APS Middle School Homework — reduced or eliminated?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP. Some of the PPs mentioned study hall. Does everyone have to take one study hall per semester or is that just an option? When I went to school there wasn’t study hall until high school and it was optional- it could take the place of an elective. Does APS make everyone take study hall as part of an “equity homework policy” or something?

DHMS offers a short study hall/Phoenix Time on block days when kids can go talk to teachers to ask questions, finish homework, etc. They sometimes do other group activities or meetings during that time as well. In previous years, they also offered short, rotating learning seminars during this time but I don't think they offer that anymore. That time is used for many purposes, not "equity".

I believe Williamsburg has a similar "Wolf Time". Not sure about other MSs.

^ this is in addition to homeroom/TA (teacher advisory).

Thanks for explaining further.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP. Some of the PPs mentioned study hall. Does everyone have to take one study hall per semester or is that just an option? When I went to school there wasn’t study hall until high school and it was optional- it could take the place of an elective. Does APS make everyone take study hall as part of an “equity homework policy” or something?

DHMS offers a short study hall/Phoenix Time on block days when kids can go talk to teachers to ask questions, finish homework, etc. They sometimes do other group activities or meetings during that time as well. In previous years, they also offered short, rotating learning seminars during this time but I don't think they offer that anymore. That time is used for many purposes, not "equity".

I believe Williamsburg has a similar "Wolf Time". Not sure about other MSs.

So wolf time at WMS is every day and either in enrichment or catch-up activity. For kids that don’t need support in any of their classes they rotate to different activities throughout the year. It’s more of an enrichment activity like the process to research and buy stocks, calligraphy, mindfulness, sports team discussions, food truck marketing development, etc.

for kids that need support they go to those teachers for help and or have specific pull out per their development plan during wolf time. I will say I have a kid who typically has good grades but is struggling in one particular class. They have never been identified for a catch-up for wolf time. Anytime they need additional support they go during lunch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP. Some of the PPs mentioned study hall. Does everyone have to take one study hall per semester or is that just an option? When I went to school there wasn’t study hall until high school and it was optional- it could take the place of an elective. Does APS make everyone take study hall as part of an “equity homework policy” or something?

DHMS offers a short study hall/Phoenix Time on block days when kids can go talk to teachers to ask questions, finish homework, etc. They sometimes do other group activities or meetings during that time as well. In previous years, they also offered short, rotating learning seminars during this time but I don't think they offer that anymore. That time is used for many purposes, not "equity".

I believe Williamsburg has a similar "Wolf Time". Not sure about other MSs.

So wolf time at WMS is every day and either in enrichment or catch-up activity. For kids that don’t need support in any of their classes they rotate to different activities throughout the year. It’s more of an enrichment activity like the process to research and buy stocks, calligraphy, mindfulness, sports team discussions, food truck marketing development, etc.

for kids that need support they go to those teachers for help and or have specific pull out per their development plan during wolf time. I will say I have a kid who typically has good grades but is struggling in one particular class. They have never been identified for a catch-up for wolf time. Anytime they need additional support they go during lunch.

DHMS used to offer enrichment/seminars in Phoenix Time but I don't think they restarted them after the pandemic. My kid uses it primarily to socialize, but has used it to make up a test or meet with a project team on occasion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Study hall is after school, and staffed by teachers.



Is it like a drop-in thing or do you have to sign up for the whole semester? It sounds like a good thing for the kids.

Jefferson does theirs after school. It's on a drop-in basis--not required.

[Anonymous]

Swanson has STAR period, which is the same thing as WMS and DHMS. It's daily for maybe 35min or so. Some days are blocked off specifically for SEL lessons and activities otherwise it is a mix of in-STAR games and team building (DC's STAR teacher has a bunch of board games and card games available), time to go see a teacher or make up a missed quiz or something, and study hall concept.