Below is a list of questions that parents typically ask.
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what's the best way to get a hold of you?
Please visit my teacher page for contact information., Office Hours calendar, and more!
I typically respond to emails within 24 hours. If you do not hear back from me within 48 hours, feel free to email me again.
I typically respond to emails within 24 hours. If you do not hear back from me within 48 hours, feel free to email me again.
How can i check my child's grades? How often should I check them?
Go to www.mykids.ggusd.us
If you do not yet have an account created, follow these instructions: English Spanish Korean Vietnamese
You can also assist your child in creating an account, if s/he does not already have one, by following these instructions (English only).
Every parent is different and every household is different. With that said, if I were to give a recommendation on how often parents should check their children's grades, I would suggest once a week as a minimum, but no more often than three times a week. At the high school level, grades can change drastically in a matter of days, so as a parent, staying on top of your child's progress is CRUCIAL in order to continue encouraging him/her and offering any needed support. I do know that many parents have found success with having a designated day each week when they check their children's grades. I think this is a GREAT idea, especially if it is coupled with a brief sit-down conversation with your child about his/her progress, growth, struggles, and goals!!!
I attempt to update my classes grades regularly, but rarely will I update grades more often than once or twice a week. Depending on what was submitted, some assignments take a long time to grade and give adequate feedback on, so I do appreciate your and your child's patience.
If you do not yet have an account created, follow these instructions: English Spanish Korean Vietnamese
You can also assist your child in creating an account, if s/he does not already have one, by following these instructions (English only).
Every parent is different and every household is different. With that said, if I were to give a recommendation on how often parents should check their children's grades, I would suggest once a week as a minimum, but no more often than three times a week. At the high school level, grades can change drastically in a matter of days, so as a parent, staying on top of your child's progress is CRUCIAL in order to continue encouraging him/her and offering any needed support. I do know that many parents have found success with having a designated day each week when they check their children's grades. I think this is a GREAT idea, especially if it is coupled with a brief sit-down conversation with your child about his/her progress, growth, struggles, and goals!!!
I attempt to update my classes grades regularly, but rarely will I update grades more often than once or twice a week. Depending on what was submitted, some assignments take a long time to grade and give adequate feedback on, so I do appreciate your and your child's patience.
How much time should my child be spending on your class each night?
While there is no way to answer this question perfectly, since every student is different, I do have some insights for parents. First of all, your child is enrolled in an HONORS course. This does not necessarily mean more homework than a College Prep course, but it may. This is because an honors course moves at a quicker pace and it does cover more material. Assignments in an honors course will also require students to think more critically, which for some may take more time.
In my English classes, students should expect to dedicate about 20 minutes to an hour of study time nearly every day. Even if an assignment isn't given, students can be re-reading difficult passages from a text we are reading, revisit their notes, do further research on a topic we are covering, study for an upcoming exam, revise old writing assignments for an improved grade, and much more! With that said, the benefits of taking an honors course should outweigh the "extra work".
I should note that while I pride myself of teaching a rigorous and meaningful course, I am also compassionate and realistic. If your child has extenuating circumstances, is extra stressed, is bogged down with extracurricular commitments, etc., they are encouraged to come and speak with me so we can, together, come up with a plan for success!
In my English classes, students should expect to dedicate about 20 minutes to an hour of study time nearly every day. Even if an assignment isn't given, students can be re-reading difficult passages from a text we are reading, revisit their notes, do further research on a topic we are covering, study for an upcoming exam, revise old writing assignments for an improved grade, and much more! With that said, the benefits of taking an honors course should outweigh the "extra work".
I should note that while I pride myself of teaching a rigorous and meaningful course, I am also compassionate and realistic. If your child has extenuating circumstances, is extra stressed, is bogged down with extracurricular commitments, etc., they are encouraged to come and speak with me so we can, together, come up with a plan for success!
Does my child need access to technology & the internet at home?
Technology access at home is not a requirement. PHS provides varied technology access on campus during the school day and access to technology before and after school in the library. I personally try to make a chrome book cart available for students before and after school, especially for those who do not have access at home.
With that said, I can tell you that students who have access to the internet through a computer or device at home will find it to be very convenient. More and more of a high school's education is becoming cloud-based, meaning that assignments and studies are completed online. And MOST of my class is reliant on the internet. Students can access much of what we'll do on their Smart Phones as well, and are allowed to use them in class. You can read my Technology Policies (cell phone and Chrome Book) to learn more.
With that said, I can tell you that students who have access to the internet through a computer or device at home will find it to be very convenient. More and more of a high school's education is becoming cloud-based, meaning that assignments and studies are completed online. And MOST of my class is reliant on the internet. Students can access much of what we'll do on their Smart Phones as well, and are allowed to use them in class. You can read my Technology Policies (cell phone and Chrome Book) to learn more.
if i am thinking about purchasing a home device for my child, what would you recommend?
