FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
  1. Changes to Dismissal Plans?
  2. What if I have a question or concern as to my child in a content area?
  3. What is the best way to reach the teacher?
  4. What is the procedure if my child is late for school?
  5. What if my child has difficulty with the homework?
  6. Can I just pop in to speak with you?
  7. How to cope with back-to-school anxiety?
  8. If my child is feeling sick, should I send them to school?



Changes to Dismissal Plans?

Permanent changes can be made by requesting another form for your child's homeroom teacher or the office. For ocassional changes, we ask parents to write a note or email to the homeroom teacher prior to 9AM on the date of the requested change. Calling during teaching time and last minute emails are discouraged.
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What if I have a question or concern as to my child in a content area?

Please contact the teacher who teaches the subject in question. You can find the teacher's name on your child's schedule which is located in their binder.
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What is the best way to reach the teacher?

Because of our tight teaching schedules and limited phone access , it is difficult for teachersto take calls. The best way to reach me via email (dgarabedian@watertown.k12.ma.us) or send a brief note in with your child. I check email once daily, but not during teaching time, so responses may not be be immediate. In an emergency, leave a message with the office.
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What is the procedure if my child is late for school?

Upon arrival, tardy students should check in at the office and receive a tardy pass and then proceed to come up to the classroom.
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What if my child has difficulty with the homework?

The first 2 weeks are really a transitional period. Allow us to get acquainted with one another and your child's learning style.After the first few weeks, feel free to contact me or just jot a note in the homework packet/agenda. Children are asked to give an assignment and/or problem a good try before giving up. A good try means to read through the directions at least twice and then try their best to answer the problem. If you and your child have read through the directions at least twice and still cannot answer the question, just mark with a question mark with a parents initials so that I am aware of the problem area.
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Can I just pop in to speak with you?

This is discouraged during class time, as it takes away from student learning. I am usually available right before school or at dismissal. I look forward to meeting parents during family Visitation Morning, Back to School Night, Conference Days, and school events. In the event you have a special concern, just let me know via email, a note, or in passing at arrival/dismissal and we will arrange a mutually convenient time to meet.
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How to cope with back-to-school anxiety?

Often students experience a bit of this when starting a new school year. This is a natural process when change occurs in our lives. Transition from summer as well as to a new class and classmates, teacher, routines, academic expectations) brings this forth some jitters in children. Talking about it helps. Reassure them of your confidence in their abilities and satisfaction in doing their personal best.
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If my child is feeling sick, should I send them to school?

You may wish to refrain from sending your child to school when they are not feeling well, especially if they have a temperature. We need to consider our classroom community of learners, as germs spread quickly. Although they will miss important work, I will catch them up with what they missed and allow additional time to complete missed assignments.
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