FAQs
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 through your parent Canvas Account 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
- Eighth 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. More information on the GATE program is available on our district website.
Q: How do I apply for the free and reduced lunch program?
A: Ask for a Lunch Program form in the front office or fill out the form online
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: What is Independent PE?
A: IPE Application and Information is an online PE class for elite level individual athletes who meet the specific criteria as outlined by district criteria found on the Capistrano Unified Athletics website.
Q: What do I do if my child is going to be absent?
A: Call the 24 hour sick line at : (949) 234-5392
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. Marr 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 your child 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: All students at Niguel Hills utilize a schedule book that helps them organize assignments. Students are asked to write down all assignments, quizzes, and tests to help them know what they need to do for homework.
Q: What is Canvas?
A: Canvas is a web-based program that allows you and your child to view assignments/due dates, grades, follow calendars and communicate with teachers. This should not replace the reminder binder. Learning how to organize yourself is a lifelong skill that we need to begin developing now.
Q: What can I do if my child forgot an important textbook, project, or lunch?
A: You may bring the item to the attendance window where we can display your child’s name indicating something is waiting for him/her. Students can pick up items 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 a 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.