1. Create a homework space with all the necessary
materials in one place. If you cannot designate a
specific place in the house, create a homework “kit”
using a container that can be taken to wherever
homework is to be done that evening.
2. Develop a routine for completing homework each
night.
3. If your child has a short attention span, break
homework into chunks. Provide opportunities for short
breaks to get a drink or take a walk and then return to
the homework. Use a timer or other visual cue so that
the child knows how long he or she needs to work
before a break.
4. Communicate with your child’s teacher(s) if your child
is consistently having trouble with homework.
5. Help your child learn to study for large exams or
complete large projects over time, rather than the
night before they are due.
6. Older students may benefit from resources on this
webpage: http://www.studygs.net/.
Tier Time
In order to help our students be more successful, the Plum Borough School District has been utilizing
“Tier Time” as an extra time of day where students may receive remediation, additional support, or
enrichment in reading or math. Tier Time is typically about 30 minutes a day and may focus on both
reading and math. Data from benchmark and progress monitoring of the STAR and Dynamic Indicators
of Basic Early Reading Skills (DIBELS), as well as teacher observations, are utilized to determine individual
student needs. In addition, scores from classroom tests and assignments and other local and state
assessments may be used. Staff involved in providing support during this time are classroom teachers,
reading specialists, and intervention teachers. Tier Time is based on the formally known concept of
Response to Instruction and Intervention (RtII), which has been transformed to Pennsylvania’s Multi-Tiered
System of Support (MTSS-RtII). This is a comprehensive system of supports for academics and behavior
that use evidence-based practices to promote student success.
If you feel as though your child could benefit from Tier Time, or are wondering how your child utilizes
Tier Time, please contact their classroom teacher.
Plum | Winter 2016 | icmags.com 31
PLUM BOROUGH S CHOOL NE WS
Kids who eat a nutritious breakfast pay better attention in
class, behave better and perform better in the classroom on
standardized tests. Studies show that kids who eat breakfast
also tend to eat healthier throughout the day.
These benefits only kick in IF KIDS EAT BREAKFAST!
Modern households are hectic places in the morning and
kids might not be hungry by the time they rush out the
door. If kids skip breakfast or just gulp down something
quick and unhealthy, they can’t concentrate in school AND
their overall wellness suffers.
The Food Service Department has a solution:
BREAKFAST @ SCHOOL! The breakfasts we serve are always
convenient, economical, and healthy. We are continuing
to implement new USDA regulations and ensure our
commitment to good nutrition just keeps getting stronger!
During the first 2 weeks of December, students who
purchase a complete school breakfast will be entered to win
a school supply filled backpack (elementary) or a $25 gift
card (middle and high school). Don’t let your kids miss out
on the benefits of a healthy breakfast. If there is no time for
breakfast at home, join us for BREAKFAST @ SCHOOL!
Homework Tips and
Study Skills
Plum Borough
HELP KEEP KIDS HEALTHY
GIVE THEM THE ENERGY
NEEDED TO LEARN