Teacher: Michelle Briones

United South Middle School - Room: 65

Email: michelle.vega1@uisd.net

Tel. (956) 473-7700 Ext. 7778

Conference Time: 10:10AM – 11:05AM

Course Description: 

This course is designed to engage students in thoughtful literature through interactive and cooperative learning. The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills(TEKS) are carefully implemented into each lesson. Students are expected to engage in independent, self-selected readings as well as teacher-assigned readings. Students will be taught to carefully analyze literature for a deeper learning of the content. Whenever applicable, students will make real-world connections with the text. The goal of this class is to encourage students to avidly pursue reading for thinking, develop inquisitive readers, and become life-long readers.

Supplies:

• Binder
• 5 Tab Dividers
• Composition Notebook
• Pencils
• Crayons 
• Markers
• Highlighters
• Scissors
• Glue

Grades:

Grades will be given at the end of the six weeks according to school policy.  Progress reports will be issued during the third week of the six weeks. Students will be graded different ways:  daily grades and tests. Percentages are as follow:

Daily Grades (Classwork): 50%

Tests: 50%

Class Assignments/Homework:

It is the student’s responsibility to ask for, to complete and to turn in work for excused absences. All students are required to participate with choral reading, writing assignments, reading assignments, and group projects.

Classroom Procedures:

Enter the classroom: Enter quietly, once you choose to enter the classroom stay inside, pick up your materials, be in your seat with your materials when the bell rings, begin the assignment posted on the board. 

Pre-dismissal: When instructed by the teacher, clean your area/ classroom, return materials to assigned location, turn in completed assignment to designated area, meet with teacher (if instructed to do so).

Exiting the classroom: Stay in your seat and wait for the teacher to dismiss you, check your area (the teacher is not responsible for any belongings you leave behind), quietly walk out of the classroom.

Pencil Sharpening: Before and after class only, no more than two students at the pencil sharpener at a time, if your pencil breaks during class quietly walk to designated teacher’s pencil container and borrow a pencil, return all borrowed pencils at the end of the period during pre-dismissal.

Restroom: Permission may be obtained during individual or group work time to go to the restroom (not during instruction or the first/last 15 minutes of class).

Dress Code: Must follow school policy.

Technology: Must follow school policy.

Follow Instructions: Listen to directions, read assignments, and ask questions.

Teacher dismisses students: You will be dismissed by the teacher, not the bell. Wait silently to be dismissed.

Classroom Rules:

1.Follow Directions

2.Come Prepared

3.Be Respectful

4.Raise your hand​

5.Be responsible 

6.Try your best

Classroom Expectations:

Be Respectful: Use appropriate language.  Be respectful and wait for your turn.

Be Orderly:  Follow directions.  Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.

Be Accountable:  Be ready to learn.  Always have required materials.

Be Responsible:  Be on time. Complete all assignments.

Positive Behavior Supports:

1- Verbal and written praise

2- Positive call, note, e-mail to parent or legal guardian

3- Participation in school-wide events (extracurricular activities, pep rallies, dances)

Behavior Interventions:

1- Reteach Expectations & Procedures

2- Teacher/ Student Conference

3- Parent/Guardian Conference

4- Withdrawal of Privileges

5- Discipline Referral to Administration

6- Severe Clause: Refer immediately to administration