Chemawa Student Planner Pages - Riverside Unified School District

Chemawa Middle School
2012-2013 School Year
Sean Curtin -
Principal
Lynn McCown - Assistant Principal
Victor Martinez - Counselor
Chemawa’s Mission
Our mission as a school is to motivate, support, and educate our students,
parents and the community so that each child is able to reach his/her
academic potential. We do this by keeping lessons relevant and engaging,
monitoring progress frequently and collaborating as a staff to refine our
efforts and focus on student success. Our ultimate goal is to prepare our
students to become lifelong learners and positive contributors to society.
School Address
Contact Information
8830 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, CA 92503
Phone: (951) 352-8244
Español - Extensión # 52108
Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) Web Site:
www.rusd.k12.ca.us
Chemawa Web Site:
Go to the above RUSD web site
Click on Schools, then click on Middle Schools and then click on Chemawa
This Chemawa Student Planner belongs to:
Print Name in Ink: ________________________________________  7
4th Period Teacher: ________________________ M,T,Th,F
th
 8th
 1st lunch or  2nd lunch
5th Period Teacher:__________________________ Wednesdays  1st lunch or  2nd lunch
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Chemawa Procedures & Expectations
Computers & Books: Some students will be assigned computer NetBooks to take home. All students
will have either hard copy or electronic textbook access. Students use textbooks within the classroom and at
home. Students are financially responsible for damage to computers or textbooks and need to take care of
them. Special privileges will be withheld for non-payment of fees which can include the Promotion Ceremony.
Notebooks: All students need one three-ring (metal) notebook (2-1/2" to 3") to keep work. Some classes may
require a small composition notebook.
Student Planner: This Student Planner is given free of charge to each student courtesy of the Chemawa ASB.
It is designed to assist Chemawa students in being organized and ready to learn in each and every class. The
planner pages contain areas for students to write down homework assignments for every class.
 Students are expected to record homework in each class every day.
 Parents are requested to monitor their student’s progress/completion of homework by checking the
Student Planner each night. Please compare assignments against your student’s completed papers.
 Teachers & Parents can communicate by writing notes in the Student Planner.
 Students may not tag, graffiti, fold up or otherwise disrespect the Student Planner
 Replacement Student Planners are available in the main office for $5.00 - while supplies last.
Backpacks & PE Lockers: Students need a backpack or book bag to carry their books, notebooks, Student
Planner and other school materials. Lockers for books are not available. PE lockers are small and backpacks
will not fit in them. Important items MUST be locked in the PE locker during class. Valuables and
electronics are to be left at home and the school is NOT responsible for any loss or theft of these items.
Homework Policy: Homework assignments in grades 7-8 should average eight hours per week for all classes
combined. Students will receive long-term assignments that require additional time. At this level, students need
to learn to manage assignments from several teachers. The teachers have agreed to adhere to the following
minimum homework requirements:
Language Arts:
Mathematics:
Science:
Social Science:
Electives:
20 minutes, 4 days/week
20 minutes, 5 days/week
20 minutes, 4 days/week
30 minutes, 4 days/week
Homework is given based on subject & teacher judgment.
Common Heading for Assignments:
For all class work in all subjects, students use the
same heading placed in the top left hand corner of the page.
Name
Date
Period
Assign.
Last Name, First Name
Date (written out completely)
Period
Assignment
Teacher's Letter to Parents: Teachers will send home a letter for parent signature stating expectations for
class behavior and achievement. This letter also gives information on how the parent can call Chemawa to speak
to a teacher during a specific conference period.
Progress Reports: Progress Reports from each teacher, except PE and office/library aides, will be sent
home with your student about every three weeks. The information on the Progress Reports will include a
grade and a list of assignments turned in with the points received for the assignments. The Progress Report
will also include assignments not completed or turned in. These Progress Reports need to be signed by a
parent and returned to the teachers the next day (Friday). If you have any concerns about a grade and/or
assignments on the Progress Report, please call that teacher.
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Chemawa Students Attend For Success
