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