It’s another great year at Sunset! Below are some basic frequently asked questions (FAQ’s):
Where is Dillard?
You can find me in room A2.
What is Dillard teaching and when?
Odd days:
- 3rd Period: IB Economics SL
- 5th Period: Freshmen World History
- 7th Period: World History for English Language Learners
Even days:
- 2nd Period: Freshmen World History
- 6th Period: Freshmen World History
- 8th Period: Apollo time (mandatory study hall) / Advisory (career ed)
When is Dillard available for student/parent communication?
Students: I love sitting down with you one on one and talking through whatever is perplexing you in class or in life. I encourage you to seek me out early with confusions about my expectations or assignments in class. Now, this being said, no amount of me wanting to have time gives me an infinite amount of it. As I do have 160 students this year, I will need you to schedule appointments. Apollo time is the best time for meetings. If you are new to Sunset, Apollo time is a mandatory study hall during the last 90 minutes of even days. Students who cannot stay after school because they must catch the bus to get home will be given first priority. Students with regular after school commitments (like band, sports or theater) will also be given priority. In past years, I have typically had enough time to meet with all the students who want help during the school day. However, classes are bigger this year and I would like to provide one weekly after-school study time. I will be available after-school on Thursdays from 2:45-4 to provide help to students unable to come during Apollo time. I will do my very best to see everyone that wants help during the school day, as I know this is most convenient for everyone. Still, this is not always going to be possible, and if you are someone with more flexible transportation options, I may have to ask you to come to the after-school session occasionally. In addition, I also have a “Planning” period each day. On odd days I have 1st Period (7:45-9:14) and on even days, I have 4th Period (9:20-10:49) reserved. These are also good times to make appointments to see me. You can pop in anytime to make an appointment, though the best time is during class. There will be a sign-up sheet in the front of the room.
I am available to give student help:
- During Apollo time
- Thursdays from 2:45-4
- 1st and 4th Period
Parents: I hope very much for my classroom to be a collaborative effort between you, your student and myself. Please don’t hesitate to call or email with your concerns/needs/thoughts. Let me know what’s working! This kind of feedback is extremely helpful as I plan assessments throughout the year. I also encourage you to come into the school so we can meet and talk face to face. I reserve Apollo time and Thursday afternoons for the students, but am happy to meet with you any other time. In order that I may give you my full attention, I do ask that you call or email me in advance to schedule an appointment if you would like to meet.
- Phone: 503.259.5050
- Email: elizabeth_dillard@beavton.k12.or.us
Where can I find grades?
At “Back to School Night” on September 29th, you will receive information on how to access “Parent Assistant”. Some of you may have used this in middle school. Through this program you will be able to see academic progress and attendance data.
What happens if I have to miss class for an EXCUSED absence?
If you know in advance that you will need to miss class, try to let me know. This is especially important if you will be missing class for an extended period of time, as I can give you work to complete while you are away. Completing the work as you go, rather than waiting until you return, will help you to not get behind.
If you become sick, please stay home! Often you will be able to figure out on your own what you missed, simply by reading this website. Please do this step first. If you need more assistance, you or a parent can call / email me to get your missing work. When possible, I will send your work (including handouts) by email. This avoids the need to make trips into school just to pick up a few papers.
Work missed during an unexcused absence cannot be made up.
What are the rules about cell phones/iTouch’s/etc.?
You are at school to learn, and if you are distracted it is difficult for you to wisely use the time. If we are having a whole-class discussion, working in groups, or listening to a lecture/video…you may not use any electronics. This includes texting under the table or in your pockets. Just put it away. If we are doing independent work…you may listen to music. However, I reserve the right to ask you to put your music away if you are not making progress on your independent work. Some of you may use electronic calendars like me, and so cell phones may be out when we are writing assignments into planners.
How is this website organized?
Currently, you are on the main site “Info for Ms. Dillard’s classes at Sunset High”. On this site I will post general announcements and information that pertains to ALL my classes. At the top, right hand corner of the page, you will see a menu titled “Class Websites“. Use this menu to navigate to your specific class website.
You will know you are in a different section of the site when the background pattern changes. See below:
Where can I find assignments/homework?
On your class’ website.
How will I know when Dillard adds things to this website?
If you want to receive an email when I make general messages on the main website, click on “Sign me Up!” under “Email subscription” on the top of the right hand column (just above the calendar).
If you want to receive emails about your particular class (assignments, announcements), then you should first go to your class’ section of the website and then find the button for “Email subscription”. This can typically be found in the upper right hand column.
More questions? Comment below. Depending on the question, I will either reply to you personally by email, or add to the FAQ’s if the question pertains to everyone.