Research shows that students who attend school regularly do better in all areas of learning.
Chemawa is committed to providing students an excellent education. Parents need to make
sure that their student(s) attends school every day by scheduling trips or vacations during
regular school breaks. Student appointments should be set up for after school hours.
Student Absence & Attendance: If your student is absent please call the attendance office at 3528244 ex: 52140 and leave a message or send a note with your student when he/she returns to school.
 If your student has a doctor’s appointment please have your student bring the doctors note to the
attendance office. If your student leaves early for an appointment we need the doctor’s excuse or the
absence will be considered unexcused.
 Refer to California’s Compulsory Attendance Law listed later in this Student Planner.
Accessing Your Student’s Grades Online:
You will need to set up an account with RUSD in our new operating system called Aeries.
1.
Gather the following information:
a. You will need your child’s permanent ID number (It is also the lunch number.)
b. School Verification Code (Call our office for the number if you did not get it in the mail.)
c. You will need to know the primary phone number we have for your child in our system.
d. You will need a valid e-mail address to connect to the new account.
2.
Once you have the above information go online to:
a. https://aeriesweb.rusd.k12.ca.us/loginhome.asp
i. (Bookmark or make this page a favorite on your browser for quick future
logons.)
b. Once you go to that URL a Welcome to Aeries logo should appear.
c. Click on the bottom left where it says Create New Account.
d. Follow the steps online using the information above.
e. At the end of the steps, RUSD aeries will send a confirmation e-mail to your e-mail
address to finish the process for creating a new account.
f. If you have trouble setting up the account, call our Chemawa office
and we will walk you through the steps.
Chemawa E-Mail Information: To email us go to www.rusdlink.org . Then go to Select a School
at top right of page, click on Chemawa MS, click on orange tab About , click on Staff. It is then
easy to click on the email address of any staff member and send that staff member an email.
Auto Dialer & Tele-Parent: These are automatic phone call systems at Chemawa. Auto Dialer will call
home whenever a student is absent from class. Our teachers use Tele-Parent to keep you informed regarding
your student’s academic and social progress in their class.
Counseling: Counselor Victor Martinez is here to be of assistance to students academically and personally.
He has developed several programs to assist students in being successful at Chemawa. Students may make
appointments to talk with him in the office.
Make-Up Work: In every classroom, make-up work assignment folders are available for students who have
been absent. It is the student’s responsibility to get the work from this folder and complete all assignments.
Students have one day for every day of absence plus one extra day to complete make-up work.
Planning Days – Every Wednesday Most Wednesdays Chemawa students attend school from 8:00
am until 12:35 pm. This allows our staff to do planning and professional development. Students
should be picked up promptly after school if they are not involved in an after-school activity.
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Emergency Cards & Student Permission to Leave Campus: (RUSD Rules and Regulations 5112.5b)
Any adult, checking a student out of school, MUST BE LISTED on the student’s emergency card. The adult
MUST HAVE PHOTO IDENTIFICATION. This policy is enforced for the safety of all students. Students shall
be granted permission to leave campus only upon the receipt of a written request from a parent/guardian.
Students shall be released only for the following reasons: a funeral of a member of the immediate family or close
school friend, appearance in court, observance of a religious holiday, or a medical or dental appointment. These
reasons also apply during the student lunch period. (PLEASE KEEP EMERGENCY CARDS UP TO DATE)
* Remember…STUDENTS WILL ONLY BE RELEASED DURING SCHOOL HOURS TO AN ADULT,
WITH PHOTO IDENTIFICATION, WHO IS ALSO ON THE STUDENT’S EMERGENCY CARD.
Parent Communication with Students During the School Day: Please have your
student ONLY check cell phone texts/voice messages from you before school, after
school or at lunch time. If your student becomes ill at school, your student needs to
get a pass to the health office. Our health clerk will evaluate your student’s health
needs, contact the district nurse if indicated and contact you. Sick students need to
follow this procedure so that we may assist them while contacting parents.
Communicating with Chemawa Staff: Chemawa staff values community and parent input.


