Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I find the disclosure for my class? 

The disclosure can be found on myDSD under the tools-documents tab or on the homepage of this Canvas site.

2. How do I create a parent account in Canvas? 

Please click on this link Links to an external site. for instructions on creating a parent Canvas account.

3. My grade says that my assignment is missing. I know that I turned it in. 

All assignments will be turned in through Canvas or your folder in the classroom. Please check Canvas to see if the assignment was turned in and check for any comments from your teacher explaining why you did not get credit for the assignment. Make sure you save back-up copies of your assignments in case there are submission issues.

4. Can I turn in my assignment late?

Yes. As your teacher, I would much rather you turn in the assignment late instead of not doing it at all. You may turn in most assignments late; however, late-work will affect your citizenship grade.

5. You used to teach on Summit Learning. Why did you switch to Canvas?

As the honors English 10 teacher, I strive to ensure that I'm preparing students for the rigors of AP and IB (college-level) English. Both AP Language and IB English 11 are taught on the Canvas platform. It made sense to switch to Canvas for AP/IB prep. Similar to the Summit Learning philosophy, I firmly believe that learning is a continual process. I believe in personalized competency-based learning (PCBL) and try to structure my class in that way. You can find out more about PCBL here Links to an external site.. However, I also recognize that change can be difficult. If you or your parents are concerned about how class is being structured, please contact me. I want you to succeed and am happy to discuss ways to help make that happen.

6. How do I make up citizenship credit?

If you need to bring up your citizenship grade due to too many late assignments or being late to class, you need to schedule a time to help outside of class. The work you will do varies depending on what I need help with at the time. You may be completing your own work, grading other assignments, cleaning the classroom, or helping another teacher with a project.  You need to work for 10 minutes per tardy or late assignment to have your citizenship grade increase.

If you need to bring up your citizenship grade due to your behavior in the classroom, academic dishonesty, or truancy, you need to talk to me about a citizenship contract. We will work together on developing a contract that is fair and helps you improve within the class.

7. I need to talk to you in person. When can I do that?

I am available 25 minutes before school starts and 40-90 minutes after school. You could also schedule a meeting with me by emailing ksnyder@dsdmail.net. 

8. How are Honors English 10 and English 10 different?

Although the classes may do similar things, English 10 and Honors English 10 are very different courses. The honors course is a pre-AP/pre-IB English class. It is designed to prepare students to take a college level course (IB English 11 or AP Language) next year. Therefore, the class moves at a faster pace and requires more rigorous work than English 10. In honors, students are expected to read complex texts. They have more extensive writing assignments. They also regularly facilitate discussions and give presentations.  If you want to move to the honors class, please talk to your counselor about a schedule change.

9. Why are you teaching Humanities this year?

Since Ms. Moss is teaching Secondary Literacy this year, she wasn't able to fit the humanities course into her teaching schedule. I have worked very closely with Ms. Moss to thoroughly understand the humanities class. I'm very excited to teach it. The class approaches English Language Arts in a whole new way and includes many unique viewpoints and world issues. If you are a senior and want to take the course, talk to your counselor about a schedule change for 2nd semester. The more people and perspectives are in this class; the more engaging and thought-provoking the class will be.