- If your child's work is mostly cloud-based (Google Drive, for example), then a Chromebook would be my recommendation. They are very reasonably priced, light weight, quick to load and open, and reliable. These are what we use in my classroom. For my class, there shouldn't be any assignments in which a "full-fledged" computer is needed.
- If your child's work requires more software based applications (Microsoft and/or other programs) because maybe s/he is enrolled in a computer graphics course or s/he likes to play software-based games, then a Macbook Pro or a Dell laptop and/or desktop might be a better option.
- iPads and other tablets are also a great option; however, sometimes the apps do not offer the same features that an internet browser or hard drive-based device would offer.
Can my child access the school's wifi (internet) on their smart phone?
Students, as of now, are NOT able to access the school's WiFi with their personal devices. So even though I allow personal devices in class, their only option would be to utilize their cellular data plan. I do teach students ways to utilize LESS data on their cellular plans, but in the end, having the ability to use their data while on campus is highly beneficial, although not required by any means.
What is my child learning right now in your class?
Google Classroom has nearly all of the assignments, so make sure you are enrolled to receive notifications as a "guardian" in your child's "Classrooms".
You can also view our weekly Agenda & HW that student volunteers and I keep up to date. You can find this by going to the Student tab above, choosing the appropriate English class, and then clicking on "Voyage Board Doc".
You can also view our weekly Agenda & HW that student volunteers and I keep up to date. You can find this by going to the Student tab above, choosing the appropriate English class, and then clicking on "Voyage Board Doc".
What's this Google account that my child has & what are its benefits?Students need to know: Students will follow school policies for appropriate use when using Internet based services like Web 2.0 applications & Google Apps. These services are considered an extension of the school’s network. Students have no expectation of privacy in their use as school and service administrators have the right and ability to monitor user accounts for policy and security enforcement.
Parents need to know: Student email is archived and the student Acceptable Use Policy will be enforced. School staff will monitor student use of applications when students are at school. Parents are encouraged to monitor their child’s use of applications when accessing programs from home. Students are responsible for their own behavior at all times. |
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What IS Google Apps for Education (GAFE)?
Google Apps is a collection of free online applications. These applications do not reside on the computer, itself, but rather they are accessed through a web browser. This is considered working in the "cloud". The benefit of this structure allows flexibility in accessing documents and projects from ANY computer with Internet access. Staff and students can access their school documents from the lab, the classroom, the public library, their Smart Phones, and even from home!
Google Apps for Education is a special setup of the popular Google Apps, tailored specifically for educational institutions. For example, accounts are managed by the school district (and not by Google) and advertisements are all turned off. Google Apps for Education allows school districts to carve off a special Google domain/area for their staff and students to create, collaborate and share ideas online between each other, as well as provide the framework for sharing across districts.
Why use Google Apps for Education?
• To provide students with access to current technology applications and free tools designed for collaboration with other students and teachers
• To give students the ability to work on their documents both in school and at home - anytime and anywhere from any Internet connected device
• To help students work collaboratively, engage in peer-editing of documents, and publish for a wider audience within the Garden Grove Unified School District
• To facilitate “paperless” transfer of work between students and teachers
• To provide adequate long-term storage space for student work
-To provide teachers with a way to provide more effective and timely feedback on student work
How are students identified in Google Apps for Education?
Students will log in using the following pattern:
User name: grad year + first name initial + last name + (potential #) @ggusd.net
Password: 8 digit birthday (however, my students are required to change their passwords and share their new passwords with me for security reasons)
Example: Christian Gomez graduating in 2018 = 18cgomez@ggusd.net
Google Apps is a collection of free online applications. These applications do not reside on the computer, itself, but rather they are accessed through a web browser. This is considered working in the "cloud". The benefit of this structure allows flexibility in accessing documents and projects from ANY computer with Internet access. Staff and students can access their school documents from the lab, the classroom, the public library, their Smart Phones, and even from home!
Google Apps for Education is a special setup of the popular Google Apps, tailored specifically for educational institutions. For example, accounts are managed by the school district (and not by Google) and advertisements are all turned off. Google Apps for Education allows school districts to carve off a special Google domain/area for their staff and students to create, collaborate and share ideas online between each other, as well as provide the framework for sharing across districts.
Why use Google Apps for Education?
• To provide students with access to current technology applications and free tools designed for collaboration with other students and teachers
• To give students the ability to work on their documents both in school and at home - anytime and anywhere from any Internet connected device
• To help students work collaboratively, engage in peer-editing of documents, and publish for a wider audience within the Garden Grove Unified School District
• To facilitate “paperless” transfer of work between students and teachers
• To provide adequate long-term storage space for student work
-To provide teachers with a way to provide more effective and timely feedback on student work
How are students identified in Google Apps for Education?
Students will log in using the following pattern:
User name: grad year + first name initial + last name + (potential #) @ggusd.net
Password: 8 digit birthday (however, my students are required to change their passwords and share their new passwords with me for security reasons)
Example: Christian Gomez graduating in 2018 = 18cgomez@ggusd.net
Do you have any suggested websites for students to seek extra help?
