What is Mrs. Garcia's contact information?

Students: During class, please feel free to ask all the questions that are on your mind. If your questions require more discussion, let's schedule a time to meet during your study hall, lunch, or after school.

I respectfully request that students do NOT send an e-mail; I do not open them. Truly, no offense, but I see you nearly every day, and the large number of students prevents me from accepting student e-mails or printing out student assignments. (It's the 'If-I- answer-one-I-have-to-answer-them-all' kind of thing. You understand.) Besides, you have ample opportunity to ask me questions in class. I  encourage you to plan ahead and be responsible.

Parents: Because there is no telephone in the classroom, I can respond to you much faster if you e-mail me. I would be happy to do so. I check this school address Monday-Friday: garcian@trumbullps.org

Nicole Caruso Garcia

Trumbull High School

English Department

B House / B-16

72 Strobel Road

Trumbull, CT  06611

(203) 452-4513 (B House Office)

What school supplies do I need?
You can view the list on the School Supplies page.

What's my average? How does the Grades Page work?
You’re expected to remain aware of your grade status. Check your current average by going to the Grades Page and typing in your student ID number. I usually update grades once a week, usually on the weekend. Look at the date stamp at the bottom of the page to verify when grades were last updated. Please make sure that your average appears on the Grades page. If your average does not appear, please write your name and ID number on a piece of paper and give it to me to correct. If you just transferred into the class, your information has not yet been entered. Please keep in mind that at the beginning of each marking term, averages are less representative of your performance, due to the limited number of grades. Your average will more accurately reflect your overall performance as the marking term progresses.

Students must check their averages weekly, and any student whose overall average is below 70 must come for an extra help session that week. (Let's be honest. If your average is in the D/F range, that means you could be doing better, right?) We will meet to figure out what you can do to succeed, as well as what I can do to help you reach your goals.) This is not a detention. Consider it an "attention," because that is what you will get! Schedule a time to meet with me. My schedule is on this page, as well as on the classroom door. I can meet with you during Periods 2, 6, or 8, or after school.

Where is Mrs. Garcia during the day?
If you’re coming to get help or make up a quiz, it helps to know my schedule:
Fall 2009 Schedule (*If I am not in B-16, you will probably be able to locate me in the B-17 Computer Lab, the Upper Media Center in the English Department area, or making copies.*)
Period 1:
Period 2: English 9 ACP in B-16
Homeroom: B-16
Period 3:
Period 4: English 10 ACP in B-16
Period 5: English 10 ACP in B-16
Period 6: Lunch *
Period 7:Creative Writing in B-16
Period 8: English 9 ACP in B-16

Is there extra credit?

Sometimes, but it is extra, which assumes that you have done work for actual credit. The extra credit opportunities are published on the "Download Documents" page. Do not rely on extra credit to pass if you have neglected much of your regular credit work. Devote your energy to earning credit, and you won’t need extra credit. If you didn’t have the time or energy to do the original assignments—or if you did not put forth the effort to do a quality job—chances are that you don’t have the time or energy to do extra credit. It would just distract you from keeping up with the current assignments. Your grade reflects your progress during a 10-week marking term and a 40-week year--not just the last week. Think of it this way: Someone who lives on Doritos and soda all year can't expect to eat nothing but celery the week before prom and suddenly fit into her dress or his tuxedo. We all wish it were that easy.

When is Mrs. Garcia available for extra help?
Please let me know in advance that you plan on coming for extra help, and we will schedule a time after school, probably on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday. I'm also available during lunch/prep/study hall periods, depending on how many students have already arranged to meet with me. You can find me after school in B-16. (By the way, don't let the myth "extra help is only for dumb kids" keep you from asking for help. Actually, most of the students who ask me for help are already doing quite well. The only dumb thing is NOT to ask for help or clarification if you need it!)

What about snow days?
Snow does not change due dates. Work will be collected (or quizzes/tests will be given) upon our return to school. If you know that there is a chance of snow (we live in New England), please plan ahead and bring home all of the books and materials you will need. Hope for the best, but plan for the worst! That's the motto.

You can check the Trumbull Public Schools home page for information about weather-related delays, early dismissals, or closings. In addition, NBC Channel 30 News can send you an e-mail when school closings are issued for the Trumbull school district. Just go to the following Web site and follow the simple instructions to sign up. It's free. This is particularly convenient for parents if they are at work and don't know that an early dismissal was announced. http://www.nbc30.com/closings/

What if I’m absent?
It’s the student’s responsibility to find out what he/she missed and promptly schedule to make up the assignments. Check this Web site. Look in the "While You Were Out" folder in the black crate on the back counter. Take only the handouts that have YOUR name on them. Put your finished work in the "Late Work" folder (also in the crate). Make sure your work goes IN the folder. In other words, make sure that your work does not slip down between the folders. When that happens, I find your assignment weeks later--too late to accept! Although most assignments are given in advance, sometimes we do spontaneous things in class. Therefore, check with me when you return, just to be sure. In general, quizzes must be made up within 2 days, tests within 5 days. The “grace period” for assignments is generally one day per day you were absent.
Note: All allowances pertain to excused, not unexcused absences. Late work and make-ups are not generally accepted for unexcused absences or cuts. That is at the teacher’s discretion. Depending on the reason for your absence, you may or may not be able to work at home. If you’re concerned about falling behind and are able to work, you can check assignments online. For extended illnesses or special circumstances (i.e. mononucleosis), contact the office to request for assignments to be sent home (held for pickup). Make other arrangements with me, if necessary.

