Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- How can I order the yearbook?
- How can I contact you?
- Why do I need an independent reading book?
- Can I really read anything I want to during independent reading?
- What is your policy on late work?
- What is your policy on make-up work?
- What if I need extra help?
- Do you have a class library?
- Do you teach Language Arts and Literature separately?
- Will my student receive the same grade in both Language Arts and Literature?
- What is Accelerated Reader?
- How can I reach you?
How can I order the yearbook?
You can order the yearbook two different ways. First, you can order on-line
at http://shop.jostens.com. Second, you can order from me in room C 107
using a paper order-form and cash or money-order.
How can I contact you?
You can call me at school or e-mail me at cain_a@aps.edu. My prep period is
every A day during 4th block.
Why do I need an independent reading book?
I am a firm believer that reading and writing with students creates better
readers and writers. Just like anything else, the more we practice
something the better we become at it. The twenty minutes a day we spend
reading during literature is the most important thing we do in that class!
This is why it is so important to have something to read during ssr.
Can I really read anything I want to during independent reading?
You may read any type of literature as long as it is approved by
your family and the school. I only don't allow you to use the time to do
homework for other classes. This is a time for you to read things you enjoy
and are interested in. If you really like history or science that's great!
However, I would rather have you read a biography or a non-fiction book on
the subject than your homework. Remember, it's called homework for a
reason. ;) I would prefer that you bring in books, magazines, graphic
novels (or comic books), newspapers, etc. This year you will also need to
read one Accelerated Reader book and pass the quiz that accompanies it to
receive full credit for independent reading. However, you still get to
choose that book!
What is your policy on late work?
Each semester students will be given three late work vouchers. Each day a
paper is late one voucher must be attached. I understand that occasionally
circumstances arise when a person may need a "pass," but it is not
encouraged to use the vouchers if they aren't needed. So, I offer five
points of extra credit at the end of the semester for each unused voucher!
The vouchers are for emergency situations only, so use them wisely. Once
they are gone late work will not be accepted and you will receive a zero.
What is your policy on make-up work?
It is the student's responsibility to ask about make-up work. There is a
folder with the previous day's agenda available and any handouts. For
everyday that a student is absent he/she gets one day to make-up work. If
it takes an extra day students must use one of their late work vouchers.
Remember, students only get to make-up work for excused absences.
What if I need extra help?
If you are feeling like you need extra help make sure that you talk to me
about it. I will do my best to give you the support you need, but if you
need more help than I am able to give there are a lot of resources available
at James Monroe M.S. It is our goal to see every student succeed, and we
will do everything we can to help you!
Do you have a class library?
I do have a class library. It is small right now and consists of a variety
of books. There are a variety of books in my library. I do have primarily
young adult novels, but there are some adult novels available too. It is up
to you and your family to decide whether these
books are right for you to read. You are welcome to check my books out, but
I ask that you please return them when you are finished. I am a poor
teacher and can't afford to replace books when they go missing. ;)
Do you teach Language Arts and Literature separately?
Although on your student's schedule there are separate days for Language
Arts and Literature, we will be working on thematic units in my class. This
means that students will be doing both Language Arts and Literature every
day. The primary difference between the days is the way we begin class. On
Language Arts days we will begin with a written warm-up and journal, and on
Literature days we will begin class with an sustained silent reading
period.
Will my student receive the same grade in both Language Arts and Literature?
The short answer is no. Although I teach both subjects together in a
seamless manner, I know which assignments focus primarily on Language Arts
skills and which focus on Literature skills and I separate the grades
accordingly. Basically, if an assignment primarily focuses on reading and
reading comprehension it is considered Literature, and if an assignment is
focused on writing skills it is considered Language Arts.
What is Accelerated Reader?
Accelerated Reader is a self-selected reading program designed to help
monitor students independent reading. This program uses a test to designate
a reading level to students based on their ability to use context clues and
vocabulary to make sense of text. The goal of the program is to assure that
students are not reading books that are much too easy or difficult for them
to enjoy. Quizzes are given after a book is read to monitor comprehension.
How can I reach you?
I am most easily contacted via e-mail. My address is cain_a@aps.edu.
However you can also reach me via phone 897-0101 extension 22153.