Academic Program

The primary goals of School District 27 are to provide each student with learning opportunities in every academic area, and to develop individual interests so students will continue their learning activities beyond the formal school setting.

The basic program for all students at Hickory Point includes reading, writing, language arts (grammar, usage, oral and written expression, handwriting and spelling), mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, art, music, computers, social emotional and library.

Students are placed in heterogeneous classroom settings that emphasize flexible, cooperative groupings, and opportunities designed to match various learning styles.

Homework Guidelines

Homework is an integral part of the learning process in Northbrook School District 27. Homework should have relevance to students’ curricula and instruction and should facilitate learning. Homework is an effective instructional technique and serves different purposes at different grade levels. Homework reinforces classroom learning and provides teachers with additional insights about their students. It is also a vital link between school and home. Parent interest in their child’s school work provides encouragement and positive reinforcement in the learning process. Appropriate homework assignments facilitate students’ success in learning.

It is the belief of the Hickory Point staff that homework encourages parental involvement in the
learning process which is key to a positive school experience. Homework for young children:

Develops positive reading habits and study habits.
Fosters student responsibility.
Communicates to students the importance of learning taking place both at home and at school.
Fosters a positive attitude towards school.

The following guidelines regarding homework at each grade level have been developed to meet these objectives. It is important for children to understand that you, as your child’s primary teacher, value the types of learning activities in which your child engages at school. In order to enhance the home-school connection, we recommend the following activities. your child’s teacher will review specific homework expectations at the fall Curriculum Night.

Kindergarten Activities

Each night your child will be bringing home a folder. Please check this daily and look carefully for homework assignments. Examples of kindergarten homework:

Reading to and/or with your child daily for at least 15 to 20 minutes a night. Even when your child is able to read independently, it is still important for your kindergartner to hear and enjoy the language and share the closeness of time with you. Children also love to read to their parents and show them how well they can read.
Completing math homework and remembering pages.
Taking care of library books and returning them on time.

First Grade Activities

Each night your child will be bringing home a folder. Please check this daily and look carefully for homework assignments. Examples of kindergarten homework:

Reading to and/or with your child daily for at least 15 to 20 minutes a night. Even when your child is able to read independently, it is still important for your first-graders to hear and enjoy the language and share the closeness of time with you. Children also love to read to their parents and show them how well they can read.
Completing math homework and remembering pages.
Preparing materials or projects designed to reinforce and practice concepts learned in all areas.

Second Grade Activities

Each night your child will be bringing home a folder. Please check this daily and look carefully for homework assignments. Examples of kindergarten homework:

Reading to and/or with your child daily for at least 15 to 20 minutes a night. Even when your child is able to read independently, it is still important for your first-graders to hear and enjoy the language and share the closeness of time with you. Children also love to read to their parents and show them how well they can read.
Complete daily spelling practice.
Complete math homework and remembering pages.
Practicing math facts
Preparing occasional projects designed to reinforce and practice concepts learned in all areas.

Grading System

Additional Homework Guidelines

Homework over holidays - Homework is not assigned for completion over the District’s Thanksgiving, winter or spring breaks, or on the “District Holidays” indicated on the District calendar. If you observe a religious holiday other than these, please contact child’s teach so he/she knows not to assign homework that night.
Homework on weekends - Teachers may assign the same amount of homework on weekends as they would on a school night.
Group projects as homework - When group projects are assigned as homework, students will be given the option of completing the project independently.
Late procedures for homework - Late procedures for home are to be determined at the teacher’s discretion taking into account the type and grade percentage of the homework and in keeping with the goal of student success.
Homework for absences - All students will have the option of requesting homework on the first of absence due to illness if the parents perceive this to be in the best interest of their child, and if the request is made to the school secretary by 8:30 a.m. Requests made after 8:30 a.m. will be honored the following day.
Homework during vacations - In the event that a student has planned an extended unexcused vacation, the parents may request homework prior to the beginning of the vacation. Teachers will provide this homework whenever possible. Upon returning from the vacation the child will have the same number of days as he/she was absent, up to the maximum of five days, to complete overdue homework assignments. Test make-ups will be scheduled at the convenience of the teacher.
Canvas – The vast majority of home/school communication occurs on the District 27 website. Parents will receive information about how to access Canvas from their child’s teacher.