Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- Can I turn in late homework?
- Can I do extra credit?
- Can I come after school for help/to talk?
- When is the right time to tell you I'm having trouble?
- I want to talk about my average/grades. When can I do it?
- When can I make up tests?
- How are grades calculated?
- What is the writing portfolio?
- What if my printer breaks?
- (Parents): I want to keep tabs on my child's progress more frequently than just the progress reports and report cards. What should I do?
Can I turn in late homework?
No. I do not accept any late homework. Assignments are due at
the beginning of class of the specified date. If you are absent,
be prepared to turn in the hw that was due the day you were out.
I will expect you to keep up with assignments on your own
by checking the class website or asking a friend. Be prepared
for any pop quizzes on reading homework. You MAY, however, turn
in essays and major projects late, at a penalty of -10 points per
day. (It's still better than a zero, though.)
Can I do extra credit?
If you make your best effort on all regularly assigned work, you
should do well in this class. I will make occasional extra
credit options available to you throughout the year. Also, there
is extra credit available on independent reading projects. If
you do something related to English/reading/writing on your own
outside of class, let me know about it, and we can work something
out! Everness, Arlington's creative writing club, meets in room
2135 once a week and is advised by me. If you attend meetings,
you can also earn extra credit. Also, don't forget about the
extra credit lottery!
Can I come after school for help/to talk?
Absolutely! I am always willing to help. Please let me know
ahead of time if you can, so I can let you know what room I'll be
in after school (usually 2135). You're also welcome to just drop
by and see if
I'm avaiable at the moment.
When is the right time to tell you I'm having trouble?
ASAP. The day it is due or the day AFTER it is due is NOT the
right time...
I want to talk about my average/grades. When can I do it?
Before or after class, or after school. During class time, we
need to move forward as a group. I am more than happy to talk
about individual issues outside of class.
When can I make up tests?
You must make up a test during class the day you come back. You
are still responsible for classwork/hw from that day as well.
Any tests or quizzes not made up within 5 days will receive a
grade of 0. You may be asked to stay during a lunch period or
after school as well.
How are grades calculated?
Assignments are weighted to give more credit for things that
require more intense work and studying, such as essays and
tests. The general categories upon which a student's grade is
based are: essays, tests, class work, class participation,
homework, independent reading, and quizzes. Extra credit will be
offered at the teacher's discretion. The class is designed in
such a way that if a student simply does what is asked of him or
her, he or she can expect to earn a good grade. If any of the
above areas is neglected, the student can expect a corresponding
drop in grades.
What is the writing portfolio?
During the course of the year, every essay we write is collected
in a folder which stays in the classroom. At the end of the
year, the writing portfolio serves as a final exam and is
weighted as a 5th marking period. See the "updates" sidebar for
more detailed information.
What if my printer breaks?
You have a few options. You can email your file to a friend and
ask them to print it, or you can email it to me at
rmancini@acsdny.org. You may either send it as an attachment or
copy and paste the text directly into the email window. This
must be done by the due date, and you should check with me to
make sure I received it.
(Parents): I want to keep tabs on my child's progress more frequently than just the progress reports and report cards. What should I do?
I am happy to give more frequent updates for concerned parents.
The quickest, easiest way to do this is for you to send me an
email at rmancini@acsdny.org. I will usually answer you the same
day, and within 48 hours at the latest.