Deadlines are firm, and extensions are rare. I give as much notice as possible for major assignments. Extensions will be considered only under very rare or extreme circumstances—not computer malfunctions, academic workload, jobs, field trips, extracurricular activities, etc. Students are aware of field trips, sports events, family vacations, etc. in advance. You are responsible for turning in assignments in a timely manner anyway. For extended absences, please make arrangements with me. If you have a truly legitimate reason why you need an extension, I’ll happily grant one. Family vacation is not a legitimate reason. The Board of Education strongly believes that family vacations should not take place when school is in session.
If you are going to miss any school before or after Break due to an extended vacation, you MUST let me know well in advance so that you know what assignments need to be turned in ahead of time and what assignments are due upon your return. The Board of Education strongly believes that vacations should not take place when school is in session.

When is detention?
Teacher Detention (with me) is usually on Fridays, immediately after school, in our classroom, B-16. Keep in mind that teachers schedule detention when it is convenient for them. If you have something better to do than serve detention, or you don't have a ride, please try not to get a detention! You have been told in advance.

May I use the bathroom?
Sure. Just wait for me to explain the directions for the day and distribute any handouts. After the class is settled, students know what they are supposed to do, and they have begun working, you may ask to use the restroom. Raise your hand and hold your fingers in the shape of an “L” (for lavatory); when I nod that you may leave, sign out, take the pass and go. Do not arrive late and say, “I was in the bathroom.”

Can I hand this in late?
“You may delay, but Time will not.” BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706-1790)
Most homework/classwork that is late for no reason may be turned in up to 2 days late for reduced credit. It will not be accepted if it is something which we have already discussed in class, or for which the answers have been given already, obviously. (One point is subtracted from the final homework average for each late HW/CW assignment.) A late paper/project may be turned in up to 2 days late and loses -10 points per day late. Mark your late work “x” days late—however many days it is past due. Label the assignment at the top so I know what it is (i.e. Reflection CH 1-3). Put it in the Late Folder in the black crate. Make sure it doesn’t fall in between the folders. Acceptance of late work is at the teacher’s discretion. It often depends on the nature of the assignment. Late work is not accepted after vacations, 3-day weekends, or close of the marking term. Students have deadlines because teachers have deadlines.

Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date--not later that day. Please do not put assignments in my mailbox unless I have specifically asked you to do so. (i.e. You're leaving early for a field trip. You're sick and are going home early.)

What format do I have to use for my papers and assignments?
The best place to look is Guidelines for Formal Papers because it explains everything as simply as possible. There is also a copy of the guidelines in the Information binder in our classroom. The “Download Documents” page has it also.

What constitutes plagiarism? What are the consequences of plagiarism?
“A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth.” AESOP (6th century B.C.)
For information about avoiding plagiarism, visit the Links to Help You page.

Unless otherwise specified, when a writing assignment is due, you must ALSO submit it to TurnItIn.com by uploading the file or copying and pasting. I have provided you with the class ID and password to set up your account. It is your responsibility to retain that information, so please do not lose it.

Submit original work only, and cite sources when applicable. Failure to do so, either intentionally or unintentionally, is academic dishonesty, including: copying (in whole or in part) a poem, story, literary analysis, lyrics, or ideas from any source (including the Internet)—even if you replace some words; using information in “help guides” such as Sparks or Cliff’s Notes (online or otherwise); paraphrasing too lightly, or forgetting cite sources or put information in quotes; or having a friend or relative write (ghostwrite) the assignment for you.

The burden of proof does not rest solely on the teacher to prove a student has plagiarized; it rests on the student to prove the work is his or her own. Save notes and drafts at home until the course ends. It’s critical to have documentation to show how your ideas were developed. If there is doubt whether your work is entirely your own, you will be asked to present your notes, drafts, and reference sources immediately. (All students are required to turn in all drafts along with your essays anyway; therefore, you should already have them.)

Consequences: One detention; zero on the assignment (doesn’t get dropped); parental notification; ineligibility for letter of recommendation; no option to redo the assignment; house office is notified, and the referral goes into your permanent file.

Other Announcements...

Calling all journalists!
The school newspaper (Eagle's Eye) needs you! Contact Mr. Bracksiek in Room B9.

Calling all creative writers and artists! Broken Shells meetings: usually Thursdays in A10 after school. Broken Shells is THS's literary and arts publication. You may submit poetry, short stories, or artwork. The staff of Broken Shells prefers the submissions to be typed. Drop submissions in the box in Room A10, or see Mr. Wrobel in the Career Center. Broken Shells will be accepting submissions on a rolling basis until approximately May 1st. If you would like to be on the staff of Broken Shells, stay tuned during the morning announcements or contact Mr. Wrobel for more information.

Art Exhibits
If you are a creative writer and are looking for some FREE inspiration, you might want to check the exhibits that are on display at the Walsh Gallery at the Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University. (203) 254-4000 ext. 2969. Gallery Hours: Tues-Sat 8-5, Sun. noon-4. Fairfield University is Exit 44 off the Merritt or Exit 22 off I-95.