User:Lbrown/Courses

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Courses Taught
We encourage you to pre-schedule your appointment time at least 24 hours in advance
 * Learning Skills - taught by Ms. Pamela Ellis & Ms. La Toya Brown
 * Co-teach / SAI Push In for English and Math

Instructional Philosophy & Learning Objectives
At Sunrise Middle School, our Five Pillars (SCOPE) involve self control, curiosity, optimism, perseverance, and effort. Additionally, the seven principals of our school include high expectations, responsibility, small classes, hands on learning, daily medication, outdoor activities and cultural awareness. Furthermore, we believe in helping our students to develop 21st century skills, which includes collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, communication and access to technology.

Classroom Organization
Students will be assigned a seat and desk. Assigned student seating may fluctuate based on individualized learning needs.

Each student will be assigned the following:  
 * Student Folder for storing scored assignments
 * Fast Finisher folder for storing specialized assignments that target individual student IEP goals

Suggested Materials
Suggested student materials include a single subject notebook, binder with divider tabs, pencils, as well as access to computer with internet at home''. (Please let us know if you need assistance with securing these learning materials).''  Donation oudyf learning material supplies and auction items are also welcome.

Course Descriptions
Study Skills 

Study Skills provides intensive instructional support in various academic subjects. Our instructional team members frequently check student grades and attempt to track student assignments. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to email the teacher whenever a student either struggles to self-advocate or to request that a student work on a particular assignment.

Students are required to develop the following study skill habits:

Effectively organize their assignments/projects

Plan assignment completion as well as time to study for tests/exams

Check their grades daily

Self advocate (e.g. asking teachers clarifying questions or for additional assistance outside of instructional time as needed)

Strengthen individualized skills, which may be based on academics, executive functioning/study skills or socio-emotional.

Examples of Assignments

English Language Arts

-WOD (Writing On Demand) Quick Writes: involves students providing a written paragraph response to a daily prompt

-BBW (Banish Boring Words): involves students writing sentences using synonyms

-My Aztec Pride - introductory writing assignment: involves students writing a multi-paragraph essay

-Special projects

-Students will be expected to participate in the revise / rewrite writing process, which may involve students writing their assignments in Google Docs which will then be shared with the Learning Skills teacher.

Social Studies / Science

-Newsela - students will read a news article that ties to current Social Studies / Science academic content being taught in the classroom.

Math

-Students will be responsible for completing a leveled math worksheet, that targets the student's specific needs (e.g. IEP Math goals)

Suggested Materials
 * Pencil
 * Textbooks are available for use during the LRNSK class period

Participation
The participation grade is a letter grade according to a student's interactions with their peers, staff, and their environment.

Citizenship grades will be used to evaluate student performance in the following 5 tenets of SCOPE + Weekly Reflection: Students will have the opportunity to earn a maximum of 10 points per week.
 * Self-control = 2 point maximum
 * Curiosity = 2 point maximum
 * Perseverance = 2 point maximum
 * Responsibility = 2 point maximum
 * Weekly Participation = 2 point maximum

Students will receive a Citizenship grade every week. Students who earn an “N” or “U”, will not will participate in the reflective process, and will not be allowed to participate in the weekly Choice Time incentive program.

O –Outstanding = 4

S –Satisfactory = 3

N - Needs Improvement = 2

U –Unsatisfactory = 1

Grading
Parents/Guardians are encouraged to check student grades at home. To view your student's assignments and grades please go to Power School and log in either as a parent/grading or teacher.

Please let a teacher know if you are unable to log into Power School.

Grading is based upon citizenship, effort and subject mastery.

Grading scale

A       90-100%

B      80-89%

C       70-79%

D       60-69%

F       below 59%

If a student is receiving a D or F in a class, parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified. The teacher will additionally develop a collaborative plan for both teacher(s) and parent(s)/guardians to support the student's success.

Late Work/Absences
If a student is absent for any reason, assignments, quizzes and tests must be made up within a pre-agreed upon time. Students must make appointments for these makeups to ensure that materials will be available.

Participation in class is required.

Independent Studies

Independent Studies will require administrator approval and a IEP Amendment meeting to discuss service delivery.

IEP Progress Reports
Progress reports will be sent home in mid-October, mid-January and at the end of April. Trimesters end in November, March, and June. If a parent or student has any questions about a student’s progress or grade, please feel free to contact me. You can make an appointment, or e-mail about anything, and I will get back to you within 24 hours. I am typically available 30 minutes before school and after school.

Expectations
Students are expected to arrive to class each day to address individualized goals in academics, socio - emotional, study skills. Also, students will receive guidance in how to effectively organize, plan and access the general education curriculum. Additionally, students learn how to be resourceful in navigating unpredictable settings such as: Students are expected to be responsible, safe and resourceful. Additionally, students are expected to cooperate, collaborate one another as a community of learners. District adoption of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), school and classroom rules will be enforced.
 * Periodic seat change assignments
 * Experimentation with financial responsibility
 * Assigned classroom/campus jobs
 * Preparation for emergency practice drills
 * Independent problem solving.

Classroom Management System

Classroom Management system includes implementation of a Classroom Economy and Class Dojo classroom management programs, which reward students for appropriate behavior; students loose points and/or money for violating behavior expectations.

Classroom Economy program focuses on financial literacy. Students are paid a salary based on following behavior expectations as well as task completion. Also, students learn how to manage their income by: Class Dojo is a classroom communication platform for teachers, parents and students. It is primarily used to track behavior in the classroom and communicate the results to parents.
 * Balancing their checkbooks every time they are paid or charged a penalty fine
 * Maybe a monthly fee to rent desks - students can earn the deed to their desk by paying it off
 * Paying monthly utility bills (e.g. gas, electric and internet)

Contact Information
Ms. La Toya Brown & Ms. Pamela Ellis

Sunrise Middle School

1149 E Julian St, San Jose, CA 95116

Donations
Our classroom is ALWAYS in immediate need of the following: No worries, if you are unable contribute
 * Tissue
 * Paper Towels
 * Post It Notes
 * Bottled water - 4 ounces preferred
 * Index cards - for study flash cards
 * Any unwanted/excess items - to be added to our monthly Classroom Economy Silent Auction.