Frequently Asked Questions
Here are questions commonly asked by my scholars. Please contact me by email or Dojo for questions you may have!
Questions about the Course
“If we have homework, will it be hard?”
Homework will be more difficult to some than others. The homework will be practice and/or an extension of what we learned in class. I do not assign homework daily. I will typically assign homework once a week UNLESS I see the class is struggling to comprehend a learning goal. That being said, homework is not assigned as a punishment. All homework assignments are purposeful, need to be completed, and need to be turned in on time. 10% of your grade will come from homework.
“Are we going to do lots of projects?”
Yes! I love projects because it gives scholars a way to dive into the content more than we may have time to in class. We will have some in class group projects, as well as individual projects that will need to be worked on at home.
“What will we be learning this year?”
My 7th graders will be learning about government and economics the first semester and geography the second semester. Here are our standards that we will cover (it is also listed in our syllabus!)
My 8th graders will be learning about world history from the prehistoric age to 1500. We will look at civilizations during those years and learn more about their governments, economic systems, social structures, religions, and other aspects of their culture. Here are our standards that we will cover (it is also listed in our syllabus!)
“How often will we be tested?”
We will have a test after each unit. Because our units cover a large amount of information, we will also have several quizzes within the units. Scholars will always be aware of an upcoming test, though pop quizzes may be given.
“Will there be any extra credit?”
There MIGHT be opportunities for extra credit as I see fit. Asking for extra credit will not grant you extra credit. If it is offered, late work will not be accepted.
“Will your class be easy or rigorous?”
Both 7th grade and 8th grade courses are rigorous. Both are honors courses within a magnet program, and the goal is to continually give these scholars tools to be college and career ready. We will be reading difficult material and tackling complicated content. If any scholar feels they are falling behind or struggling to learn a concept, I am more than happy to provide additional resources (videos, reading materials). Also, they can schedule a time to meet with me before or after school to reteach a subject. Every scholar can and should get an A in my class, and I will make sure they have the resources to do so!
“How will your class help us later in life?”
Great question! Thinking like a historian is a skill we are going to practice every day, and it will help you be a better thinker in life! Because social media can spread information instantly, students need to know how to differentiate between what is real, what is fake, what is fact, what is opinion, what is a good argument, and what is an illogical argument. These are all skills we will develop. Plus, I truly believe discovering a love of history helps to ignite a love of learning about why and how our society is the way it is, AND problem solving skills of how we can change our society.
Questions about the Rules
“What is your cell phone policy?”
My cell phone policy is the same as the school’s. If I see a phone, whether in my class or in the hallway or at lunch, I will take it up and give it to Mr. Lumzy. Parents will have to come to the school to get their child’s phone back. Cell phones inhibit our scholar’s focus and learning. Parents: If there is an emergency and you need to talk directly with your child, please call my cell phone or the office.
“Can we chew gum?”
No. There is no chewing gum in my class. If I catch a student chewing gum, there will be a verbal warning. Continuing to disrespect this rule will lead to pink slips and lunch detention.
“What is a growth mindset?”
The growth mindset is a way to approach learning and life. Scholars may make mistakes, but they must learn from those mistakes and GROW from them. We are constantly striving for progress. If that progress is a D to a C or a D to A, it is celebrated. Students must learn that failure is not the end of the road--we can always improve, and we should always work towards improvement! If you are interested in learning more, check out this video!
“Are we allowed to eat or drink in the classroom?”
There will be no eating or drinking in the classroom. Students are allowed to have water, but all other drinks and food are prohibited.
“Does it matter what computer you have?”
Nope! Scholars may use Chromebooks, laptops, tablets, etc. The only requirement is that it must be able to access the internet.
Questions about Ms. Z
“What is your favorite food?”
This is tough because I love, love food! I can only narrow it down to my 2 favorite types of food… Thai food and Creole are my favorite.
“Do you have siblings?”
Yes. I have a brother who works as an attorney in Dallas and a sister who is retired from the Navy in Virginia.
“When did you first want to be a teacher?”
I think I first wanted to be a teacher when I was in high school. I had so many amazing teachers that profoundly shaped me to be the person I am today, and I wanted to be able to have that impression on someone else!
“Cats or dogs?”
I am a dog person, but currently I only have one pet and he is a cat named Silas. In the future I hope to adopt some dogs--preferably big dogs like Labradors, German Shepherds, and/or pit bulls.
“What’s your middle name?”
My middle name is Ruth.