Information for Parents/Guardians About Mr. Mulhern's Classes and How to Keep Apprised of Student Progress

Information for Parents/Guardians About Mr. Mulhern’s Classes

Please note that Mr. Mulhern uses this website because it is a better vehicle than Canvas for students and parents to keep up-to-date on all student work. Canvas is used for important information only. There is a Search Box in the upper left corner of this website, where you can type in anything related to English. Doing so may help students prepare for tests, review ideas, and learn new concepts and techniques (typing in the Search Box "Grammar," "SAT," "FAST," "Analysis," "Writing," "Annotating," "College Essay," and various other terms related to an English course are just a few examples of terms that will reveal posts with helpful information. Names of authors and their works may also be found through the Search Box. (Students can also anticipate possible future assignments by scrolling through the website or using the Search Box). What follows is a list of ways to stay informed about your student's progress:

• New rule for the 2024--2025 school year: No cellphones, earbuds, headphones, or any other electronic devices to be used by students from the beginning of the first period until the end of the day (including lunch).
• Check attendance through the Focus application. (You also receive daily phone calls for any class your student does not attend.)
• Check Focus for grades: high school classes. Check D2L for grades: college classes. Your student will be able to show you how to find these applications.
• Ask your student to see his/her grades. Sometimes Focus and D2L are not up-to-date because of delays; however, students are required to record all grades in their class binders.
• Contact Mr. Mulhern through his email if you have a concern or just want to check in: james.mulhern@browardschools.com.
• Check this website regularly for all assignments. However, sometimes I give directions and due dates (often with handouts) for assignments during an actual class. I also write the assignment information on the board. In these instances, students are required to write in their binders the assignments--instructions, due dates, and other details. Ask your student if he/she has completed all work (not just what is posted on this website, but also what may have been assigned during class). Due dates and exact, elaborate directions are posted (or sometimes given orally in class) for every assignment. You need to scroll through the first three pages of this website to make sure you see all assignments that are due. Click on the blue “Older Posts” to see the following pages. Assignments and announcements are in no particular order. I teach more than one class. Once you come to an assignment (pay close attention to the class name on the post) with a blue date within the post from the previous year, you know you have reached the end of pending work. Older posts may be used in the future, but if the date is not relevant to the current school year, ignore it.
• Check out Canvas. There is a lot of information as well as helpful links posted in Canvas to assist students. (My website also has helpful links for students.) I rarely use Canvas to post assignments or upload work by students. I expect students to have copies of all work in their binders by the due date, whether or not I collect those assignments. The assignment should remain in student binders for the entirety of the semester and may be checked at any time for a grade. In addition, not everything is graded in my courses. Students need to develop into lifelong learners who understand that ideas and enriching the mind through knowledge are what is most important (not just the grade).
• Read the rules and expectations for my class by clicking on the tab at the top of my website.
• Be aware of Interim Report dates and check your student’s grade.
• As stated above, use the Search Box in the upper left corner of my website (see the white B inside the orange box) to look for important information. The website contains many resources. Put in a Search term.
• Read the sample syllabus for the course. In the high school setting, it is difficult to strictly adhere to syllabi because of frequent interruptions for clubs, field trips, and activities.
• Scroll through my website to see the types of assignments that may be assigned in the future. There are also information pages about what juniors and seniors should be aware of during these important years. You need to click on the blue “Next Posts” at the bottom of the web page to see more information. Do not be concerned about your student completing an assignment unless it has a due date related to the current school year. Some of these posts may be used in the future; some may not be used. Nevertheless, you get a good understanding of the class by reading through the posts.
• Again, please note: Most assignments will be posted on this website; however, some may be announced verbally in class. Students are told to write those assignments in their binders. You should ask to see your student's binder occasionally throughout the semester so that you know all assignments and also to keep track of student productivity and organization. Teachers are not required to keep a website. I created this website to help students learn. I am not paid for the many hours I spend writing information on this site.
• Please assist me in helping your child succeed by checking grades, attendance, and my website for assignments and due dates. Asking to see completed work is also helpful. Please email me with any concerns: james.mulhern@browardschools.com.

        Thank you!