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WELCOME!
Please check this website for academic updates and course information. Grades are entered through the Pinnacle gradebook, and I am available before/after school for additional assistance. Fifth hour is my tutorial session. I want to help you find success in your English class.
GRADING:
In the gradebook, please note that I sometimes enter close to full credit and add a .5, even if an assignment was not submitted. For example, a homework assignment worth 20 points may still receive 9.5 points. This .5 serves as a reminder to me and you that the assignment was not submitted. The grade is still an E, but it does not seriously harm the GPA as a zero would. My goal, of course, is to encourage students to submit quality work on time.
ABSENCES:
Students with planned absences are expected to see me beforehand. Assignments are listed on the website, so students can often keep up with many assignments even while they are away from school. In general, students have twice the number of days as the absence to submit homework from an excused absence. However, most long-term assignments or tests need to be made up beforehand.
INQUIRIES:
Parents, as we endeavor to help your child learn to become responsible, I respectfully request that you speak with your child and have him/her see me before contacting me with questions about academic progress. Help your children take ownership of their academic progress.
The online gradebook is a double-edged sword. Being able to gauge progress is important, but constant "grade hovering" can be detrimental for both students and parents. At the start of each quarter, just a few low grade entries can cause a bumpy start that may look alarming. Parents, I ask that you handle this on the home front by encouraging good study habits and priorities. I will do what I can here at school. If a problem persists, please speak with your child and have him/her see me. I will gladly assist students before/after school and communicate with you if/when you have any questions. I appreciate your help as we work together to help your child become a responsible, critical-thinking young adult.
RECOMMENDATION LETTERS:
I write several recommendation letters each year. For example, within the first two weeks of the Fall 2009 school year, I had written over 40 letters. Due to this workload, I respectfully request that students let me know far in advance if they would like a recommendation for a scholarship or college application. Please use the recommendation request guide sheet, which you can find on the "General Information and Handouts" section of the site. A recommendation is a privilege, not a right; please ask me if I will write one for you.
thanks,
Kevin Cox
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