You may call Chemawa at 951-352-8244 to talk with a teacher, counselor, or administrator.
Si desea información en español, favor comunicarse a la extensión 52108.
Student Cell Phone Limitations: Student cell phones must be off and put away while in class. If a
student has a cell phone out in class the student will be referred to the office. Any student found to be texting,
reading text messages, making calls or receiving calls while in class, will be considered to be cheating
and will be disciplined accordingly. Cell phones MAY NOT be out in the PE locker rooms. Any
student found to be in possession of a cell phone during a physical education class will be
assigned a minimum of a Saturday School, whether the cell phone belongs to that student or
not. (Cell phones are a SAFETY issue during PE class.) . Students bringing cell phones on
campus do so at their own risk.
Student Electronic Privacy and Safety Facts:
Cell/home phone numbers shared with friends run the
risk of eventually being passed to unintended individuals. Pictures sent on cell phones run the same risk and
could be posted later on the Internet. -It is against the law to threaten, harass, or bully others with text
messages/phone calls or by posting comments on Internet sites such as Facebook or Twitter. Our school Site
Resource Officer (SRO -police officer) may be involved in these kinds of complaints. Parents are encouraged to
monitor their student’s Internet interactions and text messaging with other students/adults.
Breakfast/Lunch Time: Rebecca Ventura -Manager
Breakfast is offered in the cafeteria before school at 7:30 am. – A variety of lunches are offered each day
including barbecued hamburgers. Lunch is a good time to sit and chat with friends. Students need to exhibit
good manners at breakfast and lunch as at other times and places on the campus. Students are
expected to pick up their trash to help keep the campus clean and neat. Food must be eaten in
the cafeteria or quad area. Food and drinks are never allowed in restrooms. Parents may pay
for meals ahead by submitting checks to the Cafeteria Manager Rebecca Ventura.
The Free/Reduced Federal Meal Program: Applications are available in the cafeteria. A new
application must be submitted EVERY school year to the cafeteria. Applications for the 2012/2013 school
year are due by October 2012.
Transportation:
(Marta Nelson – Supervisor -Phone 951-352-ext: 6789)
All school bus information, requests, and applications are handled by the Transportation Department. Very few
students now qualify for transportation. Students who do ride the school bus are expected to behave
appropriately since riding privileges may be suspended as a consequence of poor behavior.
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Special Deliveries or Forgotten Items:
It is the responsibility of each student to remember all books,
lunches, assignments, etc., and to not be dependent on parents to bring forgotten items to
school. However, in an emergency, parents may bring school-related items to the student.
The office staff cannot receive items left for students. Therefore, parents who bring items
for students should be prepared to wait since the student will be called to the office to
receive the item directly from the parent. Any person bringing items to a student must
be included on the student’s emergency card. If an individual is not on the student’s
emergency card or if the item that is being delivered is not school-related, the office staff will be unable to make
contact with the student or call the student to the main office. This is to ensure the safety of all students.
Chemawa Bell Schedules & Log-Ins 2012-2013
Regular Schedule for Mon, Tues, Thurs, & Fri.
Period
1
2
3
Start
8:00
8:57
9:51
Finish
8:53
9:47
10:41
Minutes
53
50
50
1st Lunch
4th Period 1st L
10:41
11:20
11:16
12:10
35
50
2nd Lunch
4th Period 2nd L
11:35
10:45
12:10
11:35
35
50
5
6
7
12:14
1:08
2:02
1:04
1:58
2:25
50
50
23
Schedule Early Wednesdays
Period
1
2
3
4
Start
8:00
8:44
9:24
10:04
Finish
8:40
9:20
10:00
10:40
Minutes
40
36
36
36
1st Lunch
5th Period 1st L
10:40
11:19
11:15
11:55
35
36
2nd Lunch
5th Period 2nd L
11:20
10:44
11:55
11:20
35
36
6
11:59
12:35
36
Chemawa Computer Log-Ins
Computer User Name ________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Alternative 6 Period Day
Period
1
2
3
Start
8:00
9:04
10:02
Finish
9:00
9:58
10:56
Minutes
60
54
54
Aeries – Grades Online _______________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
1st Lunch
4th Period 1st L
10:56
11:35
11:31
12:29
35
54
READ 180 _________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
2nd Lunch
4th Period 2nd L
11:54
11:00
12:29
11:54
35
54
Study Island ________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
5
6
12:33
1:31
1:27
2:25
54
54
Other _____________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
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Chemawa Library Policies & Information
Students are encouraged to come in and do homework, check
out books, read, or use the computers for class work. Please follow our
expected school rules of behavior. Talking in the library is limited.
Gum, food, and drinks are not permitted.
Late fees are 25
When Looking for Books Remember:
cents per day and
begin 5 days after
the due date.
Library Hours:
7:30-7:55 am - before school
During Both Lunches 
After School until 3:15 pm
Fiction is arranged in alphabetical order by the first 3 letters of the author’s last name.
Nonfiction is in numerical order (Dewey Decimal System
Computer Access-State Law: In order to use the computers, students and parents
must sign an internet use consent form. In addition, students must create user accounts
according to instructions posted in the library and presented in orientation.
See Library Web Site for other important information and reading suggestions.
Student Activities, Clubs & Co-Curricular Activities
Eligibility for Student Activities this Year and Next: All students in grades 7-12 in the Riverside Unified
School District are subject to a 2.0 GPA eligibility requirement in order to participate in co-curricular activities. This
eligibility is established three times during the school year by grades earned, at the end of each trimester. Entering 7th and
9th graders have eligibility based on the last grading period of 6th and 8th grades.
8th graders must maintain a 2.0 GPA at the
end of the year in order to be eligible for
sports, cheer, band, drill team, etc at the
. beginning of high school.
Ineligible students may not perform in any
way with their group during their period of
ineligibility. Students remain ineligible until
the next grading period.
Student Activities: Numerous activities take place on Chemawa’s campus. Generally, students who are
involved in school activities have more fun, make a lot of friends, enjoy school and get better grades than
students who are not involved in school activities. Students can participate in a wide range of activities on
campus. Some of the organizations that Chemawa students are encouraged to join are:
 Chemawa's award-winning band and dance team units perform in assemblies, concerts, and competitions.
 Chamber Singers: Students in advanced vocal music perform in assemblies, concerts, and competitions.
