Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- What is the best way to leave a message or to contact Mr. Piotrowski?
- What should I study for the test?
- Can I bring a bottle of water to class?
- When is my homework due?
- What if I am absent from school?
- What if I have a question about math or science?
- Is there extra credit work available to help me raise my grade?
- What score do I need to get an 'A'?
- I have more questions about school policy. What do I do?
- How can I stay organized using an expandable folder?
- What do I use the folders for?
- Will I need to make a 'Friday Folder' or 'Take Home Folder' ?
What is the best way to leave a message or to contact Mr. Piotrowski?
The best way to contact me is via Email. My address is
apiotrowski@dist50.net
It is okay to leave a phone message on my direct line:
847-596-5967
During the industrious school day I check messages; however I
usually cannot reply until after 3:00 or in some cases until
after school meetings are completed. If you need to contact me
urgently, please call the main office and they will contact me.
847-596-5900.
What should I study for the test?
Test questions are very similar to the homework, work in class,
class notes, and text book questions (now you know why homework
is important!) Practice some examples from each section in the
chapter or unit. Have a parent or friend create a practice test
for you. You should have the answers from the homework we corrected in
class. Think about how you got your answer... what did you do right? What did
you do that gave you a different answer?
Can I bring a bottle of water to class?
Yes! That is a good idea. You may fill your bottle before class
begins. You may not leave the room to fill a water bottle or to
get a drink. Only water will be allowed... no pop or juices.
Remember to wash the bottle each time before you refill.
'Failing to take in more water than your body uses can lead to
dehydration. Even mild dehydration � as little as a 1 percent to
2 percent loss of your body weight � can sap your energy and
make you tired.'
� 1998-2007 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
(MFMER)
When is my homework due?
Completed homework is due the next school day. Occasionally
there are projects that have specific due dates assigned.
See Mr. Piotrowski or ask your parents to write a note if you
know that you will be turning in a late assignment.
Work that is not turned-in is recorded as a zero (this does not
include absent work - see next question below).
You have an opportunity to earn points if it is turned in late.
Late work is scored at 75% of the completed work value
if it is one day late and accompanied by a signed LAW
notice.This will replace the zero grade for that assignment.
Remember, homework is not "done" until it has been turned in to
the homework tray.
A Late Assignment Warning (L.A.W.) notice will be issued if a
homework assignment is not turned in on the due date. LAW
notices must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to
school with the completed assignment the next day.
If students "forget" their homework on a regular
basis they will call home to leave a message with a parent and
to remind themselves to bring it in the next day. If assistance
is needed to resolve issues with homework completion, an
intervention meeting may be required. Teachers,social
workers, parents and student will meet to setup a plan for
students to complete the missing work.
What if I am absent from school?
Have mom or dad call school to let the office know you won't be
here. When you return to school, check the assignment board to
see what homework you have missed. If you are out more than 2 consecutive
days, you may want to have a parent or guardian call school and arrange for a
homework pickup [optional]. You are still responsible for catching up on all concepts discussed at school. See me if there is an
assignment you do not understand or need help with. You will be
given an appropriate amount of extra time to catch up on absent
work. In some cases, assignments can be modified if the student
demonstrates proficiency with the concept or skill required in
the task. We want you to feel better and return to school when you are ready.
What if I have a question about math or science?
I know it can be scary sometimes to ask a question in class, but
if you don't ask, you will never know the answer! If you are
still having trouble after you have asked your question, I am
available to help you during my lunch time on Wednesdays or at a
time you schedule with me in advance.
Is there extra credit work available to help me raise my grade?
Extra credit work is issued on rare occasion. Most often extra
credit is earned by correcting GRADED tests. See me for
specific questions or concerns about your understanding of the
material. My goal is for you to understand the concepts, not
just to do busy work. Turning in your homework on a consistent
basis, participation, and effort in class are important components to understanding. Put in EXTRA
EFFORT to DO your best and your grades will rise!
What score do I need to get an 'A'?
The school's grading scale is:
A = 100-90,
B= 89-80,
C= 79-70,
D= 69-60,
E= 59 and below.
I have more questions about school policy. What do I do?
The best way to contact me is by email. If I can't answer the
question, I can direct you to someone who may have the answer
you're looking for. You may want to refer to the Parent and
Student Handbook. It has a lot of information that can help.
You may want to check out the Woodland Dist 50 website for
policies and up-to-date announcments. www.dist50.net
How can I stay organized using an expandable folder?
The main reason for using an expandable folder is to organize
and carry important papers that YOU WILL NEED TO FIND and take
out again. You should set up your expandable in a way that works
for you. My suggestion is: DO NOT OVERSTUFF YOUR EXPANDABLE (put
graded papers in the 'Take Home' folder.)
In front of the first tab: use this space for your assignment
notebook.
First tab should have a sticky label typed with the
words 'Notes' or 'Turn in to teacher.' Behind this tab put all
notes, lunch money, papers that were signed... anything brought
back to school. This spot should be emptied each day.
Second Tab: label tab 'Math'. Behind this tab put your math
homework or packets being worked on.
Third Tab: Label tab 'LA'. Behind this tab put your packets,
book report directions and homework.
Fourth Tab: Label tab 'Social Studies'. Behind this tab put your
packets, homework, study guides, Time For Kids magazine.
Fifth Tab: Label tab �Science�. Behind this tab put your lab
packets,homework, project information.
Sixth Tab: If you have extra room, keep a few sheets of blank
loose-leaf paper in the last section. If you do not have extra
room, keep your blank loose leaf paper in the front space with
your assignment notebook.
What do I use the folders for?
Some students really like to use their folders instead of
the expandable. If you prefer to use individual folders instead
of the expandable... go for it! This method has really
worked well for students that need help with organization:
On the cover write your name and subject. Color coding
folders is very helpful. Use a blue folder for math. Yellow for
Reading/Writing. Use red for Social Studies and Green for
Science. You may Setup an extra folder that can be used to 'Take
Home' graded papers or notes.
Why color code? Because it is easier for EVERYONE to help find
the folder needed.
Open the folder. On the left pocket write "Out Box - I need
to give this to my Teacher". If a student put something in
this pocket, they know they have done quality work and must
turn in the paper. Students should aim to move all of their
papers to this pocket.
On the right pocket write "IN Box - I need to work on this."
This is the pocket where the STUDENT can find the work they need
to deal with. After doing their best work and if they do what is
required, they can move the paper out of this pocket and into
the OUT pocket so they can pass it along to someone else who
needs it. Remember that homework is not done until it is turned
in to the homework tray. PLEASE check your In and Out box
(folder) often so you stay organized and productive.
One more tip: Here is a website for an 8 pocket Spiral folder
from Oxford. You may find these folders to be useful along with
the organization tips they provide at this site:
http://www.pendaflex.com/enUS/Solutions/Lesson_Plans.html
Occasionally we will have projects or units that require the use
of a pocket folder. Plan to have enough folders on hand at home.
Will I need to make a 'Friday Folder' or 'Take Home Folder' ?
My recommendation is that you use an orange folder as a "take-home" folder. Take papers home EVERY DAY.
All papers distributed during the week must go home before the end of the week. You may want to designate a folder
to hold these papers, or place them neatly in your backpack without a folder.
These papers might be letters from the PTA,Office/Administration, notes from Specials teachers,Lunch Menus,
and graded papers that you do not need to keep at school. Make
sure to empty your backpack each night and give the papers to
your parents. (Remember - please do not throw away
math or science papers in my classroom - instead take them home!)