For the first half of the year study hall is not considered an option for those students who have missing, late, or incomplete assignments. This includes classroom assignments, homework, and long-term assignments. Students will be kept in at recess until the assignment, missing, late, or incomplete, is completed in a satisfactory way and turned in. This policy is designed to hold students accountable for their actions in relation to their learning. The goal is to teach the students about responsibility and give them the organizational skills needed to avoid study hall altogether.
For the second half of the year, study hall becomes optional for students who have missing, late, or incomplete assignments. At this point in the year I feel that the students need to assume total responsibility for their actions relating to their work. I inform students that study hall is not mandatory, but that they will need to explain to their parents why their grades are down, falling, failing, etc. as a result of their homework not being completed and/or turned in on time. I also let them know that notes will be sent home or a phone call will be placed to their parents if I feel that they are not fulfilling their obligations.