I am a Connecticut native, growing up in Harwinton and Bristol. I have enjoyed the last 13 years here at Plainville High School, and
have taught integrated science at Newtown Middle School for five years previously. Courses I currently teach include UConn
Biology-1107/1108
and Honors Anatomy, Physiology, & Pathophysiology.  I am the advisor to the Science National Honor Society
Chapter at Plainville High School
since 2010. I have served as the Lead Science Teacher for Project Opening Doors for four years
(2009-2013) and as the Plainville Community Schools Teacher of the Year in 2010-2011. I have been selected by the Connecticut
Association of Biology Teachers as the recipient of the 2013-2014 Outstanding Biology Teacher Award and by the University of
Connecticut, which awarded me for Excellence in Instruction in 2015.

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, a phlebotomist, a Medical
Laboratory Tech, and a Clinical Educator at Bristol Hospital.

My wife, son, and daughter keep me busy with Boy Scouts-Troop 29, and coaching softball at Northeast Middle School and assisting
The Connecticut Eliminators 1
8U team. An ideal day would be spent with my family going to Fenway Park to see the Red Sox play ball
or to Old Orchard Beach riding a Waverunner,
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.
Mr. Girard's Biological Sciences Website

Class Requirements
  1. Note book
  2. Blue or black ink pens
  3. Pencils
  4. Graph paper (for labs)
  5. Coloring pencils
  6. A three ring binder for science handouts and homework
  7. Your COVERED Textbook
  8. Positive Mental Attitude
  9. 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?

  1. DO ALL OF YOUR WORK
  2. Ask questions in class
  3. Come in for extra help
  4. Understand every word you read
  5. Study with a study group
  6. Read the chapter
  7. Re-read the chapter
  8. Make and use flash cards
  9. Have someone quiz you
  10. 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 7:00 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.

2016-2017 Curriculum Maps
UConn Biology 1107 Campbell Syllabus & Curriculum Map
UConn Biology 1107 Principles of Life Syllabus & Curriculum Map
UConn Biology 1108 Campbell Syllabus & Curriculum Map
UConn Biology 1108 Principles of Life 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:
30-August-2016
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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.
Mr. Girard at Woods Hole on Cape Cod
Plainville Community Schools
2010-2011 Teacher of the Year
Plainville
Links
Plainville
Athletics
Connecticut Association of Biology Teachers
2013-2014 Outstanding Biology Teacher