Ms. MillCreek was working late at school but just got home. I asked for her ideas. Here is what she said:
"If it's a girl, it's usually (not always) but usually a phase. Best thing the parent can do is take assignments that come home that seems to be important and do two things, have the child go over the papers orally discussing the answers and rereading her work, and then, if that doesn't solve the situation then have the child redo the answers at home: erase and redo. There are usually one of a few basic reasons for sloppy work: attitude (which can usually be solved with consistent parent support and positive communication w/ teacher), undeveloped fine motor control, and ADD/ADHD (which only a physician can diagnose and is difficult to diagnose, especially in girls, until 3-5th grade). I'd start with the positive reenforcement/communication w/ teacher and making sure student knows there is communication so she knows she is supported and that her work is important.
It is also possible that the student is bored and does not have enough challenging work. You should ask the teacher if she can have extra assignments, extra-credit work or work above the grade level. However, my experience is that students who are so bright that the curriculum is not challenging them usually are challenging themselves with high end reading, high end questions and responses orally, they usually get very fixated on a big idea in science or math, etc. Then class work can be sloppy and hurried but when the child knows it matters, they show they are capable of quality work. That's why the piece of positive communication with the teacher is so important. Rarely is anything figured out and solved over a course of two weeks or even half a year. That's why teachers notes and follow through of the previous teacher is so important.
Very, very, very few students are ever "bored" and not challenged, but lots and lots of parents think that is the problem because they are so emotionally attached to their child and it's pride extension to be able to say my child is bright and is bored in school."
Please let me know if I or Ms. MillCreek can be of any further help.
PS: She said to come back and emphasize that you and your teacher are in the best position to see if this advice fits since you have the experience with your child, and she obviously has never taught your child.