Paula Galasso
Buongiorno! iBuenos días!
I am Mrs. Galasso. I have been teaching Italian and Spanish since 1993 and joined the North Haven high school community in 2006.
For the 2025-2026 school year I am teaching:
- Italian 1
- Italian 2
- Italian 5 honors
2025-2026 UPDATE: I have moved to classroom 106 on the first floor.
Students and families can reach me anytime via email or by calling the high school, 203-239-1641.
** HELFUL SUGGESTION! **
PLEASE DO NOT BUY a spiral notebook and folder for this course!
Instead, students do best with a three ring binder - I recommend 1.5" - it can be any color and either flexible or hard cover - student's choice. Handouts are given everyday, so the binder system is ideal to help them stay organized and prepared for their lessons.
My teaching philosophy is very simple, all students can learn in the right environment. As the classroom teacher, it is my job to create a safe, nurturing environment that develops their confidence while providing students with strategies, resources and support that fosters their growth.
Important expectations, practices and policies for success in my courses:
- Students must always do their own original work BY referencing the course's notes and lessons. The only digital source that is acceptable is the online dictionary: www.wordreference.com - this is explained to students and students complete/sign a promise at the beginning of the year.
- Zeros in PowerSchool are clarified by comments - some zeros are temporary while others are permanent, please read the comment for more information
- Being absent does not grant extensions on deadlines. Information on lessons is posted in Google Classroom and missed handouts are available right outside our classroom. Students are expected to keep up with work while absent. In the case of extenuating circumstances, a conversation is required to set new deadlines.
- Cell phones are not allowed during our lessons and during assessments (test, quizzes, etc.) Referencing a digital device (phone, smartwatch, etc) during an assessment is a violation of the testing environment and the student will be given a zero.
Lessons are thoughtfully crafted to help students learn, practice, understand the Italian language and culture while supporting them with strategies and routines that foster success. When a student is absent, one on one help will be provided but it cannot entirely replace all the interactive activities and experiences provided by the classroom environment. Studies and experience shows that students' success is very much dependent upon participation in every learning opportunity that takes place during their scheduled lessons. Supporting consistent attendance is key to fostering positive achievement and growth. You can best support your student's learning by encouraging attendance and participation in live lessons.
Late work and assessment make up policy:
-15 points off of grade for assignments handed late but on the same day
1/2 credit of grade earned for assignments handed in 1 - 7 days late (calendar days not A/B days)
0 (permanent zero) for assignments not handed in by day 7 of the original due date
Tests/quizzes/assessments: students who are absent have 7 calendar days to make up an assessment; after day 7 it is a permanent zero in PowerSchool
Education:
University of New England
Biddeford, Maine
Certificate of Educational Leadership
University of St. Joseph
West Hartford, Connecticut
Master of Arts in Education (Curriculum and Instruction)
University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut
Master of Arts in International Studies (European Studies)
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, Connecticut
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Italian
All about me:
- I lived in Italy for an entire year and have traveled there numerous times.
- I lived in Spain for 3 months and have been traveled there a few times.
- I have a dog named Mackey :)
- I live in North Haven and my children all attended North Haven schools.
- Outside of school, I love to cook and do crafts.