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Policies, Procedure, & Frequently Asked Questions (sorted alphabetically)
Students, please familiarize yourself with the expectations. - ASSIGNMENTS / HOMEWORK: What is the HW policy (late HW, absences, TurnItIn.com, tech problems)?
- ASSIGNMENTS: What format is required for my papers and assignments?
- ATTENDANCE: If I am legitimately sick, do those absences still count?
- CONTACT: What is the best way for parents to contact Mrs. Garcia? What about students?
- DETENTION: I'm basically a good kid, but what do I need to know about detention?
- EXTRA CREDIT: How can I earn extra credit?
- EXTRA HELP: When is Mrs. Garcia available for exta help?
- GRADES: What's my average? Did you update averages yet?
- LOST ITEMS: Do I still have to pay to replace a stolen textbook. I didn’t lose it.
- PLAGIARISM: What is plagiarism, what are the consequences, and how can I avoid plagiarizing?
- POLICIES: What other classroom policies (i.e. Electronic Devices, Food) should I be aware of?
- SCHOOL SUPPLIES: What supplies do I need?
ASSIGNMENTS / HOMEWORK: What is the HW policy (late HW, absences, TurnItIn.com, tech problems)? "You may delay, but Time will not.” BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706-1790)
Please be responsible for yourself, and do not put YOUR
responsibilities on the teacher. This includes everything from
bringing a pen to class to keeping track of what is due, when it
is due, and if you have turned it in. If you commit yourself to
this ONE behavior, you will not need to worry about reading all
the fine details below.
In GENERAL…
Major assignments are usually posted online. However, you're
still accountable for what is assigned in class on the board or
verbally.
The policies below wil help prepare you for the "real world," and
they apply to all students equally. I'm sure you understand that
to be fair, if I were to make an exception to policy for one
student, I would have to make exceptions for all students who
asked, and that just isn't possible.
TURNING IN YOUR ASSIGNMENTS...
I collect assignments by personally coming to your desk on the
due date. Assignments are due then, not later in the day. Please
make sure that your work is ALREADY stapled and ready to turn in
upon arrival in class. We cannot dedicate the first 10 minutes of
class to last-minute stapling before collecting homework. Please
do not arrive in class and ask to print your assignment; you will
not be permitted to do so. Please be courteous and prepared.
If you are in school at ANY time during the day, it is your
responsibility to get your assignment to your teacher. For
example, if you have an assembly or field trip, turn in your
assignment to me beforehand. My schedule is online, outside my
door, and my mailbox is in B-House office.
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.
LATE WORK POLICY (Due to Excused Absence)
In GENERAL, the “grace period” for assignments is one day per day
you were absent. It is always a good idea to talk to your teacher
when you return to class, especially if you have been absent
several days or are concerned about falling behind.
Depending on the reason for your absence, you may or may not be
able to work at home. If you’re home sick and are concerned about
falling behind, you can check assignments online. That is, if you
are well enough to do some work. If not, don't worry; just focus
on feeling better first. For extended illnesses or special
circumstances (i.e. mononucleosis, surgery), contact the office
to request for assignments to be sent home (held for pickup).
Make other arrangements with me, if necessary.
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.
CUTS:
Note: All allowances pertain to excused, not unexcused absences.
Students with unexcused absences ("cuts") will not be able to
make up work missed and will receive an F for work missed.
LATE WORK POLICY (Late with No Excuse)
In short, late assignments lose 10 points per day, and major
assignments will not be accepted more than 2 days late.
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.
Students should put late work in the “Late Work” folder in their
period’s crate.
HOMEWORK AND MINOR ASSIGNMENTS: Most homework/classwork that is
late for no reason may be turned in up to 2 days late. 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. For example, late vocabulary will not be
accepted because A) you have two weeks to complete it, and B)
answers are given in class. One point is subtracted from the
final homework average for each late HW/CW assignment. Homework
turned in after the class period has ended is still late.
MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS: A major assignment may be turned in up to 2
days late and loses 10 points per day late. Assignments are due
at the beginning of class on the due date--not later that day. If
you submit a major assignment later that day, it loses 5 points.
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.
TECHNOLOGY MALFUNCTIONS & EXCUSES
It is always better to turn in a neatly handwritten assignment
(or a previous draft) and lose some points rather than not turn
in the assignment at all. At least I can see that you completed
it.
