Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- Why aren't all in-class hand-outs available on this website?
- Why do I have a "Y" where a grade should be for the last paper I turned in?
- The grade book shows "0-abs" under a lot of assignments - what's up?
- I received several 0's on assignments - can I make these up?
- When is the best time to make up quizzes or conference with you?
- What is the best way for parents to contact you?
- I turned in a paper weeks ago, why isn't it graded yet?????
- My grade shows a "0" on an assignment that I know I turned in!
- I would like a weekly progress report - can you provide this for me?
- How often do you update the online gradebook?
- I'd like to order a yearbook - where do I begin?
- Can I order a yearbook from a previous year?
- I found an error in the yearbook - with whom do I lodge a complaint?
- My freshman has been contacted by a "Mentor" - what's that all about?
- Where do I get information about the Fall Play?
Why aren't all in-class hand-outs available on this website?
I create handouts from various sources: copies of book pages, vocab system
handouts, novel study guides, etc. These are created outside of my saved
computer documents. Copies of those handouts are kept on file in room 131
for your convenience.
Why do I have a "Y" where a grade should be for the last paper I turned in?
When you turn in your paper, I quickly enter in a Y (received) or N (not
received) to alert students/parents/myself to a missing assignment. When I
actually grade the paper, I will replace the Y with a numeric score and an N
with a 0 (if it hasn't been turned in by then!)
The grade book shows "0-abs" under a lot of assignments - what's up?
This simply means you were absent when that assignment was due. You need to
come see me to make up the assignment/test/quiz as soon as possible. I give
full points for made up absent work; however, at the end of the quarter, I
have to convert that "absent" to "0" which will hurt your grade.
I received several 0's on assignments - can I make these up?
Absolutely! I encourage students to NEVER give up! I issue half-credit for
late work. Once the quarter is over, though, the 0 is permanent. Late
papers will not receive my meticulous and witty margin notes....
When is the best time to make up quizzes or conference with you?
Before or after school, in room 131. If I'm not there - check the theatre:
I'll be working on the fall play. If you still can't find me - have the
school office page the building for me!
What is the best way for parents to contact you?
I prefer email, actually. I check email at least three-four times per day;
whereas, I check voicemail only once or twice. I return phone calls during
my planning period the following day. Students, too, are encouraged to email
with any questions or concerns.
I turned in a paper weeks ago, why isn't it graded yet?????
As many students have discovered by now, yes - I'm a slow grader when it
comes to student essays. I prefer to call it "thoughtful" grading of
essays. I like to respond in writing and put a lot of effort into my
grading comments. Students have overwhelmingly preferred this extensive
feedback, so I hope it's worth the wait!
My grade shows a "0" on an assignment that I know I turned in!
Just like students, teachers make mistakes from time to time. I truly
appreciate it when students help me correct an error! Just show me the work
(vocab unit, graded/returned work,etc.) and I'll fix the system as soon as
possible. Travelling from room to room, it's very easy for me to miss a
grade change.
I would like a weekly progress report - can you provide this for me?
Yes! In fact, I plan to post grades in my classroom on a weekly basis.
(Posted by student ID number) Should you require a detailed progress report
from me, please send me an email or see me in class and I can print you off
one as soon as I can.
How often do you update the online gradebook?
Generally, I'll have most grading entered the following Monday evening.
Larger papers will require more time - please be patient! I make it a
regular practice to have grades as updated as possible before the athletic
department runs their eligibility list each week.
I'd like to order a yearbook - where do I begin?
It's easy! Just send in your payment and specify the year of the book you
wish to purchase. Costs may vary, depending on the time of year you order
(pre-orders get a discount) so call the school office first for a price
quote. They usually run between $55 - 65 dollars. Again, it's very
important that you specify the year you are ordering!
Can I order a yearbook from a previous year?
Most years, we do have a limited amount of "left-over" books in storage.
The older the book, the longer it might take for us to find it - so be
patient! It might be best to request a check on a book first (via email to
me) and then I can let you know if we have it before you pay. Generally, we
keep a few years' worth in the building - the older ones are stored
elsewhere. So, I suppose the answer to this question is: maybe! It can't
hurt to request your year!
I found an error in the yearbook - with whom do I lodge a complaint?
If there's an error in the yearbook, let me begin by offering my most
sincere apology! We work very hard to catch everything; but, we all know
that nobody is perfect! By ordering your yearbook, you are acknowledging
acceptance of a product produced in a classroom by fellow students. With
that, there will always be a slight chance that mistakes will be made.
Please know that we do everything possible to prevent it - and never make
errors on purpose! You always have the right to speak directly to anyone on
the administrative team; but please begin the process with me directly. I
may have specific explanations for your issue. My hope is that you will
only have positive feedback (which we'd love to hear too!) but are always
welcome to suggestions for improvement!
My freshman has been contacted by a "Mentor" - what's that all about?
Welcome to Marian! I coordinate the Kick-Off Mentor program at school and
oversee a wonderful group of select students chosen to be mentors to the
incoming freshman class. Your student's mentor will be his/her primary
contact at Marian - available to answer any and all questions, offer support
and host the freshman class in various activities throughout the year. The
mentors will be easily identified during the first week of school, so your
student will know exactly who to ask for assistance with lockers, lunch and
late hallway sprints to class! It's like having an older sibling or cousin
already at school (but better, since we won't cost you additional tuition!)
We will have regularly scheduled homeroom meetings throughout the year, and
the occassional social event. We also strive to make casual contact three
times per month with each freshman. This can be an occasional "hey!" in the
hall to face-to-face conversations when possible. Your student matters to
his/her mentor - and that could make all the difference! Should you have
any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact me directly either via
email (best) or phone.
Where do I get information about the Fall Play?
Very soon, I will place the "Fall Play" tab on my website, as I did last
year. You will have online access to all the materials I distribute at the
parent meetings and play rehearsals.