 Yearbook: Students are responsible for publication of the Chemawa Yearbook and recording the
memories of events that occur on Chemawa’s campus
 Associated Student Body (ASB): Student body officers are elected at the beginning of the year. Each
first period class elects a representative to attend Student Council and plan numerous student activities
 School Site Council: Students elect four 7th and 8th graders to be members of this major planning group
of parents, teachers, and students.
 New Clubs: New clubs emerge from student interest and staff support. If you have a good idea for a club
let a teacher or the office know.
 Dances: Chemawa ASB hosts dances approximately ever other month from 2:45 to 4:30 pm. Students
dance, listen to music, and play games. Pizza, candy and soft drinks are available to purchase at dances.
 Skate Nights: Many students love to roller skate. Chemawa students have a great deal of fun skating,
listening to music played and joining in with the different games. Parents often stay, eat and watch the
fun.
 Lunch Activities & Intramural Sports: Students are encouraged to sign up in PE for intramural sports at
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lunch. Various sports are done throughout the year. – Jump ropes and games are also available at lunch.
 PrimeTime Program: This is a supervised program where students attend after-school tutoring for one
hour and then participate in athletic teams, arts & crafts groups, snack time and other fun activities
Student Support Services
Several student organizations exist at Chemawa so that all students have the opportunity to be successful in
school.
 Prime Time AFTER school PROGRAM (Free): Students receive after-school tutoring help in all
school subjects and extra math and language arts help, if it is needed, for one hour after school. In most
cases, students are able to complete all of their daily homework during this time. After the academic hour,
students participate in athletics, arts & crafts, theater & dance, and many other activities.
o The program is after school to 6:00 pm, but students are not required to stay the entire time.
o A limited number of spaces are available in PrimeTime.
o Please contact the PrimeTime Coordinator Lia Boucher, at 951-352-8244 ext. 52036 for more
information or to get an application to be enrolled in PrimeTime. There is no cost to families.
 A.V.I.D: The Chemawa AVID program is a class during the school day where students are set on the path
towards going to college. Students receive tutoring during class, information on what they will need to do
in high school in order to attend college. Motivational speakers encourage students to continue their
education beyond graduation from high school.
 Pre-AVID: English language learners are placed in this elective class to assist them in gaining language
proficiency while building skills needed to go to college. The program is connected to AVID. This year
Chemawa will have both a 7th and 8th grade Pre-AVID class. It is a new program at three middle schools.
 Before School Tutoring : Students with questions about their work may receive extra help through
our morning tutoring held in room 503 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings 7:15 am until
7:55 am.
Awards and Recognition
Chemawa believes in many types of recognition for successful students. Students are recognized with names
and honors published in the daily bulletin, parent newsletter, and web site. Students often are awarded ribbons,
medals, certificates, plaques, or trophies for their outstanding achievements. In May, eighth grade students are
recognized and given a variety of awards in areas of outstanding achievement, citizenship, effort, and
attendance. Students are chosen for these awards by their teachers, fellow students, and the PTSA.
Outstanding Students of the Month -Teachers monthly select the top students in each department. They attend
a special luncheon, receive an award, and have photos posted. Honor Roll Recognition: Students with 4.0 to
3.5, 3.49 to 3.0 grade point averages are recognized at a couple ceremonies during the year.
8th Grade Promotion Ceremony Requirements:
 As 7th Graders each student was required to pass 15 of the 18 classes
attempted in 2011-2012.
 In 8th Grade each student is required to pass a majority (to be determined by
school board) of 8th grade classes in 2012-2013 to participate in the
Promotion Ceremonyo
A letter with the final determination of the RUSD School Board, regarding the number
of classes needed to be passed to attend the Promotion Ceremony, will be distributed
to 8th grade families at the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year.
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Chemawa Positive Student Behavior & Discipline
Chemawa collaborates with the high schools to provide consistent behavior expectations
for all students. It is expected that all students will act in a respectful manner that allows
everyone to be safe and secure in a positive learning environment. Students who meet this
expectation will be acknowledged and rewarded. Students who choose to behave in an
inappropriate way will receive consequences that are consistent, firm and fair for all
students.
Chemawa Positive Behavior Acknowledgements:
Every Chemawa teacher will make personal, positive contacts with the parents of at least two students per
week to let them know that things are going well for their student in class. Teachers may choose how they
select which parents to contact. Some examples for why you may expect a call are:
 Your student scored the highest grade on a test or quiz
 Your student has shown significant improvement in class
 Your student has been in trouble but has adjusted his/her behavior
During each lesson, the teacher will make an effort to acknowledge and point out at least two positive things
that occur during class, so that all students can “see” what is expected. Positives may include :
Completed homework - Proper behavior - Work on Task - Improved Behavior - Collaboration with Peers
If a student is disciplined during class and the behavior is adjusted the teacher will acknowledge the student
in the same manner in which he/she was disciplined
Chemawa Progressive Discipline Procedures to
Correct Inappropriate Student Behavior:
Inappropriate classroom behaviors such as excessive talking, class disruption, obscene language, throwing
objects, passing notes or gum chewing detract from the teacher’s ability to engage all students in learning.
The following classroom procedures are used to assist all students to have positive classroom
behavior:
 1st Offense:
Warning & Reminder of School Expectations
 2ndOffense:
Teacher or School Wide Detention & Parent Contact
 3rdOffense:
Office Referral for Administrative Discipline & Parent Contact
th
 4 Offense:
Wednesday/Saturday School, or STOP Placement & Parent Contact
Chemawa’s administration is committed to helping students adjust their behaviors so that they can be
successful in the classroom and on campus. Safety and learning is our primary focus with discipline.
(Horseplay, harassment, bullying, fighting, profanity, or defiance of authority is never allowed at Chemawa.)
The following consequences are applied based on frequency/ severity of inappropriate actions:







