Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My child tells me that they have no homework. Is this possible?
A: You should expect a minimum of 20 minutes of homework per day. This includes reviewing and studying for tests. In addition, students should be reading for 20 minutes per day.
Q: My child has more than two hours of homework most nights of the week? Is this normal?
A: Your child will occasionally have more than two hours of homework when completing large projects or papers. However, 15-25 minutes per subject is the norm. If you are experiencing long hours of homework, please contact the teacher via schoolloop to discuss ways you can help your child learn how to manage their homework load. If the problem persists, please contact your Academic Advisor.
Niguel Hills Middle School Homework policy
The school’s guideline for the frequency and average amount of homework is as follows:
- Sixth grade – 15 to 20 minutes per academic subject 4 to 5 times per week
- Seventh grade – 15 to 20 minutes per academic subject 4 to 5 times per week
- Eight grade – 20 to 25 minutes per academic subject 4 to 5 times per week
Q: What is the GATE Program?:
A: California uses the acronym to stand for Gifted and Talented Education. GATE programs are designed specifically for gifted students and are approved by the State of California. School districts receive funding for GATE programs from the state legislature. For more information go to: http://gate.schoolloop.com
Q: What is the AAA Program?
A: Capistrano Unified School District uses the acronym Accelerated Academic Achievement (AAA) for high achieving middle school students who are placed in GATE English and social science classes based on availability of space.
Q: How are high achieving students placed in middle school GATE English and social science classes?
A: On a space available basis, some high achieving middle school students are placed into GATE English and social science classes if space is available and if the student’s grades and English Language Arts (ELA) California Standards Test (CST) support the placement. High achievers qualifying in this category will be reviewed annually, and their continued placement will be contingent upon space availability and academic performance.
It is not necessary for middle school principals to place high achievers in GATE English and social science classes, as high achievers can be successful in heterogeneous grade level classes.
Q: How do I apply for the free lunch program?
A: Ask for a form in the front office.
Q: Do I have to have a locker?
A: No, you do not. It is a courtesy that we extend so that you do not have to carry all of your books to each class.
Q: Can I have Independent PE as a 6th grade student?
A: No. This is a program for 7th and 8th grade high ranking athletes. 7th and 8th grade students may see our school registrar, Mrs. Vondrak, for application and guidelines.
Q: What do I do if my child is going to be absent?
A: Call the 24 hour sick line at : (949) 580-1100
Q: What do I do if my child is going to be absent for an extended period of time?
A: If they are going to be absent for more than 5 days, see Mrs. Luzar in attendance to gather the Extended Absence Contract information at least one week prior to the absence.
Q: What do I do if my child is going to be tardy?
A: Always send them to the attendance window with a parent note (or you may escort them personally) to explain the reason they are tardy.
Q: What do I do if my child needs to leave early for an appointment?
A: Send a note to your child’s teacher indicating the time you need him/her released to the front office for sign-out. All students must be signed out before leaving campus.
Q: What is a Reminder Binder?
A: Your child’s schedule book that teaches them how to organize themselves. They are asked to write down all assignments, quizzes and tests to help them know what they need to do for homework.
Q: What is Schoolloop?
A: Schoolloop is a web-based program that allows you and your child to see assignments and grades and to communicate with your teachers. This should not replace the reminder binder. Learning how to organize yourself is a life long skill that we need to begin developing now.
Q: What can I do if my child forgot an important textbook, project or their lunch?
A: You may bring the item to the attendance window where we can display your child’s name indicating something is waiting for them. They can pick up the item at any time during the day. This is a service we provide so as not to interrupt instructional time in the classroom.
Q: Should my child bring their new IPhone or IPOD to school?
A: Expensive items should be left at home. Students should never leave their things unattended. They should utilize their locker during PE and lunch. Students are allowed to have phones on campus for safety reasons. They need to be turned off and in their backpack from 8:45 (9:45 on late start Thursday) until 3:25.
