I am a Connecticut native, growing up in Harwinton and Bristol. I have enjoyed the
last eight years here at Plainville High School, and have taught integrated science
at Newtown Middle School for five years previously. Courses I currently teach
include Advanced Placement Biology & UConn Biology 1107/1108; Anatomy, Physiology,
& Pathophysiology; Vertebrate Zoology; Biological Anthropology; and Academic
Biology. I am the advisor to the Bio-medical Club and the Science National Honor
Society Chapter at Plainville High School, and serve as the Lead Science Teacher
for Project Opening Doors.
I completed my teaching certification requirements and Masters degree in Biological
Sciences through Central Connecticut State University, graduating Cum Laude. I am
a member of the Tri-Beta National Biological Honor Society and the Golden Key
National Honor Society. I am also adjunct faculty at the University of Connecticut.
Prior to teaching I worked as a concert security guard at Lake Compounce, a Diener
in the morgue (aiding a Pathologist performing autopsies), a phlebotomist, a Medical
Laboratory Technologist, and a Clinical Educator at Bristol Hospital.
My wife, son, daughter, two dogs, and six cats keep me out of trouble most of the
time. I am a certified sports nut as I have played soccer, football, wrestling,
basketball, beach volleyball, foosball, and baseball competitively. An ideal day would
be spent with my family in the pool, or at the beach in Harwich, Cape Cod, or at a
game at Fenway Park.
last eight years here at Plainville High School, and have taught integrated science
at Newtown Middle School for five years previously. Courses I currently teach
include Advanced Placement Biology & UConn Biology 1107/1108; Anatomy, Physiology,
& Pathophysiology; Vertebrate Zoology; Biological Anthropology; and Academic
Biology. I am the advisor to the Bio-medical Club and the Science National Honor
Society Chapter at Plainville High School, and serve as the Lead Science Teacher
for Project Opening Doors.
I completed my teaching certification requirements and Masters degree in Biological
Sciences through Central Connecticut State University, graduating Cum Laude. I am
a member of the Tri-Beta National Biological Honor Society and the Golden Key
National Honor Society. I am also adjunct faculty at the University of Connecticut.
Prior to teaching I worked as a concert security guard at Lake Compounce, a Diener
in the morgue (aiding a Pathologist performing autopsies), a phlebotomist, a Medical
Laboratory Technologist, and a Clinical Educator at Bristol Hospital.
My wife, son, daughter, two dogs, and six cats keep me out of trouble most of the
time. I am a certified sports nut as I have played soccer, football, wrestling,
basketball, beach volleyball, foosball, and baseball competitively. An ideal day would
be spent with my family in the pool, or at the beach in Harwich, Cape Cod, or at a
game at Fenway Park.
About the Teacher
My Philosophy of Education
Education is the foundation that children will build their lives upon. My philosophy of education
commences with my firm belief that all children can and do learn well. The age old statement, “It
takes a village to raise a child” merits worth. Learning is fostered by a nurturing community with
upstanding role models. All classrooms should be dynamic extensions of the greater community
where empathy, kindness, honesty, and acceptance of the uniqueness in each individual are the norm.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T is not only a refrain in a popular song, but is a two-way street, give respect to
others and you will receive it in return. Pedagogically, Howard Gardner’s seven intelligences form
a template for educators, as all students learn differently. Realizing this, a variety of modalities
should be employed to facilitate learning in today’s eclectic classroom. The learning process should
not be limited to the classroom, but should encompass everyday life. Each and every student needs
to take an active role in their education. Every experience and every observation can establish
life-long learning. Finally, It is my belief that education strives to create independent, creative,
logical, trustworthy, and responsible citizens. Educators and parents accomplish this by modeling
these traits and via thorough communication.
