Frequently Asked Questions:
- What do I need to bring to class each day?
- What should I do if I check my student's grades and an assignment is missing?
- When are assignments due?
- Will my student have a lot of homework each night?
- What happens if my student is absent?
- What is your late-work policy?
- Can my child retake a quiz or a test if they make a failing grade?
- How do I know what is going on in my student's class?
- Is the syllabus set in stone or will there be changes as the year progresses?
- How are grades weighted in class?
- Why is it that history teachers always think history is interesting?
What do I need to bring to class each day?
Students need to bring the following to class daily: their
Interactive Student Notebook, organizer, pen(s)/pencil(s), paper,
and a great attitude! If additional items are needed, the
students will be advised the day prior.
What should I do if I check my student's grades and an assignment is missing?
Please ask your student if he or she has turned it in. All late
work is subject to district policy (see additional information
below). I am typically very organized, but mistakes can be
made. Please make certain that your students keeps up with his
or her graded papers and handouts so that they have proof for
everyone. And, as always, you can contact me via e-mail or phone
with any questions or concerns.
When are assignments due?
All assignments are due the next class period unless otherwise
stated.
Will my student have a lot of homework each night?
We will accomplish as much during the class period as possible;
however, homework may be assigned in order to further strengthen
your student's learning and knowledge base. In addition, there
may be projects that require work to be completed outside of the
classroom.
What happens if my student is absent?
It is the student's responsibility to get their missed work from
me. The student should see me as soon as they return to school
after being absent to obtain their assignments. If a test or
quiz is missed, a tutorial time must be scheduled in order to
make up the quiz or test as class time does not allow for tests
and quizzes to be made up.
What is your late-work policy?
According to district policy, the first day that work is late --
20 points will be deducted before the assignment is graded. Two
days late will result in 40 points being deducted before the
assignment is graded.
Pre-AP students -- no late work is accepted.
No work will be accepted from a student once we have taken a
major test over the material. The point of the assignments
and/or homework is so that I can assess a student's understanding
of the materials as we progress. If a student does not complete
an assignment, the chances are good that the student will
struggle with the material.
Can my child retake a quiz or a test if they make a failing grade?
According to FJH policy, we can no longer offer retakes to make
up for a failing grade.
How do I know what is going on in my student's class?
Each student should bring their organizer to class each day and
write down their assignments, homework, quizzes, tests, and
projects. Please check your student's organizer to find out what
they are doing in class. In addition, I try to keep my Teacher
Web updated for the convenience of the student and parent. You
may also contact me by e-mail or phone if you have any questions.
Is the syllabus set in stone or will there be changes as the year progresses?
The syllabus/course information that you receive is intended to
be an outline that remains a flexible instrument. It serves you
and your student as a basic guideline for the semester and/or the
year. I do not anticipate any major changes or deviations from
this outline; however, the teacher does reserve the right to make
changes to the syllabus as needed and based on student need.
How are grades weighted in class?
Tests and projects ~ 40% Quizzes ~ 30% Daily Assignments,
Homework, & Participation ~ 30%
Why is it that history teachers always think history is interesting?
Great question! History offers us the opportunity to look at
what's happened in the past and how it has affected the world,
nations, populations, etc. through the years. It is often
thought that to pass history -- one must be able to repeat the
facts and dates (which is important, too); however, I would hope
that part of what my students are able to begin to do is question
why things occurred, how they have shaped our world, and what
their own opinions are of the history of our nation. I want them
to do more than just pass the class. History can become very
interesting when we begin to think critically about it all.