Suspension From a Class or *School
Alternative Learning Center
Behavior Contract
STOP Placement
Administrative Conference
Parent Visitation to the Classroom
All school suspensions require a conference with the assistant principal.
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Chemawa Student Dress Code
Chemawa is a teaching and learning institution. Students are expected to wear clothing which is appropriate
for school and school sponsored activities. This means that clothing shall be decent, distraction free, free of
any intimidation factor, and free of advertising of items that students are forbidden to buy or have in their
possession. If a student violates the dress code, the parent will be called and the student will be sent
home or asked to change his/her clothing at the school into a loaner or P.E. shirt. The dress code will
be strictly enforced.
Definitions:
 Decent means that the body shall be covered from the arm pit to mid-thigh. Strapless or spaghetti strap tops and
low plunging necklines or midriff baring tops are not permitted. Underwear is to be covered by outerwear. All
pants should fit on or above the hip bone without being belted or otherwise altered. If the pants begin to slide
when the belt is removed, they are too big. Tops are considered too short if the skin shows as the student sits,
walks, or engages in usual activities. Clothing shall also be free of pictures or slogans with sexual references.
 Distraction Free means clothing may not divert the attention of students away from lessons and studies. This
might include clothing which is dirty or ragged, transparent, or is decorated with bells, or has slogans or pictures
deemed by staff members as offensive to others.
 Free of any intimidation factor means that clothing associated with membership in gangs is not permitted.
Specifically, no hair nets, head rags, bandanas, or clothing with gang logos. Names or nicknames embroidered,
sprayed or printed on clothing or hats are not acceptable. Sagging/ baggy pants and hanging web belts or chains,
socks touching shorts, and gloves on warm/hot days are also considered to be gang attire and, as such, are not
permitted.
 Free of advertising means that students shall not wear clothing which has advertising for any item which is illegal
for a student to buy or possess. This includes alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana leaves, spray paint cans, guns and drug
paraphernalia.
 Safe means that students should not wear clothing that they could hurt themselves or others.
Chemawa Specifics of Student Dress Code
 No sagging or baggy pants- this includes PE Shorts- A student’s under ware may not show
when arms are raised  No inappropriate signs, symbols, pictures or words (Examples of inappropriate symbols: Playboy bunny or other
similar products, “Skin” Industries, alcohol, tobacco and drug related materials, pictures or words about
weapons, references to sexual or illegal acts)
 No pajamas or slippers, blankets or pacifiers except on thematic days set by ASB  No bandanas or “Do Rags” stockings or similar objects worn on the head or other parts of the body  No face or body piercings that have jewelry deemed unsafe (per administration decision) to the student or others  No earrings that spike dangerously through ear toward head  No studded jewelry or clothing – No hoop earrings larger in greater than 1 ½ inch in diameter  No clothing that refers to, in any way, any gang, group or idea that may intimidate or offend another student on the
basis of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation – (If a student wears a jacket or sweatshirt over inappropriate
clothing, that student WILL be asked to change.)  No spaghetti strap blouses or halter tops -The strap of any top must be at least 1 inch wide and should not show
any undergarments -No strapless tops or tops that have only one strap over the shoulder.  All skirts and shorts must be longer than the student’s finger tips when his/her arms are held straight down against
his/her side. Skirts, shorts and pants must not have an excessive amount of “holes” (per administrative decision)  Blouses may not be low-cut, expose the belly or midriff area or show skin when the student raises his/her arms
above his/her head  Hats must be worn properly and removed inside buildings – Gloves are only allowed on cold
weather days  No wallet chains, metal belts, steel toed shoes or other potentially harmful accessories  Socks may not touch short hem. There must be 3 to 4 inches from socks to below the hem of shorts –Socks may
not touch the bottom of the shorts - There must be at least 3 to 4 inches of leg showing between shorts and socks Students dressing inappropriately will be required to change into different clothes or PE Clothes for the day Chemawa students are expected to follow the above dress code at all school events even before and after school -
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Inappropriate School Items, Picture Taking or Parties
VALUABLES & ELECTRONICS - Fancy shoes, jewelry, large amounts of money and other valuables
need to be left at home. If an important item must be brought to school, the student is responsible for
keeping it safe in his/her backpack during the day and to lock it up securely in his/her PE locker during
physical education class. ALL electronic items belong at home. This includes cameras, video cameras,
pagers, play stations, video games, toys, IPods, MP3 Players, CD players, PSP, and any other electronic
devices. These items are a distraction to the learning environment. Per RUSD policy, Chemawa will not
investigate the loss or theft of valuables including large amounts of money, or electronics - including cell
phones. Chemawa cannot be responsible for the loss or damage of any valuables brought to school by a
student.
TAKING PICTURES NOT ALLOWED – Students are not allowed to capture the image or
voice of other students or adults on campus with cell phones, cameras, video cameras or other
recording devices. Captured images pose a danger to students and staff because they can be
posted on Internet Web Sites or be sent randomly to unlimited numbers of people in e-mail or text
attachments without permission. Therefore students taking pictures or capturing images of others on
campus will be disciplined. **Parents will be asked to come and retrieve any recording devices. Students
in the ASB class are allowed to take pictures of school activities and events to record in the Chemawa
Yearbook.
PARTY SUPPLIES & FOOD ARE NOT ALLOWED - Party supplies and food for birthdays and
other celebrations must be left at home! Chemawa has about 1,000 students on campus. Every day we
have many students celebrating birthdays or other important events. Party cakes, cupcakes, balloons, paper
goods, posters, flowers, hats etc are a great distraction to the learning going on at Chemawa. We also have
limited space in which to “hold” such items outside the classrooms. Plan your parties for the weekends or
after school at home.
Holidays, School Breaks & Important Dates 2012-2013
July 4, 2012
Independence Day-Off
August 24, 2012
7th Graders Start School
August 27 2012
8th Graders Start School
September 3, 2012
Labor Day
October 26, 2012
No School –End of 1st Quarter
November 12, 2012
Veteran's Day
November 19-23, 2012
Thanksgiving Recess
Dec. 23-Jan 4, 2013
News Yrs Jan 1 & Winter Recess
January 7, 2013
Classes Resume
January 18, 2013
No School – End of 1st Semester
January 21, 2013
Martin Luther King Day
February 15, 2013
Lincoln's Day
February 18, 2013
President's Day
March 29, 2013
No School – End of 3rd Quarter
April 1-5, 2013
Spring Recess
May 27, 2013
Memorial Day
June 11, 2013
Last Day of School for 7th Grade
June 12, 2013
8th Grade Promotion
10
California’s Compulsory Attendance Law
Everyone understands that students need to be in school every day to receive the best possible education.
Absenteeism is very costly, causes long-term problems for students, schools and our community.
California’s Compulsory Attendance Law requires every person between the ages of 6 and 18 years of age to
attend school full time everyday, unless the student has been legally exempted or has graduated from high
school.
California’s Attendance Law requires parents/guardians to verify all student absences by
either a note or telephone call to the school within 5 days of the student’s return to school.
This verification shall include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The student’s full name.
The date(s) of absence.
The specific reason for the absence.
The name and relationship of the person providing the information.
The date when the verification was made.
It is very important that parents/guardians understand that the reason provided for the absence either orally
or in a written note, only provides the reason for the absence and that this information does not in and of
itself excuse the absence. Only authorized district personnel determine if an absence shall be considered to
be excused or unexcused. If a student is absent for any of the following reasons, school personnel may
determine the absence to be excused:




