Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and
parents.
- What are some high-interest books for middle school teens?
- How much homework do we get?
- How many projects do we get?
- When will we know about Tests and quizzes?
- How long should my child's homework take?
What are some high-interest books for middle school teens?
My students have suggested a list of good books to read:
Sarah Dessen novels
English 9 novels for Howard County Schools: Night, To Kill a Mockingbird, Midsummer's Night Dream
The Rainmaker and A Painted House by John Grisham
The Tower Treasure by Franklin W. Dixon
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Curtis
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
Stargirl by Jerry Spindler
Petals Blowing in the Wind by VC Andrews
The Storm Breaker Series of Alex Rider by Anthony Horowitz
Chicken Soup for the Pre-teen Soul by Canfield, Hanser, Hansen & Dunlap
The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling
The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pulman
The DaVinci Code & Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot - Immortal Series by
Tamara Pierce
California Blue by David Klass
Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
12 again by Sue Corbett
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Dracula by Bram Stoker,
Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare
The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan,
The Kane series by Rick Riordan
As well, make sure to check out the high school book list in Links to see more books to read!
How much homework do we get?
Homework is assigned 1-3 times weekly. Unfinished Classwork is usually completed as homework.
Students receive a Homework Packet of articles that apply critical reading skills, vocabulary and writing skills, so if
students know they will be out one day, they can finish homework the next day or
the day before. This also means, however, that there will be
hardly any homework excused, because kids have their homework
before hand. The Homework page should have all information about
homework as well. News summaries based on current events are due monthly.
How many projects do we get?
I give a fair amount of projects, one every month, but before you go off moaning, you
do need to know that these assignments are very achievable, and if you
focus, you can always finish by yourself. My projects are aligned with the curriculum.
ALL projects will be listed on the Homework site and discussed in class.
When will we know about Tests and quizzes?
Tests and quizzes are based on the text, Vocabulary from Classical Roots level C, and two column notes or study guides are created to use as study guides.There will be a pop quiz almost every
week on the vocabulary that you have learned. Tests will be announced, and tests will be no surprise. Test dates are discussed in class and written on the board. If students score below a 70% a make-up test can be taken.
The highest score will be used. Whenever you're absent and miss a test or quiz, be prepared to study and take the missed activity.
How long should my child's homework take?
Homework should only take 15-20 minutes a day. My class should NOT be a stress on
homework. Sometimes, if you choose to complete projects in one day,
they will take 30-45 minutes. News summaries, required once a month,
should take 15-20 minutes to complete as well. I understand students have other classes,
and other extra curricular activities. Do your best!