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Attendance & Homework

Children may be dropped off between 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM. Classes begin promptly at 8:30 AM.

Students arriving late must be signed in by an adult at the main office.

Parents should drop off students prior to 8:20 AM to ensure students have time to prepare and do not feel rushed.

Parents need to leave the building by 8:30 AM.

Habitual tardiness is not condoned.

Attendance Policy (Lower School)

Students who miss 15 days or more of a class per quarter will receive Incompletes (I’s) on their report card.

Attendance Policy (Upper School)

Students who miss 15 or more days of a class during a single quarter may receive an Incomplete if arrangements have not been made to complete missed work.

Families should contact the Upper School Director:

  • In advance of planned absences

  • As soon as possible during extended illness

Please note: the eighth-grade transcript (including grades from 6th–8th) also reflects absences for each year.

Make-Up Assignments

If your child is absent for several days, please contact your child’s Director. They will coordinate the collection of missed assignments in a file available at the office for pickup.

We are unable to submit homework to the office for pickup on a daily basis.

Trip Policy

While we understand that children are occasionally absent for a variety of reasons, we discourage planning trips during the school year.

If your child will miss school for an extended period, please notify the homeroom teacher.

Students are responsible for:

  • Submitting all projects assigned prior to the absence

  • Making up missed tests and work upon return

Because our curriculum is differentiated, teachers are unable to send work with students to complete during trips.

Homework

At Nysmith, we believe children thrive when there is a healthy balance between schoolwork and personal time.

Homework is intentionally light and focuses on meaningful practice.

Homework Time Guidelines

Students should plan for approximately 10 minutes per grade level per night.

Examples:

  • 3rd grade: about 30 minutes

  • 7th grade: about 70 minutes

  • 4–5 times per week

Students work at different paces, so time may vary.

If assignments take longer than expected, families should contact the teacher.

We encourage families to create a consistent “academic time” routine. During this time, students may:

  • Complete assigned homework

  • Finish classwork

  • Read for pleasure

  • Do other screen-free, enriching activities

Standardized Testing

Each spring, 4th and 6th graders participate in the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.

This nationally normed assessment provides experience with standardized testing and helps support each child’s academic growth.