September Service Learning Project Going Green – Reducing the Amount of Paper We Use for Homework

Service Learning  Each month our class will choose a service project that we can complete to serve others or improve the world in some way.  We call this service learning because we tie our project in to academic areas and the Florida Sunshine State Standards

What Are We Learning This Month?  We are beginning a unit on conserving resources in science next week, so this month we are working on paper reduction.  This will tie in to math as we add and graph our results, and science as we work on natural resources.

Ways to Reduce Paper Use  Writing on the front and back of all notebook pages  Completing assignments that Ms. Sussman posts on the Elmo, instead of photocopying them  Recycling paper at home and school  Paperless or reduced paper homework options

Reduced Paper Homework – What Can You Do at Home?  Ms. Sussman is offering the option of paperless or reduced paper homework.  Log on to sussmania3.wikispaces.com each week and download the newsletter  The options for those who are choosing paperless homework will be on the same page as the newsletter beginning Tuesday, September 8 th. They will be posted by Friday each week for the following week.

How Do I Turn in Paperless Homework?  Read the assignment each night on the website.  Type the assignments in a word processing document.  Save the document with a title telling the date of the assignment.  the assignment to Ms. Sussman as an attachment by 8:30p.m. the night before it is due.  You may also choose to type the assignment directly into an , although you will not be able to save a copy for yourself if you do this.

How Do I Know My Homework Was Received?  Ms. Sussman will check her at 8:30p.m. and will reply to you to let you know she received your assignment.  If you do not receive a reply just print your homework and bring it in, just in case!  Parents can also let Ms. Sussman know they saw the child’s planner via

Advantages of Paperless Homework  Each week Ms. Sussman prints 6 pieces of paper per student for homework, and the students use 2-3 additional sheets of paper to complete it.  9 pieces of paper per student = 216 pieces of paper each week.  For 36 weeks of school that is 7,776 pieces of paper we will save!!!!!  Saving paper not only saves trees, a natural resource, but also saves money for the school.

More Advantages of Paperless Homework  Turning in paperless homework also guarantees that homework will not get lost on the way to school.  Children still learn responsibility because there is a deadline when homework must be turned in.  Paperless homework also teaches the valuable technology skill of ing an attachment.

What are the Potential Problems?  In working with technology there is always the potential for errors.  To cut down on this make sure you check your after 8:30 to see that Ms. Sussman has received your homework, and if not print it.  Ms. Sussman will be lenient on homework that is not received because of technology issues, and will not penalize students if these issues occur and homework is eventually received.

How Do I Start?  If you are willing to try reduced paper/paperless write a note in your planner by Friday, signed by a parent or send Ms. Sussman an .  If you choose this option you will not get a homework packet on Monday.  Instead you will go on the website and start ing your homework.  If you are having trouble let Ms. Sussman know and she will send home a packet for you at any time.

Questions?  You can always your questions to Mrs. Veiga –