Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- When will the team website be updated?
- Will we have homework every day?
- Should I check Family Access daily?
- How do I get Family Access?
- When will grades be posted on Family Access?
- What does a "missing" assignment mean on Family Access?
- Can we retake tests if we fail them?
- Will extra credit opportunities be provided?
- How are grades averaged?
- Do you accept late work?
- I will be out of town for final exams, what do I do?
- I am going on a vacation. May I have my assignments early?
- How do I schedule a conference with the team?
- When can my son/daughter receive extra assistance from a teacher?
- Should my son/daughter have access to his/her online grades?
- Are there exceptions to any school policies?
When will the team website be updated?
Teachers typically update websites on Monday's for the upcoming week. On occasions it is not
possible for the website to be updated due to technical difficulties or teacher absence. Students
should always write down the assignments during class. Also note that while teachers will try to
update the website in the event of an assignment change (due to student needs or fire drills, etc.), it
may not always be possible. This team prides itself on having an up-to-date website.
Will we have homework every day?
Generally, yes. On the day of a major test, students do not usually have homework in that
particular class, and over vacation breaks there is seldom homework. This, of course, excludes
long-term and/or short-term projects, essays, and of course, reading. Students will be expected
to read from a novel nightly.
The amount and frequency of homework will vary from subject to subject, but in general homework
is routinely assigned. This team strictly abides by all campus and district policies regarding late,
missing, and absent work. The guidelines are outlined in the student handbook and will be
discussed in detail the first week of school. It is, at all times, the responsibility of the student to
use the many resources available to ensure that all work is turned in within the designated time
frame.
Remember, our job is not just to teach 8th grade curriculum. Our job is also to help your
son/daughter adjust to the rigors of high school.
Should I check Family Access daily?
No. Family Access is not intended to be a daily tracker of your son/daughter's performance in class.
You cannot use it to determine missing work and grade progress on a daily basis. It is, however, a
wonderful tool for examining bi-monthly, or three week progress over time. This will help you
determine trends. Teachers cannot grade papers, projects, tests, quizzes, etc. and post grades on a
daily basis.
How do I get Family Access?
Simply go to the main office and ask Mrs. Lavender, the secretary, for your Family Access login
information. The whole process takes only a few minutes. Please understand that your
son/daughter will be MOST successful with his/her own access. There is absolutely no reason
why they should not be given access to their own online grades. This is a communication tool. Now
that we are no longer permitted to post grades in the classroom it is critical that students have online
access.
When will grades be posted on Family Access?
Grades will be posted on Family Access according to district guidelines and teacher scheduling.
Major projects and essays will not be posted for several weeks and students will be notified of
when to expect those grades to be posted. All other grades are typically posted within one to two
weeks depending on the depth to which each assignment must be graded.
What does a "missing" assignment mean on Family Access?
In a nutshell, the program will automatically check ANYTHING not entered as missing after 48
hours. A good rule of thumb is as follows: If there is an asterisk "*" in the box, then the grade
has not been entered in the grade book. If there is a ZERO "0" in the grade book, then the
assignment IS MISSING. Again, teachers cannot post immediately and your student may/may not
still have time to submit the assignment according to late work policies. Please remember,
Family Access is not intended to determine missing work and grade progress on a daily basis. It
is, however, a wonderful tool for examining bi-monthly, or three week progress over time to
determine trends in student performance. Teachers cannot grade papers, projects, tests,
quizzes, etc. and post grades on a daily basis.
Can we retake tests if we fail them?
All disciplines offer students the opportunity to raise their test grades, with the exception of high
school credit classes, where retesting is not allowed. Again, please review the policy for the time
allowed to make up tests. Quizzes can not be re-taken. See the specific subject area teacher for
details. Students are expected to initiate contact with the teacher regarding retaking tests.
Will extra credit opportunities be provided?
Some teachers offer extra credit and others do not. There is no policy on this topic. Extra credit can
also be addressed by the student with individual teachers. This is limited in all situations.
How are grades averaged?
Generally, grades are calculated as follows: 50% Tests, 30% Quizzes, 20% Daily. This differs in high
school level honors classes, where the percentages become 70% Tests, 20% Quizzes, 10% Daily.
Do you accept late work?
Per campus procedure, one day late is a maximum of 70 and 2 days late a maximum of 50. After
that, no credit will be given per district policy. This differs in high school level honors classes,
where late work is not accepted.
I will be out of town for final exams, what do I do?
Per district policy, no teacher on campus is permitted to administer a final exam prior to the
scheduled exam period. Make-up exams can be administered.
I am going on a vacation. May I have my assignments early?
Per district policy, no student will be provided work prior to an absence. All make-up work will be
provided upon return and the student will have an opportunity to make up missed work in the
timeline provided for missing/absent work as outlined in the student handbook. Students are
always welcome to access the team website to stay up-to-date on class progress during their
absence.
How do I schedule a conference with the team?
If you would like to schedule a conference with the team, please contact Mrs. Kilianski
by e-mail at kiliansh@cisdmail.com. Please provide your name, student name, e-mail address ,
and a contact phone number. You will be contacted within 24 hours to schedule a conference.
Conferences are held during the team planning period with ALL team teachers that are available.
Individual conferences with teachers are not recommended as it is much more beneficial to view
progress across all subjects as well as to see trends in progress throughout the student's day.
When can my son/daughter receive extra assistance from a teacher?
Students may seek additional assistance from a teacher as follows:
1. Morning Tutorials - 8-8:30am (parent must provide a pass for the student)
2. 7th period Advisory - The student must make arrangements for a pass from the teacher in
advance.
3. Extended Day - 3:40- 4:45 - Monday - Thursday - Subject area teachers are available to assist
students and administer make-up exams or exams that are being re-taken.
Teachers do have assigned duties and meetings before school on occasion. Teacher availability is
posted in the classroom for student planning. Students must always complete assignments given to
the best of their ability.
Should my son/daughter have access to his/her online grades?
YES! Teachers are no longer permitted to post grades in the classroom or hallways. The best and
fastest way for a student to stay up-to-date on his/her progress is to have online access. Our team
does require students to have access and will refer students to Family Access frequently. A student
needs to have the opportunity to see how one grade can impact an overall average.
Are there exceptions to any school policies?
No. We are a team that believes firmly that the rules are in place for good reasons. We will abide by
all school policies at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, tardies, discipline, late work,
absent work and retaking tests.