The homework guidelines for Rockaway Township’s K-5 Schools are the result of ongoing collaborative efforts of parents, teachers, and administrators. The guidelines are based on current research, parent, and teacher input, and National PTSA, NAESP and NEA recommendations.

• Teachers assign homework for a variety of reasons, including:

  • To help students reinforce the skills/concepts currently being learned.

  • To help students review prior skills/concepts learned.

  • To help students prepare for upcoming skills/concepts about to be learned.

  • To monitor student understanding and retention.

  • To instill good study and work habits.

  • To develop independence and responsibility.

  • To help students experience how to research and use information.

  • To provide an important communication link between school and home that shows parents what children are learning.

• Parents should offer supportive guidance and feedback as needed. Homework should never be completed by an adult. If your child is having difficulty completing homework, please contact your child’s teacher. Rockaway Township Schools are committed to ensuring every child’s homework experience is worthwhile and successful, and ongoing conversations with your child’s teacher about academic performance are encouraged.

• Rockaway Township Schools have the following expectations regarding the quality of completed homework assignments for all students:

  • Homework should demonstrate that it was completed with care, accuracy, and pride.

  • Homework should be completed to the best of each student’s ability.

  • Homework should be returned to school on time.

• It is recommended that Rockaway Township students in kindergarten and first grade read with an adult every evening. These students will occasionally receive a homework assignment to complete with adult support. Students in grades one through five can usually expect to receive homework assignments on Mondays through Thursdays.

• For all of our students and families, we strongly suggest that reading be a part of every night for the recommended times below. We realize that our nights are busy, but the research on reading daily with our children is solid.

These guidelines are meant to describe general homework practices at Rockaway Township Public Schools. Individual teachers are a source of more guidance and support. Please contact your child's teacher if you have any questions or concerns.