Cross Country/Track
What is the difference between cross country and track?
Cross country is one event, which is a two mile race run on grass, roads, and dirt in parks, like Highland Oaks Park. The season runs from late August to the end of October. Track is a variety of running and field events done on and near a track. We practice on the PE field at Highland Oaks. The season runs from January to early March, with tryouts held in December. In middle school, there are sprinting events (100 meter dash, 200m, 400m), middle distance events (800m, 1600m), and relays with a baton exchanged between runners on the team (4x100m, 4x400m, 4x800m). Field events are the triple jump, long jump, high jump, shot put, and discus throw. Thus, if you don't like running 2 miles and want a variety of distances and events, then don't come out for cross country. If you are interested primarily in long distances, definitely come out for cross country, and of course, run the 1600m for track! We have strong teams at HOM. In 2007, the varsity girls cross country team placed 4th in the Miami-Dade County finals. The girls JV track team was runner-up in the Miami-Dade County 2006 championships, and the 2008 varsity girls team won HOM's first county championship! In 2009, the JV boys came within only 10 points of winning a county title.Back to Top
Are you, as Team Leader, the boss of your team teachers?
No. I organize team meetings, activities, parent conferences, and field trips. I work WITH my team teachers, not above them. Do not ask me to order another teacher to change a grade in his/her class for you or give the class less homework. I can't do it and wouldn't even if I could.Back to Top
Do I have to pass all my subjects to get promoted to 7th grade?
Yes. We don't give you courses at HOM just so you can fail them. You must pass every course to get promoted.Back to Top
My essay is on my computer, which just broke. Can I turn it in late?
No. Handwrite it the old fashioned way. Technology problems are not an excuse to get an extension on an essay. This is partly the reason I have you write out rough drafts in class so you have a hard copy to refer to. Also, don't ask to go to the computer lab or the library with your disk so you can print out the essay. Either have it printed out at home or handwrite it if the printer/computer is broken.Back to Top
What is the penalty for late work?
An automatic Z (equivalent to an F-, 0 points) unless you had an excused absence. Then you must see me immediately for make-up work and complete it within a reasonable amount of time. For example, you miss Friday's class because you're sick. You return Monday and ask for makeup work. You must turn it in by Tuesday or get a Z.Back to Top