme, a collection of video tutorials that cover strategies that are taught in the classroom, will be aligned for each math unit by grade. In addition, more classwork and assessments will be sent home during the units for students to share with their parents. As H.O.P rolls out, we will continue to determine best practices to keep parents informed.
How do we ensure students keep up with Math fluency and multiple strategies they learn in the classroom?
Students will receive the academic learning they need during classwork. For each math unit, there will be home-based activities available that students can do independently or with their families for extra practice. The Show Me videos will also provide additional support if you want to review the math strategies at home. As always, if a student is struggling, teachers will identify a specific plan for that student.
Will H.O.P work be checked?
This work is optional and will not be checked or facilitated by the classroom teacher. Families are encouraged to go over work with their kids.
Will my child receive homework during State Test ELA/Math Prep unit?
As mentioned in our philosophy, some assignments will be sent home throughout the year to help maximize student learning in the classroom. If teachers find it necessary, they will send home test prep work to be done at home to support classwork.
Will my child have summer homework and project?
Students will have time to plan a summer project at the end of the year and they will have time to share their projects it in the beginning of the new school year. This work will be optional. We will also encourage students to keep reading during the summer.
Will enrichment activities be reduced at school to finish anything that used to be done as homework?
Enrichment activities are important to the development of our students and will not be affected with our revised homework philosophy. As mentioned, some assignments may be sent home throughout the year, such as publishing, to help maximize learning during the school day.
If reading is still going to be assigned, will my child still do reading responses and jotting at home?
Daily reading will still be required at home. We are going to provide students different ways of collect their thoughts (including jotting) that will be needed when doing extensive reading responses in the classroom.
How will families without internet access or printers access H.O.P. work?
We will work with students and families on an individual basis to ensure that all families
have the support they need. Not all the H.O.P work will require internet access.
Will 5th Graders still get planners to help them stay organized and learn good homework routines for Middle School?
5th graders will continue to to get planners to learn how to stay organized. We understand the expectation for our students in middle school, therefore our 5th grade will continue to receive homework. This homework will be monitored and checked by teachers.
Will there still be a home folder that needs to be checked every day?
Yes. Home folders are an important communication tool between teachers and parents. Also, some assignments may be sent home throughout the year, which will be in the home folder.
Will there still be SHOW ME tutorial videos available on the website?
Yes. Show me videos will be housed this website as well as on our Youtube Channel! Subscribe to be notified when we release new content.
i'm sure to talk with her tomorrow, but am so happy that she got out of there! 
