Parent Portal : Teacher Pages : Gwen Senska
Philosophy of Homework
Instrumental Music – Instrumental music students in grades 5–8 are expected to keep a log of their practice time outside of class. Practice log forms are provided for each student and are to be signed by a parent or adult guardian. The practice requirement:
- promotes the understanding that practice reinforces concepts and skills taught in the classroom.
- promotes increased organizational skills and self-monitoring of practice time.
- promotes a standard by which all students should be able to demonstrate growth on playing assignments.
- promotes student accountability for assignments given in class.
- provides an opportunity to share accomplishments with parents/guardians.
Classroom Music – Classroom music provides all students with musical opportunities and experiences that encourage appreciation, the development of basic knowledge, and the exploration of talent. It exists to bring all students into an interactive relationship with music at a level commensurate with their abilities and involves thinking, performing, composing, listening, and observing. With the exceptions of performances at concerts and graduation, work outside of class will not be required of students not electing to participate in special activities and performances.
Grading Policy
Instrumental Music – Band grades are calculated by totaling points earned in the areas of proficiency, attendance, conduct, and effort. Hard copies of this information, in addition to forms for recording practice minutes, have been received by instrumentalists. They are thus able to determine the weekly score they wish to receive.
Classroom Music – As there is a wide variance in the musical aptitudes of children and because these classes meet only twice per week, the classroom music grade simply measures an assessment of current musical learning outcomes against a prior assessment.
I
generally post my grades to the Parent Portal by Friday.
Schedule
Instrumental Music – Unless students are notified otherwise, practice logs are due on Friday of each week.
Contact Information
You may call me at school at 248-2625, at home at 495-4227, or e-mail me at Gwen.Senska@k12.sd.us with questions and/or concerns.