Has your child come home with a lunch detention?  NO worries!  This is my way of "asking" your child to join my "lunch bunch."  This "honor" is earned by a student when he or she does NOT complete the homework assignment from the night before.  I have explained to my classes repeatedly that I will NOT allow anyone to fail my class easily.  When homework grades start falling, and I have given numerous warnings about the consequences of not completing homework, lunch detentions seem the best way to "reorganize" student priorities and give "bite to my bark".  =-) Students are given time to eat lunch since the detention is meant to cut into student social time not a student's nutrition.  Over the years of teaching middle school, I have learned a few truths which include the following:

1. Students who regularly complete their homework, understand what is going on in class, do better on tests, and earn better grades.
2. Students who do well in school are afforded more opportunities in life. (not always having to learn "the hard way", a college degree, better paying & more interesting jobs, etc.)
3. Students who do not complete homework, do not understand what is covered or reviewed in class, and frequently do not pay attention to or complete a class activity that seems confusing.
4. Students who do not complete homework do poorly on quizzes and tests.
5. Students like to spend time with friends.  In fact, this time spent socializing is, to some, more important than grades or eating food.
6. Students will avoid the loss of time to socialize with friends - even if that means doing HOMEWORK!
7. It is easier for a teacher to be the MEANIE on homework issues than it is for a parent.

So, lunch detentions will be given out for most incomplete homework this first semester.  I am giving up my lunch to do this, and am willing to do so because I care about the young people in my classes.  Despite the repeated requests to "care a little less," I am willing to play the heavy in this "homework" game, but am willing to be flexible when you write me a note to explain that "life happened, and there is a valid reason for the homework to be incomplete."  Written notes signed by a parent are the ONLY way an exception to this policy can be made.  The semester ends on January 17, 2008.   I thank you in advance for your support.