If you are going to ask me for a recommendation letter, please read the information below. Make sure you are able to meet all of the qualifications before you ask me to write a letter for you. I reserve the right to deny recommendation requests without providing a specific reason.
Summer Programs for Current and Former Students
In most cases, I will be more than happy to write a letter of recommendation for virtually any student. Please keep in mind that I am very honest in my recommendations, so if you have not been a diligent student and a positive influence in class, I will not portray you that way. If you would still like me to write your letter, please make sure you do the following:
Ask me in person to write your recommendation, please do not just e-mail me.
I need at least 2 weeks notice to write a recommendation.
When possible, apply online. Provide the e-mail address kpluchino@schools.nyc.gov for the recommender's e-mail.
If you must apply on paper, please provide a stamped, addressed envelope for me to send in your recommendation.
If there is additional paperwork required, please print it out for me and include it in the envelope I need to mail back.
I will let you know once I have submitted your recommendation.
If you feel that these guidelines are unreasonable, please ask another teacher for a recommendation.
College Recommendations for Current and Former Students
The sooner you can ask me to write you college recommendation, the better. I will write a total of 20 recommendations a year, and it is on a first come, first served basis. I will not accept any recommendation requests after October 1st. Please remember that I am not required to write any recommendations (nor is any teacher) but we choose to do so because we have positive things to say about you and we want to support you in your decision to further your education and help in any way we can. Please follow the guidelines below if you would like me to write a college recommendation for you.
Ask me in person to write your recommendation, please do not just e-mail me.
If I agree to write your recommendation, I will send you a Google Form.
I need at least 2 weeks notice to write your recommendation (this means the information I requested must be returned to me at least 2 weeks before the recommendation is due). If you cannot give me 2 weeks, I cannot write your recommendation.
You must be willing to waive your right to view the recommendation. If you feel that you cannot trust what I have written, then you need to find a different teacher to write your recommendation. While I do my best to portray all of my students positively, I will not lie or stretch the truth to make you sound like something you're not. If you do not waive your right to view the recommendation, I will deny your request, whether it is online or on paper.
When possible, apply online. Please provide the e-mail address kpluchino@schools.nyc.gov for the recommender's e-mail.
If you must apply on paper, please provide a stamped, addressed envelope for me to send in your recommendation.
If there is additional paperwork required, please print it out for me and fill out as much information as possible. This includes my name (Kristyn Pluchino) the school address and phone number, how long I have known you (same amount of time you have known me), and any other general, non-recommendation related information.
If you feel that these guidelines are unreasonable, please ask another teacher for a recommendation.
(Q) "Should I ask Ms. Pluchino to write a college rec for me?"
(A) If Ms. Pluchino knows who you are, and would likely describe you as someone who actively and regularly participates, tries their best in class, offers insightful comments, shows a clear interest in science, and overall gives a memorable contribution to the class, then 'yes' you should ask her. If Ms. Pluchino doesn't know what your voice sounds like because you rarely speak up in class, or if she can't describe a memorable contribution you've made to the class because there simply haven't been that many, or if she has to admit that you're not really trying all that hard class, then she might not be the best person to write your rec, and you should seek someone else.
(Q) "How do I get a college rec from Ms. Pluchino?"
(A) Once I've agreed to write your rec by you asking me in person, I'll send you a Google Form to fill out to help me remember what a wonderful student you were/are. You will fill out the Google Form and submit it within a week of receiving it. At that point I will start writing you rec.
(Q) "What do I do if it's an electronic rec?"
(A) Most colleges use the common app or have their own online recommendation system. You will need my e-mail address (chem.pluchino@gmail.com) and my name (Kristyn Pluchino). Please be sure these are entered exactly as they are shown here so they are linked to my Naviance account!
(Q) "What do I do if it's a paper rec?"
(A) If you are doing any applications on paper that need to be mailed, please try to do the following:
Provide me with addressed, self-sealing, envelopes
Affix postage to each envelope (one stamp per envelope is usually fine)
Make sure everything is filled out correctly before handing any forms off to me.
Give me everything at once, in-person or in my mailbox on the 2nd floor.
(Q) "Ms. Pluchino, what kind of stuff do you like?"
(A) What?!? That has nothing to do with college recs... but since you asked: Ms. Pluchino loves many things. She loves to bike (and consumes many Gu Packs, Sports Beans, Heed, and electrolyte tablets while doing so). She loves clever chemistry gadgets and pictures. She loves homemade vegan desserts and tea. She loves to spend $5 at Starbucks. She loves The Simpsons. But mostly she loves getting short e-mails or notes from students who have been accepted to college that say "Hey Ms. Pluchino! Guess what!! I got into (school name) and I'm very excited to be going there!"