Three weeks into the year, and I'd like to say that I am pretty well pleased with the way the boys and girls are falling into a real routine already this year. Most of them are showing me that they can handle the third grade work load and schedule. There have been, however some instances when children have forgotten books or materials to complete their homework assignments. At the end of the day, the students copy their assignments from my board, an exact duplicate of their tablet page. I encourage them to write these assignments down as they are given if they prefer, or to copy whatever is on the board at lunchtime if they feel rushed at the end of the day. It's their choice...three options. While they are packing up, I tell them what they will need to take home, and they say, "Check," if they have it ready. It's very important that they LISTEN at this time. Nevertheless, some children have come without assignments the following day. While I do understand that circumstances arise, most excuses are simply, "I forgot." I will accept notes that explain situations, but I discourage parents from just "getting their child off the hook". I will circle the missing assignment or write it in the assignment book and note, "See previous day" in the tablet. After three missing/late assignments, I will send a notice home requesting that the child remain with me after school for 30 minutes to complete his/her assignment. This is usually enough to make the impression, and it rarely happens again. More serious problems will be dealt with by taking other steps. Please check over your child's assignment tablet each day and encourage him/her to be neat and accurate when writing things down. Also check to see when upcoming tests are scheduled (at the end of each subject line), as I try to post them a couple of days ahead of time. Responsibility doesn't just happen...it needs to be practiced. Your little ones are growing up! Thanks for your help in this matter.