Education is the foundation that children will build their lives upon. My philosophy of education
commences with my firm belief that all children can and do learn well. The age old statement, “It
takes a village to raise a child” merits worth. Learning is fostered by a nurturing community with
upstanding role models. All classrooms should be dynamic extensions of the greater community
where empathy, kindness, honesty, and acceptance of the uniqueness in each individual are the norm.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T is not only a refrain in a popular song, but is a two-way street, give respect to
others and you will receive it in return. Pedagogically, Howard Gardner’s seven intelligences form
a template for educators, as all students learn differently. Realizing this, a variety of modalities
should be employed to facilitate learning in today’s eclectic classroom. The learning process should
not be limited to the classroom, but should encompass everyday life. Each and every student needs
to take an active role in their education. Every experience and every observation can establish
life-long learning. Finally, It is my belief that education strives to create independent, creative,
logical, trustworthy, and responsible citizens. Educators and parents accomplish this by modeling
these traits and via thorough communication.
| Mr. Girard's Biological Sciences Website |
Class Requirements
- Note book
- Blue or black ink pens
- Pencils
- Graph paper (for labs)
- Coloring pencils
- A three ring binder for science handouts and homework
- Your COVERED Textbook
- Positive Mental Attitude
- Internet access
Class Information
Do you accept late work?
Nope. Projects and homework must be done by the beginning of class or it is LATE (50% per day penalty). I will accept a note from a parent (PLEASE INCLUDE
CONTACT PHONE NUMBER) to grant an extension due to extenuating circumstances e.g. Hospitalization, a death in the family... hopefully not yours. PROJECTS
ARE ASSIGNED DUE DATES = GET THEM TO SCHOOL SOMEHOW (It's your responsibility)
What can I do to bring my grade up?
- DO ALL OF YOUR WORK
- Ask questions in class
- Come in for extra help
- Understand every word you read
- Study with a study group
- Read the chapter
- Re-read the chapter
- Make and use flash cards
- Have someone quiz you
- Repetition, repetition, repetition, repetition, ... get it?
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Are you insane with the amount of homework you give?
I don't believe I am, however my imaginary friend just told me not to answer that question on grounds it may incriminate me! So I guess you will have to talk to my
psychiatrist. As far as homework goes, Nike said it best...JUST DO IT!!!!!!!!
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When can I come in for extra help?
I am usually at school by 6:45 a.m. (Yes the sun is up that early) For those that are sleep impaired, after school may be a better option. Please make an appointment
with me if you are coming in for extra help.
2009-2010 Curriculum Maps
UConn Biology 1107 Syllabus & Curriculum Map
UConn Biology 1108 Syllabus & Curriculum Map
Advanced Placement Biology Curriculum Map
Anatomy, Physiology, & Pathophysiology Curriculum Map
Vertebrate Zoology Curriculum Map
Academic Biology Curriculum Map
CONTACT INFORMATION
John Girard
Plainville High School
47 Robert Holcomb Way
Plainville, CT 06062
GirardJ@PlainvilleSchools.org
Copyright 2007 John Girard, Inc. All rights reserved.
Last Updated: 25-August-2011
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My Teaching Mission Statement
I will use the strength of my humor, wit, and intellect to be the best teacher I can. I will be kind to and understanding of all my students by
demonstrating empathy. I shall not compromise my integrity, but shall be truthful and honest. I will nurture the young minds before me and
lead them down the path of knowledge to become independent thinkers and problem solvers using real-life situations. I will be a responsible,
impartial, and ethical role model for all my students. I will respect and be accepting of others ideas. I will be a positive, dynamic, prepared,
collaborative, and fun science teacher.
I will use the strength of my humor, wit, and intellect to be the best teacher I can. I will be kind to and understanding of all my students by
demonstrating empathy. I shall not compromise my integrity, but shall be truthful and honest. I will nurture the young minds before me and
lead them down the path of knowledge to become independent thinkers and problem solvers using real-life situations. I will be a responsible,
impartial, and ethical role model for all my students. I will respect and be accepting of others ideas. I will be a positive, dynamic, prepared,
collaborative, and fun science teacher.
Mr. Girard at Woods Hole on Cape Cod
Bio-Medical Club
Toys for Tots Collection
Toys for Tots Collection
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Teacher of the Year 2010-2011
