FAQ List for 7th Grade Parents

  • How do I know if my child is missing any assignments?

We highly encourage you to review HAC (Home Access Center) on the HRMS website at LEAST once a weekwith your son/daughter. This should become a frequent habit for your student this year and the remainder of their years in Hood River schools. The 7th grade team updates HAC frequently. Empty Box = Missing Assignment. Log-in will be taught week #1.

  • How do I find which assignments my child needs to complete?

HAC contains the titlesand due datesof all past and current assignments. Students should scour their binders and lockers for the assignment. If it can’t be found, then your child should check with each of his/her teachers about whether or not copies of assignments are uploaded on their teacher webpage or if there is a place in the classroom where extra copies reside.

  • How do I know what grade my child is currently earning?

HAC contains the most updated grade/assignment information. However, please consider the amount of time it takes to grade/score any written assignments. The turnaround time for grading more substantial assignments will not be as immediate. For example, if an LA teacher has 150 papers to grade and it takes an average of 10 minutes to read and respond, then the total amount of grading time for that one assignment is 25 hours. We recommend that you check HAC on a daily basis when your child is struggling, and watch for “trends”.

  • What can my child do to improve his/her grade?

A student’s grade represents one of two things:1-completeness and quality of assignments/projects and 2-proficiency on assessments (quizzes, tests). Students can improve their grade by doing their best work, completing and turning in work on time, following guidelines for accuracy and completion, asking questions when concepts are unclear, reviewing past and graded assignments and assessments, saving and organizing old assignments for future reference, and practicing reading/writing/math skills regularly.

  • When are late/missing assignments due?

The 7th grade teachers have varying policies of accepting late/missing assignment. Please read each teacher’s syllabus about their late policy. These are distributed at the beginning of the school year and most post it on their teacher webpage. Most teachers will accept late student work; however that work may only be given partial credit. Some teachers will not accept late work after a specified date, or after a unit of study has been completed. Please always check with your child’s teacher for exact information. All students are given a grace period for making up work that was missed due to an excused absence (one day for each day absent).

  • When is a good time for my child to complete a make-up assessment (quiz/test)?

Students should always check in with a teacher to set up a time for this. Some possible times: about 7:35 – 8:25am, 6th period (permitted the student checks with his/her 6th period teacher first), and sometimes in class. Lunch is never a good time to make-up assessments because there isn’t enough time after they have eaten lunch, and students need to blow off steam and get some fresh air before afternoon classes begin.

  • When should my child visit with a teacher if he/she has questions or has been absent?

Our work day is 7:35am to 3:35pm. Because there are often staff meetings,you or your child should email or talk with the teacher to set up an appointment ahead of time.Mornings (7:35 – 8:25am) are often best, but 3rd period may also be a good time.

  • What is the best way to contact my child’s teacher?

Email is often the most efficientway to communicate with us. All 7th grade teachers’ emails can be found on their HRMS Teacher Page. If email is not an option, please call the main office to leave a message with your child’s teacher (541-386-2114).

  • Can I meet with my child’s teacher if I have concerns to discuss?

Yes. Just email or phone a teacher to set up an appointment. Please know that because we are a team, we will notify the other teachers working with your child and invite them to attend the meeting as well.

  • My son/daughter used to earn A’s and B’s in 6th grade. Why is her/his performance not the same this year in 7th grade?

Because 6th grade is a child’s first year making the transition to middle school, there are many “safety nets” in place that ease this transition (WEB Orientation Day, a homeroom self-contained classroom teacher). In 7th grade, students often struggle keeping different assignments, due dates, and classroom expectations straight from teacher to teacher. It is possible for a 7th grade student to go from having only two different 6thgrade teachers to having five different 7th grade teachers, in addition to specialists and 6th period teachers. For this reason, developing an organizational systemthat works (planner, binder, folders, homework station at home, etc.) with your son/daughter is imperative! Students may need to try several different methods before finding one that works best for them. 7th grade is the year in which students learn and practice life-long skillssuch as organization, follow-through, delayed gratification… which are necessary to succeed in school and in “real life”. The 7th grade team teaches, reminds, and encourages students to practice advocating for themselves (asking questions), organization (knowing where their materials are and when due dates are), time management (using class time and homework time productively), and responsibility (taking care of personal matters for themselves as much as possible). For instance, after an absence it is their responsibility to check in with their teachers and find out what’s been missed, what needs to be made up, and when is a good time to make it up. Seventh grade is when students should develop good habits related to school (turn in homework on time, listen to instructions, read and follow assignment guidelines, keep a positive attitude about classes and teachers, keep materials organized, use organizational tools, talk with their teachers about concerns and questions, be aware of their own education and responsibilities etc.). It is also important to recognize that as the complexity of subject matter increases, subject matter specialization willnecessarily increase. For example, in your child’s near future as 9th Graders, they will have up to 8 different teachers and possibly several coaches at the high school.

Thank you for taking the time to orient yourself with these important HRMS 7th grade concepts.