Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions 
of students and parents.

1. How do I check for homework assignments or classwork when I am absent?
2. What do I do when I can't print a writing assignment at home?
3. Do I have to buy my own copies of the novels we will be reading?
4. Do I have to do the research project even if I have all A's on tests?
5. If I am having trouble in class, what should I do?
6. If I do poorly on a test, how can I try to raise my grade?

How do I check for homework assignments or classwork when I am absent?

Homework assignments and class worksheets are posted daily by 4 
p.m. on the Homework and Handouts pages, respectively, of this 
web site.  Ifyou do not have Internet capabilities at home, you 
should have two study buddies in your class who will copy the 
assignment from the front board for you and pick up an extra 
handout.

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What do I do when I can't print a writing assignment at home?

When your printer fails (or you run out of ink :)), just email 
yourself the document and then access your email from the school 
library computers.  You can print your document there at a cost 
of $.10 per page.  In a dire emergency, you can see me, and I'll 
print it for you, but my printer is very slow, and it is 
impossible to print numerous long documents efficiently. Not 
being able to print a document is NOT an excuse for not turning 
it in. :)

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Do I have to buy my own copies of the novels we will be reading?

No.  You are not required to buy the books since all of them are 
available either in your textbook or through the school novel 
room. However, there are certain advantages to buying your own 
copies--you can highlight and write notes in the books, and you 
can more easily review the text prior to quizzes and tests.  The 
journalism class sells all the major titles we read as a 
fundraiser for the school newspaper, and they will make copies of 
the novels available for purchase in our classroom.  If you don't 
buy the books through the journalism class, you can always go to 
Borders or Barnes & Noble or any of the online bookstores.

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Do I have to do the research project even if I have all A's on tests?

Yes.  The research project is equivalent to two tests, so if you 
fail to do the report, it will be like getting two F's on tests.  
That could easily drop you one full grade.

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If I am having trouble in class, what should I do?

PLEASE come see me as soon as you begin to feel you are in over 
your head.  I am almost always in my room at lunch (we have a 
group that likes to watch movies), and I usually stay after 
school for at least an hour every day.  Set up a specific time to 
meet with me to make sure I'm not busy with another student.

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If I do poorly on a test, how can I try to raise my grade?

Make sure you are doing ALL of your homework.  When progress 
reports and grades are due, I look at the entire scope of your 
work.  If I see that you NEVER do homework, your grade will be 
affected.  If you ALWAYS do your homework and merely slipped on 
one test, you probably will be fine.  This is especially true if 
you take advantage of Extra Credit opportunities on tests 
and outside writing assignments.  Try to make the most of those 
extra points, even if you are doing well in class.  You never can 
tell when you might need the points!

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