Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- What are Kats Credit stickers?
- If I want to bring my grade up, can I get extra credit?
- What is the extra credit called Parent Signature?
- What is the policy on turning in homework?
- What is the 8th grade writing portfolio?
- Why can't I read Goosebumps books for my book reports?
- Can my mom or dad visit my English class to see what we are doing?
- If I am absent, how soon should my make up work be turned in?
- If I am suspended from school, how much time do I have to turn in make up work
What are Kats Credit stickers?
Students receive Kats Credit stickers for participating in class and doing other things that will improve their grade. Students must have their English binder and their Kats Credit page in class to recieve the stickers. Kats Credits are also used as an incentive to encourage students to complete assignments before they are actually due. Forty Kats Credits can be turned in for 20 extra credit points.
If I want to bring my grade up, can I get extra credit?
I DO NOT give extra credit to one student if I do not give it to everyone.
1.Extra credit assignments are offered occasionally for anyone willing to do
them.
2. Click Motivated Learners at the top of this page. Follow directions to
receive extra credit.
3. Finally, students also have the option of writing a second book report or movie report to
boost their grade.
4. Students can collect Kats Stickers for coming to class prepared and for participating.
Don't ask for extra credit just for yourself. It won't happen.
What is the extra credit called Parent Signature?
To encourage communication between school and home, I offer 2 points extra
credit if students return tests with a parent's signature. Sometimes I want
parents to see an assignment that is especially well-done (or not well-
done), and I offer the same 2 points extra credit.
What is the policy on turning in homework?
If a student does not turn in work on the day it is due, he/she can still
turn it in the next day for a reduced grade.
What is the 8th grade writing portfolio?
At the end of the year, students assemble everything they have written into
a book. Because the focus of this year is growing and understanding
yourself, students write in a variety of styles about things that relate to
their lives. When all of this is pulled together, students have something
that is special and meaningful to them.
Why can't I read Goosebumps books for my book reports?
The purpose of writing book reports is to help you prepare for high school
by reading, analyzing, and then writing about literature. You are not
helping yourself by reading and writing about books that are
written for younger children. It is time you began to challenge yourself.
There are many excellent books written for the young adult audience. Some
authors who excel in this genre include Chris Crutcher, Lois Lowery, Lurlene
McDaniels, Lois Duncan, Cynthia Rylant, Cynthia Voigt, Walter Dean Myers,
Gary Paulsen, just to name a few.
Also, you cannot do a report on a book that has been taught in another class-
-either this year or previously. You are not expanding your horizons by
choosing a book that you have read and studied elsewhere.
Can my mom or dad visit my English class to see what we are doing?
Definitely! Parents are always welcome. It's nice to know ahead of time
that a guest is coming, but it's not necessary that I know that your mom or
dad wants to sit in on a class. It is important that your guest checks in
at the office and obtains a visitor's pass.
If I am absent, how soon should my make up work be turned in?
The best answer is the sooner the better. Students should complete missed
work in a reasonable amount of time. Refer to your planner, page 99.
Students do NOT have extra time on long-term assignments such as
book reports and other projects that require a number of days to complete.
If you are absent on the day it is due, it must be handed in the day that
you return.
If I am suspended from school, how much time do I have to turn in make up work
Work from suspensions is due on or before the first day following the end of
the suspension. Refer to your planner, page 99 under make up work.