Now that you have a new block teacher, there are some changes that will be made, and a few little twists to what you've grown accustomed to. No worries though; I promise to take it easy on you...at first!
To start with, I follow the 8th grade team policy to a "T". That means everything you read (and your parents signed) on that funny green paper on the first day of school is the L-A-W in my room.
I do not assign homework. That does NOT mean you won't have work to do once you get home, but I will not assign homework just for homework's sake. (I've posted my policy at the end of this post.)
If you're a knucklehead during class time, flex those little fingers of yours and prepare to WRITE! I very rarely yell. I very rarely show anger. BUT, if you commit a "NO NO" in our class you will know I am upset because you will be writing during your free time! Sometimes you will be writing A LOT! If you do not turn in your "No-No" writing assignment at the agreed upon time, I'll keep you after school (regardless of your after school schedules) to finish. It'd be a shame to miss your basket-weaving class wouldn't it? Yes, it would. So be a good kid!
I like 8th grade kids. I really do. Be good in our class, and I'll be good to you too.
See ya December 8th!
Yee Haw!
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Filanoski's Homework Policy
November 21, 2006
Parents and Students,
I’ve been reading a lot lately about the benefits and consequences of homework for middle level students. I had been thinking that perhaps our kids have been overwhelmed by the amount of work that has been given to them and I have a plan to perhaps change this.
Yesterday in class a lovely student named Trevin brought me an article written for the September 2006 issue of Time magazine by Claudia Wallis. This essay discusses several different viewpoints about the benefits of homework. Since the topic had already been on my mind, and then it was presented in such a concise little package by a student, I mulled it over and I’ve decided to implement a new plan: No more assigned homework. I will still be assigning essays and readings and projects, but I will not assign additional work specifically as “homework.”
Studies have shown that “students who feel overworked tend to lose interest in the topics and it may damage their interest in learning and natural curiosity.” (Wallis, 2006) While I do feel that it is important to instill a love of reading and writing in our kids, I don’t want to squash the current interest that they have.
So, for the next trimester I am going to test my hypothesis. Your students will still have work to complete at home but it will be work that we began in class and didn’t get finished, or longer projects that need additional time.
If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact me at 509-228-4980 or sfilanoski@cvsd.org.
Sincerely, Sara Filanoski
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SECRET EXTRA CREDIT!!!
Leave a comment with your name and LA period.
In your comment please tell me one school goal you
have set for yourself for the second trimester.
This is worth 20 points.
(That's like FOUR book assignments!!!)