Illness or injury to the student (Not to exceed 10 days per school year without a
physician’s note per RUSD Administrative Regulation 5113). Any excess of 10 absences
or more in the school year without verification by a physician’s note or authorized
school personnel will be considered unexcused absences.
Medical, dental, optometric, or chiropractic appointments for the student verified by a
doctor’s note or authorized designee.
Attendance at a funeral for a member of the student’s immediate family.
Evidence of head lice. (Re-examination by a school nurse or authorized school personnel
within 24 hours after the date indicated on the Health Treatment Agreement form required
for lice. Any absences after failing to follow this procedure will be considered unexcused.
The State of California provides school districts with funding to operate schools. This funding is tied to
school attendance and school districts only receive funding for students who are in school and under the
immediate control of their teachers. When students are absent, regardless of
the reason, school districts lose money needed for basic necessities such as
textbooks, supplies, equipment, special programs, and sports programs.
Students who are absent for excusable reasons, as listed above, are not
penalized under the Compulsory Attendance Law. However, students who
accumulate unexcused absences are subject to discipline. A student who
has been determined to be a truant, or who is irregular in attendance, or
who is habitually insubordinate or disorderly at school, may be referred
to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) The student may also be involuntarily transferred to an
alternative school program. In addition, students who exhibit poor attendance can be referred to attend
school on the weekends at a Saturday School. In severe cases, a student and his/her parent/guardian may be
referred to the District Attorney for prosecution for failure to attend school.
You have the right to meet with the appropriate school administrator or counselor to discuss alternative
placement or solutions to your student's attendance problems. It is our sincere hope that actions and
resources can be found to ensure your child's regular attendance and success in school.
11
Chemawa Middle School 2012-2013 Behavior Policy
All students are expected to read and understand with their parents the Chemawa Student Planner
including the Chemawa Code of Conduct.
Campus Rules:
 Campus is a closed campus; all students are expected to remain for the school day.
 Food and drinks are allowed only at breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria or quad area.
Food/drinks are not allowed in restrooms.
 Chemawa students are expected to dress in a manner that is clean, neat, safe, and appropriate for
school and to follow the dress code as spelled out in the Student Planner.
 P.E. lockers are the property of the District and, as such, may be subject to search.
 Skateboards, pepper spray, mace, stink bombs, poppers, electronic equipment (including pagers),
toys, and other distractions are not allowed.
 Gambling is not allowed on campus. Gum is not allowed on campus.
 Students riding bikes and scooters to school must follow all state laws and school rules,
including wearing a helmet.
 All students are to have good attendance. All absences must be explained by a prompt phone call
or a note from the parents. A request may be made for a medical note for absences exceeding 15
days per year.
 All medication must be checked in through the Health Office with the district medication forms.
This is a District policy.
 Chemawa students are expected to be kind to and respectful of others. Any type of harassment
(physical or verbal), including racial, sexual, or other, is unacceptable.
Corrective Measures: The school has jurisdiction both to and from school. Students, who become
involved in misconduct while under the jurisdiction of the school, will be subject to appropriate
disciplinary actions. Depending upon the nature of the misconduct, one or more of the following
actions may be taken by school officials:

