 school, and family expectations. Conference. A conference is a meeting for parents, students, and teachers. In many elementary and middle schools, parent-teacher conferences are scheduled at least twice a year. Homework. Homework is schoolwork that is done at home or after school. Homework allows students to practice what they learned in school. Students in all grades have homework. Participate. Participate means to do an activity. Students in school are expected to participate in their class discussions by asking and answering questions. Grades. Grades are the result of a test or assignment. They show how a student is doing in a class. Grades are usually given as numbers or letters depending on the school. Report card. A report card is a document that shows a student's grades. Sometimes report cards also have teacher comments. It is important that parents review their children's report cards. Expect. Schools expect students to do their homework, to come to class prepared, and to participate. Expect means to think something will happen in the future. Note. A note is a short written communication. Notes can be written on paper or sent via email. When a child is absent from school, a parent needs to send a note to the teacher. Extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities are activities that are completed outside of the normal school day. Students can participate in extracurricular activities like sports and clubs. Standardized tests. Standardized tests are tests given to all students at certain grade levels. In Washington, students take smarter, balanced math, reading, writing, and science tests. Behavior. Behavior is how a person acts. Students are expected to show good behavior at school. Parents of students who do not behave may be asked to meet with the child's teacher. Absent. Absent means not in attendance. Students who are absent from school must bring a note from their parent when they return to school. Get involved. Students are encouraged to get involved with volunteer and extracurricular activities while they are in school. Get involved means to take part in activities. The end.