The internet is HUGE and VAST. And doing a Google search for something can be incredibly helpful, but also has the potential to be overwhelming. As the year progresses, I will do my best to post more and more helpful links to my Helpful Links page. However, for the most part, I provide SPECIFIC resources with EACH unit we cover BECAUSE of the very fact that a google search provides TOO MUCH sometimes.
Students can find those resources in their TOOLBOX folder within Google Drive. I have folders designated for the current unit of study as well as folders like "Scholar Tools", "Writing Like a Champion", and more. All students have access to it and know how to find resources. If they don't, then they need to speak up and let me know!
Students can find those resources in their TOOLBOX folder within Google Drive. I have folders designated for the current unit of study as well as folders like "Scholar Tools", "Writing Like a Champion", and more. All students have access to it and know how to find resources. If they don't, then they need to speak up and let me know!
Do you have recommended books for their oreo (outside reading)?
I LOVE helping students find a great book match for them, as does the school librarian, Mrs. Cable. Finding a book is a very personal choice, which is why my outside reading is based on student selection, not a list of recommended books. With that said, I definitely do give suggestions in class. I encourage my honors students to challenge themselves with books that will expand their perspective of the world, challenge their reading ability (a tad...not too much since they're reading them on their own for ENJOYMENT), and enable them to develop their love/appreciation for reading!
Some sites that have great book lists include the following:
I encourage you to read my OREO assignment for the quarter/semester. This file is available in my Toolbox in your child's Google Drive. They know how to search for it.
Some sites that have great book lists include the following:
- collegeboard.com (they have lists of recommended high school reading that prepares them for college)
- goodreads.com (what an amazing site filled with book recommendations)
- barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com (have plenty of book suggestions organized by categories)
I encourage you to read my OREO assignment for the quarter/semester. This file is available in my Toolbox in your child's Google Drive. They know how to search for it.
How does this honors english course prepare students for AP and beyond?
ALL students at PHS will receive a quality education in our department. I am honored to work with such a dedicated group of committed educators! The honors courses are offered for those students who are ready for a more rigorous learning experience in the discipline of English.
In English, students who take English 1H and English 2H are best equipped for success in the junior level AP Language and Composition course, to be followed by the AP Literature course in their senior year. AP stands for "Advanced Placement" and if students take it/them in high school AND pass the AP Exam in May, they can earn COLLEGE CREDIT! WOW! They are the most challenging, college-readiness courses available on our campus.
English 1H teachers meet with English 2H teachers to determine the best ways to prepare our students for the next year's success, the same way that us English 2H teachers meet with the AP Lang teachers to help prepare them for the next year's curriculum. Everything is very strategic and pre-planned, in terms of preparing students for the next year's course. For example, AP Lang students will be asked to complete a summer assignment. In English 2H, during 4th quarter, students are introduced to some of the summer's work to help bridge that gap. In English 1H, students are exposed to writing strategies that will become common place in the 2H level.
In the 9th & 10th English Honors courses, students are exposed to a wider variety of texts, are asked to read more in quantity as well as read more in-depth in terms of their analysis, and, in general, the curriculum moves at a faster pace. Students in the College Prep pathways are taught the same Common Core standards as the Honors courses; however, in the honors pathways, students might experience a more advanced approach to literary criticism, analysis of non-fiction texts, writing applications and skills, scholarly habits, communication and collaboration skills, and overall college readiness.
Many students come back to share with me that they feel "ready for AP Lang". Their confirmations and feelings of readiness are some of my biggest achievements.
In English, students who take English 1H and English 2H are best equipped for success in the junior level AP Language and Composition course, to be followed by the AP Literature course in their senior year. AP stands for "Advanced Placement" and if students take it/them in high school AND pass the AP Exam in May, they can earn COLLEGE CREDIT! WOW! They are the most challenging, college-readiness courses available on our campus.
English 1H teachers meet with English 2H teachers to determine the best ways to prepare our students for the next year's success, the same way that us English 2H teachers meet with the AP Lang teachers to help prepare them for the next year's curriculum. Everything is very strategic and pre-planned, in terms of preparing students for the next year's course. For example, AP Lang students will be asked to complete a summer assignment. In English 2H, during 4th quarter, students are introduced to some of the summer's work to help bridge that gap. In English 1H, students are exposed to writing strategies that will become common place in the 2H level.
In the 9th & 10th English Honors courses, students are exposed to a wider variety of texts, are asked to read more in quantity as well as read more in-depth in terms of their analysis, and, in general, the curriculum moves at a faster pace. Students in the College Prep pathways are taught the same Common Core standards as the Honors courses; however, in the honors pathways, students might experience a more advanced approach to literary criticism, analysis of non-fiction texts, writing applications and skills, scholarly habits, communication and collaboration skills, and overall college readiness.
Many students come back to share with me that they feel "ready for AP Lang". Their confirmations and feelings of readiness are some of my biggest achievements.
