Homework is an essential component to reinforcing and mastering the skills taught daily in school.  Therefore, to place emphasis on the importance of completing homework, I have instituted a homework policy in my classroom.  Students will have homework several nights a week (excluding Friday).  All students will receive a homework grade and it will have the same weight as a test score, at the end of the marking period.  The grade will be calculated by dividing the total number of completed assignments by the total number of assignments given.   I understand the busy schedules of families and will permit one missed assignment, per marking period without penalizing their grade.  If students complete their homework on a regular basis, the homework grade can help their overall average.  Failure to complete assignments will not only hurt their average, it may prevent participation in classroom rewards and school wide activities.