I already believe you, so please do NOT bring an excuse note from
your parents. Technology WILL malfunction from time to time; it’s
a fact of modern life, so hope for the best, but plan for the
worst. You are responsible for turning in a hard copy of your
assignment on time. I cannot accept submissions of work via e-
mail or computer disk. Assignments are accepted in hard copy
(paper) only, regardless of problems with computers, printers,
papers, or ink. Please do not wave a flash drive and ask to print
your paper in class. If teachers were to make an exception for
you, they would have to make an exception for every student who
asked, and that is not possible. College is just around the
corner, and your professors are not going to accept excuses.
Stock up on ink cartridges and paper. Learn how to install new
ink cartridges. Don't wait until midnight the night before to
print your assignment. I'm happy to write you a pass to the
computer lab; just make sure you give yourself ample time to
complete the assignment.
TURNITIN.COM POLICY
Follow ALL directions for turning in your assignments, including
using the plagiarism-detection site www.TurnItIn.com for major
assignments, such as essays, or at any time your teacher
instructs you to do so. The definition of turning in an
assignment on time is as follows: By the time you submit the hard
copy of your assignment (the physical paper) in class on the due
date, you have already uploaded a soft copy to www.TurnItIn.com.
This is your responsibility. If you have completed only half of
this by the deadline, then the assignment has not been fully
turned in and is late. Please note that you should place your
assignment on your desk for collection ONLY if it has been
already uploaded to TurnItIn. To be clear, this means that you
may not hand in a paper during your class period and then ask if
you can upload it to TurnItIn by the end of the day. Nor can you
arrive in class and say that the assignment is on TurnItIn but
you have no hard copy to submit until later in the day. The
assignment is late either way. Staple your receipt to the top of
your essay, and save the copy that TurnItIn e-mails to you. If
your teacher says he/she did not see your assignment in the
TurnItIn database, that receipt is the only acceptable evidence
that you submitted your assignment on time or at all. Save your
receipt, and give yourself peace of mind.
If you're having trouble uploading to TurnItIn at home, I suggest
that you e-mail your work to a trusted friend and ask him/her to
upload it for you. Alternatively, you could put the work on a
disk/memory stick and upload it in the Media Center before 1st
Period.
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.
If the assignment was one that was supposed to be uploaded to
www.TurnItIn.com, then snow should not affect your ability to
upload the assignment on time.
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/
ASSIGNMENTS: What format is required for my papers and assignments? For informal homework, please use PEN, not pencil.
For formal/typed assignments, please use MLA format. The best
place to look is my Guidelines for Formal Papers because it
explains everything as simply as possible. It is located on
the “Download Documents” page.
ATTENDANCE: If I am legitimately sick, do those absences still count? "Eighty percent of success is showing up." (WOODY ALLEN 1935- )
To view the attendance policy, please refer to the THS Student
Handbook, available on the THS Web site.
In short, regardless of whether the student is sick, at the
nurse, or on vacation, an absence is still an absence. Therefore,
please try to maintain the best attendance you can, and stay
healthy!
An “excused” absence simply means that the parent calls to verify
that the student is not truant or “cutting” class. A student with
an excused absence has the opportunity to make up the work,
whereas an unexcused student does not, thereby earning an F for
missed work.
The Board of Education strongly believes that family vacations
should not take place when school is in session. Students who
minimize their absences avoid falling behind and increase their
chances of success. Let your attendance record convey that you
regard school as a top priority.
CONTACT: What is the best way for parents to contact Mrs. Garcia? What about students? 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
PLEASE NOTE: There is another Trumbull High teacher with a
similar name, so if several days pass and you do not receive a
response from me, you may want to check that you have sent your
message to the correct address.(I am Nicole Caruso Garcia, not
Maria Manso-Garcia, but we receive each other's mail by
accident.)
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.
Nicole Caruso Garcia
Trumbull High School
English Department
B House / B-16
72 Strobel Road
Trumbull, CT 06611
(203) 452-4513 (B House Office)
DETENTION: I'm basically a good kid, but what do I need to know about detention? Teacher Detention (with me) is usually on Fridays, immediately
after school from 2:25 PM until 3:00 PM, 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.
Typically, students who earn detention receive a detention slip
from me, and it includes the date, time, and location of the
detention. Students who do not show up for detention are referred
to the House Office for further disciplinary action. Therefore,
if you arrive at 2:25 and I am not there yet, please wait outside
the room. Do not assume that I have left.
During detention, students sit quietly. That means no talking, no
magazines, no iPod, no cell phone, no writing, etc. It is 30
minutes that feel like an hour, so please be cooperative and
avoid detention.
