2016-2017
El Sereno Middle School
(323) 224-4700
Teacher: Ms. E. Juarez
Learning Center: Grade 6th/7th
Room: Shop 9A
Mission:
The mission of El Sereno Middle School is to empower all students with the skills and knowledge to
become compassionate, inquisitive, principled young people who create a more peaceful world through global
awareness, critical thinking, and a commitment to action and service.
IB Learners strive to be:
Inquirers
Knowledgeable
Caring
Risk-takers
Thinkers
Balanced
Communicators
Open-minded
Principled
Reflective
Goals:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Support students in the general education classrooms in Language and Math.
Teach skills that will help students meet their IEP goals and objectives.
Teach 21st Century Skills.
Develop critical readers and writers.
Course Description:
The objective for this class will be to focus on developing English language skills, especially working
towards improving reading and writing. We will use various learning strategies and activities to improve
reading and build writing skills. We will also focus on improving your other academic content areas (math,
science, social studies), using class time for reinforcing lessons and work time. Furthermore, we will develop
study, organizational, and social skills to better support you in your other classes. We aim to be goal orientated
and develop skills and mindsets that will be applicable beyond school life.
As a class, we will create a trusting, supportive, and collaborative environment so that students may safely focus
on their growth. We will engage in work that uses critical thinking to create inquisitive scholars. Your work and
participation in our class will be held to the same rigorous expectations your other classes.
Our class will consist of both teaching new skills and building upon old ones. Class time will be spent daily on
mini lessons to teach or reinforce a concept or lesson, and independent work time for students to get support on
assignments from other classes.
Class Participation:
It is required that students participate in class discussion during lecture as well as work cooperatively
with other students. Participation is an important factor in the success of the student.
Grading Policy:
Grading will be based on the following:
1. Homework
2. Classwork
3. Participation
4. Tests/quizzes
Grades will be based on scores out of 100 with
 A = 90-100
 B = 80-89
 C = 70-79
 D = 60-69
 F = 0-59
Class Procedures:
Students will come to class in “uniform” dress code, on time, and prepared to work with all necessary
materials. Students are required to follow school rules as well as classroom rules at all times.
Classroom Expectations:
1. Be Respectful - Students should always be courteous and polite to other students and adults in the
classroom.
2. Be Responsible - Students are expected to arrive on time and bring all necessary materials with them to
class and complete assignments by deadlines provided.
3. Be Positive – Students will demonstrate a positive attitude towards their education and learning
community.
Rewards:
Students who exemplify and carry out the guidelines of “Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be
Positive” will receive positive consequences or rewards. Rewards include verbal praise, positive notes home,
and the joy of learning! Students can also earn raffle tickets to enter in monthly raffle drawing for prizes.
Consequences:
Any student who does not follow expectations or breaks any rule will face a negative consequence or
consequences based on the infraction’s severity. Breaking rules repeatedly or more than one rule will result in
more severe consequences. If you do not follow expectations, you will receive…
1. Verbal warning
2. Formal warning and behavior reflection sheet
3. Campus and call home
4. Sent to another classroom or stay after school
5. Office referral
Technology Policy:
Cell phones are NOT allowed during class time and should not be out. Cell phones need to remain put
away in your backpack on silent, so that it does not create any distracting noises or disrupt the classroom. No
other technology may be out unless specifically instructed otherwise. By putting cell phones away, we are
respecting our classmates, our class time, and ourselves by avoiding distractions and creating a focused
environment.
Parent Student Signature
By signing below, my parent/guardian and I, ______________________________________, acknowledge that
we have read and understood the information provided in the syllabus. We agree that we will follow and
support the informational outlined in the syllabus.
Student Signature: _________________________________________________
Parent/guardian Signature: _________________________________________