FAQs

What communication will I receive about my child's program and progress?

Although the average class size in District 204 elementary schools is 27 students, the teachers have established excellent channels of regular communication withthe parents and guardians. You should expect the following from the White Eagle teachers:

In addition, each classroom is equipped with a telephone, and each teacher has voice mail. The expectation is for the teacher to respond to a parent’s phone call or letter within a 24 hour period excluding weekends and school nonattendance days. If you have a special need for an informal conference, these may be scheduled with the individual teacher in advance.

Although this structure meets the needs of the vast majority of our students and parents, a few students may require more frequent teacher-home communication related to their behavior and/or academic progress. If your child is one of these students, the teacher and our support staff (social worker, psychologist, and/or special education support facilitator) will work with you to determine the needs, frequency, and most effective modes of communication to develop your child into an independent and successful learner.

What is "Parent of the Week"?

The Parent of the Week program is designed to give all parents the opportunity to visit the school during the school day and to observe a ‘regular’ school day. It is not designed for the teacher to present a special lesson or event or to focus upon your child. The focus of the program is the classroom instruction.

I am not aware of any other school which has such a program. Schools have not instituted the program because they feel it is too disruptive to the school and classroom. However, I disagree. If it is well managed, and if the teachers and parents follow the guidelines outlined in the ‘Parent of the Week’ invitations and program descriptions, it is a very powerful program for parents to better understand their child’s school and the demands upon the classroom teacher. It also demonstrates to the child the home-school connection.

More information, the schedule, and your invitations will be coming from the classroom teacher. The program is designed for parents and guardians, not extended family or siblings. Typical visits last for 60-90 minutes. The integrity of the classroom instruction is the priority.

What is the Homework Policy of White Eagle?

The White Eagle Parent -Student Handbook and Indian Prairie School District Policy states: “Homework at the elementary level begins in an informal fashion but becomes more formal and requires more time and effort as the child progresses through each grade. Parents are expected to be sufficiently interested in their child’s education to commit the time and energy needed to monitor/supervise the child’s home study and thereby insure that he/she makes a reasonable effort to complete homework assignments.”

Homework includes both long term projects and daily assignments. Since each child is an individual, the amount of time required to complete a daily assignment will vary. Generally you can expect a grade 1 student to have 10 - 15 minutes of daily homework and a grade 5 student to have about an hour of daily homework. Daily homework is the practice, remediation, or an extension of a lesson which was presented in class. Before homework is
assigned, the concept is modeled by the teacher, guided practice is provided, and student understanding is checked.

Long term projects and tests are more common in the intermediate grades. Specific time lines and guidelines are provided to the students. Time management becomes a critical component of these assignments.

Both daily assignments and long term projects have three purposes: the mastery of skills; the preparation for future learning; and supporting student achievement. If you have questions about an assignment, talk to your child and review the teacher’s materials and/or newsletters. Modifications to assignments are made based upon identified student needs and the communication between the parent and the teacher.

As the name implies, homework is work, not fun. It is designed to be beneficial and purposeful.

What do I do if we are going on vacation?

The school office and the classroom teacher must be notified by the parent/guardian in advance of any prearranged absence. Classroom teachers will provide limited practice activities when requested three days in advance. Long term (in excess of one week) assignments will not be given.

Student absences must be reported by 9:30 am. Call 375-3636 with the following information:

What food treats may parents bring into the classroom for the children?

The only food treats permitted from parents are for the three holiday parties.  These are brought in by the room parents.  No other food treats are permitted due to a number of severe allergic reactions from some of our students.

Why can't I enter or exit the parking lot during arrival and dismissal times?

The sidewalk is used by students going to and from school.  Vehicles crossing the sidewalk would endanger the safety of the students.

When can I enter the circle drive at dismissal?

You may enter the circle drive after the bus departs.  If you must pick up your child immediately after school, arrange a meeting place along Monarch Circle or on the west side of White Eagle Drive.