(Please do not confuse the abovementioned Teacher Detention with
the House Detentions issued by house principals. House Detentions
take place from 2:35 to 3:10 on Mondays, Wednesday, and Thursdays
in A-8.)
EXTRA CREDIT: How can I earn extra credit? There are three extra credit opportunities described below, but
they are EXTRA, which implies that you have done all of your
REGULAR classwork for actual credit. 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. I know I do!
Extra Credit #1: Donate an example to post on the Grammar
Police bulletin board, and be prepared to explain to the class
what is wrong with the example and how you would correct it.
(This should be an example that you encountered in your daily
life, but it cannot be one that you created--because you write so
well! You many not search the Internet for examples. That is far
too easy, and sadly, the examples would probably wallpaper our
entire classroom.) Here is an example of an acceptable entry:
When I was in Hollywood one summer I saw a “Best Neighber”
Academy Award trophy, and I took a photo of this error. I
thought, “Best Neighber? Worst Speller!" Note: The item you
donate will not be returned.
Extra Credit #2: Donate an example to the Wall of Irony bulletin
board. You must be able to correctly explain to the class what is
ironic about the example. It could be a photograph, article,
song, etc., but it should be an example that you encountered in
your daily life. You many not search the Internet for examples.
That is far too easy. Note: The item you donate will not be
returned.
Extra Credit #3: Submit to Broken Shells, THS’s award-winning
literary magazine. (Step 1: Create! Write a short story, personal
narrative, poem, etc. This might be something we worked on in
class, but it doesn’t have to be. If you prefer the visual arts,
your piece may be a painting, drawing, sculpture, or photograph,
etc. Step 2: Submit your original creation to Broken Shells. They
accept submissions in Room A-10 or in the Career Center (located
in the hallway across from the library entrance). Make sure your
writing is typed, and keep a copy for yourself! For art, if
possible, provide a copy and keep the original. Step 3: Redeem
your points. Simply show me the current issue of Broken Shells in
which your piece appears. Note that Broken Shells is published at
the end of the school year, so points will not be available for
this until late May or early June.)
EXTRA HELP: When is Mrs. Garcia available for exta 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!)
GRADES: What's my average? Did you update averages yet? Students are expected to remain aware of their current grade
status. Simply go to the Grades Page and type in your student ID
number.
I usually update grades weekly, usually on Friday after school or
over the weekend. The date stamp at the bottom of the page shows
when grades were last updated. 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.
Any student whose overall average is below 70 should come for an
extra help session that week. (Let's be honest; if your average
is in the D/F range 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 Teacher Web as
well as on the classroom door.
LOST ITEMS: Do I still have to pay to replace a stolen textbook. I didn’t lose it. After a textbook has been issued to a student, the student is
responsible if the book becomes lost, stolen, or damaged.
Maybe your book really was stolen, and someone else merely lost
his. However, there is no way for teachers to tell the
difference.
Please treat your textbook the way you would your wallet. You
wouldn’t leave your wallet containing $50 in the classroom
overnight—not even in a drawer. After all, school is a public
place.
If you store your book in the classroom, you are doing so at your
own risk. Depending on the text, replacement cost can be $10,
$50, or even more. Always take your book with you. Lock your
locker. You may have a good conscience, but there are some
rascals out there who do not.
For your convenience, there is a Lost and Found box in our
classroom, but its contents are limited to items that I find in
our room, of course.
PLAGIARISM: What is plagiarism, what are the consequences, and how can I avoid plagiarizing? “A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth.”
AESOP (6th century B.C.)
In short, please be honest. Do not use Spark Notes, Cliff’s
Notes, or any similar study guide. In most cases, all you need is
your book and your brain, not the Internet. No plagiarizing,
copying, or cheating. Don't cheat--you're better than that!
To view the THS Academic Honesty policy, please refer to the THS
Student Handbook, available on the THS Web site.
Academic honesty is discussed in class, but for additional
information about avoiding plagiarism, visit the Links to Help
You page. There are several helpful sites, as well as online
tutorials.
Unless otherwise specified, when a writing assignment is due, you
must ALSO submit it to TurnItIn.com by uploading the file. 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.
POLICIES: What other classroom policies (i.e. Electronic Devices, Food) should I be aware of? We all have the right to work and learn in a safe, clean,
pleasant environment. Please help maintain an academic
environment in which teachers can work and students can learn.
