Paula Galasso
Buongiorno! iBuenos días!
My name is Mrs. Galasso. I have been teaching Italian and Spanish since 1993 but here at North Haven since 2006.
For the 2024-2025 school year I am teaching:
- Italian 2
- Italian 2 honors level
- Italian 5
Students and families can reach me anytime via email or by calling the high school, 203-239-1641, ext. 2223.
Rather than a spiral notebook and folder, I suggest students purchase a 1 & 1/2 inch three ring binder (better for keeping handouts and work together) and students should always bring pens or pencils for class.
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 referencing the course's notes and lessons. The only digital source that is acceptable is 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, the comment will provide that 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) will be 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.
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