Pope Elementary has a homework policy that reflects the understanding and acceptance of the cooperative experience homework entails. Family life, extra-curricular activities, and schoolwork are shared experiences for every child. Time is needed for all if our goal is to nurture healthy children. The purpose of homework at any grade level is to extend, reinforce, and supplement regular classroom assignments. The main objective of homework is to stimulate effort, initiative, independence, responsibility, and self-motivation. Homework should provide reinforcement and encourage students to satisfy or extend their intellectual curiosity and to practice skills. Realistic time guides should be utilized such as: Grade Time Gr. 1 15-20 minutes GR. 2 20 minutes GR. 3-4 30 minutes   Homework should be academically appropriate and an extension of classroom instruction, and not an introduction of new or unfamiliar material. We attempt to consider all students’ academic abilities, and monitor holidays, as well as school and base wide events when making decisions about homework. Homework does not always involve pencil and paper tasks. It may also encompass such activities as reading for a time period at home, working on a project, or studying spelling words, notes, or study sheets for future review or evaluation.