POLICY ON FOOD/DRINK/GUM:
Please maintain a clean and academic atmosphere. Class time is
not mealtime or snack time. School policy states that with the
exception of PLAIN water, all food and beverages should be
consumed in the cafeteria and not carried out to any other part
of the building. Although the school sells snacks, do NOT bring
them to class. The classroom is not Starbucks. Do not chew gum in
class. Failure to cooperate will result in detention.
POLICY ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES:
Please do not use cell phones during school hours, especially not
during fire drills. Teachers must confiscate cell phones if they
are used during school hours. For example, you may NOT go outside
on the sidewalk and use your phone during school hours. Outside
is still "during school hours." Parents, in the event of a true
emergency, please call the school and have your child paged.
Please show you are paying attention and being respectful by not
wearing earphones during class, even if the sound is off. Put
away your iPod/MP3/Walkman. These devices will be confiscated and
brought to the house office. Some students may not realize it,
but it is rude to walk up to your teachers and begin talking to
them--expecting them to attentively reply to your question--while
you have headphones obstructing your eardrums. Also, please show
you are paying attention and being respectful by remaining seated
and waiting until the end of class to pack up and get ready to
leave. When I say, "Good job! You can pack up now," then class is
over.
CELEBRATE DIVERSITY!
No bullying, harassment, or use of pejorative language. Be part
of a class in which every student feels welcome. Students are
expected to show respect for their teacher, classmates, and
themselves. We're a learning community in which everyone is equal
and respected--regardless of race, gender, creed, religion,
sexual orientation, ability, or any other factor. Remember,
what's "just a joke" to you may offend someone else.
BATHROOM POLICY:
Please don't use the bathroom during the first or last ten
minutes of class. Please 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.
Please do not arrive late and say, “I was in the bathroom.”
You are young adults now, so if you need to get a tissue, throw
away some paper, sharpen a pencil, or use the dictionary, feel
free to get up and do so. (Just please don't sharpen pencils
while the teacher is talking!)
COMPUTER TERMINALS:
Please ASK before using the computer terminals. Students must
sign in/out with day/time/terminal on the clipboard. A hundred
students enter the classroom per day; therefore, the computer
terminals are NOT for printing out your assignments. Use a
computer lab if you need to print. Students may NOT use the
computer terminals if there is a substitute teacher. Failure to
cooperate will result in suspension of computer privileges.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES: What supplies do I need? Ah! Don't you just love new school supplies! In my experience
with ordering from Staples online, I found their online catalog
prices to be a bit cheaper than the store, and I always received
the shipment within two days. Just a thought.
Please bring these supplies TO CLASS daily:
Pens (Black or dark blue ink only. No rainbow ink , and no
pencil, please.) Please bring as many as you think you can lose,
lend, leak, or use up. Then add one more!
Loose-Leaf Paper. (White, lined. No half-sized journal paper,
please.)
3-Ring Notebook. (Please use a 3-ring binder--a 1” spine will do--
not a spiral-bound notebook or folder. This will make it easier
to organize and retain the handouts.)
Post-It® Notes. (Annotate on sticky notes because you can’t write
in your book.)
At least one colored pen--other than blue or black. (This is for
peer editing.)
Book covers (All textbooks must be kept covered. This pertains
mainly to the FRESHMAN-level anthology. This doesn't pertain to
small novels. Use whatever you want-- real book covers, brown
paper bags, or the spandex covers--your choice.)
Please have the following supplies handy AT HOME:
Stapler. (You can leave it at home, or you can get a
mini/portable one. Please make sure that your work is ALREADY
stapled and ready to turn in upon arrival in class. We cannot
dedicate the first 10 minutes of class to last-minute stapling
before collecting homework. Please be courteous and prepared.)
Computer Disk or Memory Stick (flash/jump drive) You should
always keep a copy of your work--especially major papers. You
need to back up your assignments at home or elsewhere. However,
assignments are not accepted on disk or via e-mail. No exceptions.
3-Hole Punch. (Handouts are usually already punched, but
sometimes they aren’t.)
Printer Paper. (White, 8 ½” x 11”) Do you have enough?
Printer Ink. (Black ink only. Do you have a spare cartridge? If
you don’t have a computer or a working printer, please ask me for
a Computer Lab pass well in advance of the paper’s due date.)
I have stocked our classroom's cubby hole with tissues, a 3-hole
punch, tape, stapler, paper, scrap paper, thesauri, dictionaries,
and spare pens (which disappear and never return!). Each year
students donate spare pens, tissues, and cough drops, so thank
you in advance if you plan to bring them in!
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