Conference with the student by teacher, counselor, or administrator.

Phone or letter contact of parent by teacher, counselor or administrator.

Detention assigned by teacher, counselor, or administrator.

Referral to counselor, administrator, or SARB.

Parent and student conference with teacher, counselor, or administrator.

Parent visitation to classes.

Assignment to Wednesday School, Saturday School, Alternative Learning Center, or STOPP program.

Suspension from class, school activity (including school dances), or school; police report

Expulsion from Riverside Unified School District-Incident for Suspension/Expulsion under:
Incidents for Suspension under Education Code Section 48900:
a.1 Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person. *
a.2 Willfully used force or violence upon the person of another, except in self defense. *
b.Possessed, sold or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object*
c.Unlawfully possessed, used, sold or otherwise furnished, or been under the influence of a
controlled substance. *
d.Unlawfully offered, arranged or negotiated to sell a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or
intoxicant of any kind, and either sold,
delivered, or otherwise furnished to a person an
imitation. *
e.Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.
f.Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property. *
g. Stole or attempted to steal school property or private property. *
h.Possessed or used tobacco or products containing tobacco or nicotine products.
i.Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
j.Unlawfully possessed or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell drug paraphernalia.
k.Disrupted school activities, or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of school
personnel.
l.Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.
m.Possessed an imitation firearm.
n.Committed or attempted to commit a sexual assault, or sexual battery.
o.Harassed, threatened, or intimidated a pupil who is a complaining witness or witness in a school
disciplinary proceeding.
p.Unlawfully offered, arranged to sell, negotiated to sell, or sold the prescription drug Soma.
q.Engaged in, or attempted to engage in, hazing.
r.Engaged in an act of bullying, including, but not limited to, bullying committed by means of an
electronic act.
t.Aided or abetted the infliction of physical injury to another person.
48900.2 Committed sexual harassment. (Grades 4-12 only)
48900.3 Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause or participated in an act of, hate violence.
(Grades 4-12 only)
48900.4 Intentionally harassed, threatened, or intimidated, creating a hostile educational
environment. (Grades 4-12 only)
48900.7 Made terrorist threats against school officials and/or school property (Grades 4-12 only)
*Report to Law Enforcement required
12
The following violations of EC 48915(c) require mandatory suspension and a recommendation for
expulsion:
 1.
Possessing, selling or other wise furnishing a firearm.
 2.
Brandishing a knife at another person.
 3.
Unlawfully selling a controlled substance.
 4.
Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault
 5.
Possession of an explosive.
Riverside Unified School District Regulations for Drugs/Alcohol, Weapons, & Vandalism:
The rules and regulations in all cases involving use, possession, sale of, or otherwise furnishing
of drugs/alcohol are:
 Possession or use of drugs, alcoholic beverages, or intoxicants of any kind:

a. First Offense: 5-day Suspension
b. Second Offense: Recommendation for Expulsion
 Furnishing, selling or transporting drugs, alcoholic beverages, or intoxicants:

The pupil is to be suspended for 5 school days and the procedure for expulsion
followed.
 Brandishing a knife or possession of firearms:

First Offense: A 5 day suspension and recommendation for expulsion
 Vandalism/Tagging is a criminal offense. Parents/legal guardians are financially liable; and if
school property is tagged/vandalized the student may be
suspended and/or expelled.
CHEMAWA MIDDLE SCHOOL TARDY/TRUANCY POLICY
Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. should report directly to the attendance clerk.
Unexcused tardies to school will have the following consequences: (School auto dialer will call parents
concerning tardies and absences to school.)
Classroom tardies will be taken care of by the Teacher.
If the student is habitually tardy he/she will be sent to
the office with a referral. Tardies are carried over to
the new trimester
1 Tardy
2 Tardies
3 Tardies
4 Tardies
5 or more Tardies
Warning
1 lunch detention or
lunch litter duty
2 lunch detentions
Saturday School & phone call to parent/guardian
(SART)/Saturday School/STOPP, and/or ALC & phone call to parent/guardian
TRUANCY CONSEQUENCES
A student is considered truant from a class when he/she is physically out of the class without permission or a pass. Any
truancy will be referred to a counselor. Period truancies will have the following consequences:
1 period truancy
2 periods of truancy
3-5 periods of truancy
All day truancy
1 hour of Wednesday School & phone call to parent/guardian
2 hours of Wednesday School & phone call to parent/guardian
Saturday School & phone call to parent/guardian
Saturday School, ALC or STOP placement & phone call to parent/guardian
Absence and Tardy Allowed
An absence or tardy due to any one or more of the following causes, when verified in accordance with this
article, is allowable as attendance in a regular full-time day school as defined in Section 2 (1) maintained by a
district and in a school or class maintained by a county superintendent of schools:
Below is the California State Education Code regarding excused absences: California State Education Code,
C.C.R., Title 5, Section 420
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Illness. Up to 10 days without a doctor’s note.
Quarantine directed by a county or city health officer.
Having medical, dental, or optometric services rendered.
Attending funeral services of a member of the pupil’s immediate family to the extent of not more than one day
if the service is conducted in California and not more than three days if the service is conducted outside of
California. Members of an immediate family are, for purposes of the subsection, those relationships set out in
Education Code Section 45194 except the references therein to “employee” shall be deemed to references
to “pupil.” (Reg. 77, No. 39)
Parents and students will sign a copy of the Behavior & Tardy/Truancy Policies shown above during
registration. The 2 documents above will serve as your copies of the Behavior & Tardy/Truancy Policies.
(Please refer to the above documents on pages 12 & 13 as needed.)
13
United States 8th Grade History
Major events in U.S. History
Date
1620
1774
Event
Mayflower Compact
First Continental Congress
1776
1781
1783
1786-1787
1788
1793
1794
1803
1804
1812-1815
1820
1823
1831
1836
1838
1846-1848
1849
1857
1860
1861
1863
1865
1877
Declaration of Independence signed
Articles of Confederation ratified
Treaty of Paris signed
Shay’s Rebellion
Constitution ratified
Cotton gin invented
Whiskey Rebellion
Louisiana Purchase
Lewis and Clark Expedition
War of 1812
Missouri Compromise
Monroe Doctrine
Nat Turner’s Rebellion
Texas Independence
Trail of Tears
War with Mexico
California gold rush
Dred Scott Decision
Lincoln becomes president
Shots fired at Fort Sumter
Emancipation Proclamation
Lee surrenders at Appomattox Court
House
Reconstruction ends
System
Definition
Democracy
Citizens hold political power either directly or through representatives. In a
direct democracy, citizens directly make political decisions. In a
representative democracy, the citizens rule through elected representatives.
Powers are divided among the federal (national) government and state
governments
Legislative and executive functions are combined in a legislature called a
parliament
The chief officer is a president who s elected independently of the legislature
Citizens elect representatives to rule on their behalf
Federalism
Parliamentary
Presidential
Republic
Significance
Helps establish idea of self-government
First colonial effort to act together to protest English
policies
Colonies break away from England
Becomes the first American government
Ends American Revolution
Makes Americans realize need for stronger national government
Becomes blueprint for American government
Makes producing cotton much cheaper
National government proves it has power to enforce laws
Doubles the size of the country
Expedition explores America’s new territory
America proves it can defend itself
Preserves balance between free and slave states
States that Europe should stay out of Americas
Causes Southern states to pass stricter slave laws
Texas revolts against Mexico
Cherokees forced to move west of the Mississippi River
America acquires much of the Southwest
Many Americans settle the west coast
Increases tension between North and South
Causes southern states to secede
Beginning of the Civil War
Freed the slaves in Confederate states
Ends the Civil War
White Southerners regain control of their state governments
Government Systems
Example
Ancient Athens (direct democracy)
United States since the 1700s
(representative democracy)
United States since the 1700s
United Kingdom since the 1200s
United States since the 1700s
Roman Republic
Important Documents in American History
Magna Carta (1215) English agreement that guaranteed certain rights to all Englishmen; influenced the American Bill of
Rights’ protection of individual rights
Mayflower Compact (1620) Signed by many Pilgrims on their way to the New World; they agreed to create a new
government and follow its laws; helped establish the ideas of self-government
Washington’s Farewell Address (1796) Given at his retirement from public life; he urged America to always remain
neutral towards other countries and waned against political divisions
The Federalist Papers (1787-1788) Series of essays about the nature of government by Alexander Hamilton, James
Madison, and John Jay; written to help get the Constitution ratified
Bill of Rights (1791) First ten amendments of the Constitution; guarantees individual rights
Gettysburg Address (1863) Famous speech given by Abraham Lincoln; it said that the Union was worth fighting for at any
cost
14
Write all assignments
down in this Student
Planner!
Helpful Homework Hint # 1
15
7th Grade Science
16
17
Forms of Equations
What It Looks Like
Name
Best Way to Graph It
Slope Intercept Form
y = mx + b
m = slope
b = y-intercept
Point Slope Form
y – y1 = m( x - x1 )
m = slope
(x1, y1) = point on line
Standard Form
ax + by = c
Find x and y intercepts
ax2
Term
#2
Term
#1
c
y  x 2  2x  3
Root
(x + 1) = 0
(-1, 0)
Root
(x – 3) =
0
(3, 0)
Non-solution set
(False)
Solution set
(true)
Vertex
(
b
, y)
2a
18
<
>
<
>
is less than
is greater than
is less than or equal to
is greater than or equal
to
19
AVID Notes Template
Name:
Date:
Class:
Period:
Topic:
Essential Question: Based on the standard/objective to be addressed in the notes and in the summary. This provides a focus
for your notes.
Questions
Write 3 questions based on

Abbreviated facts go here!
Notes
the main ideas from your

Main ideas are most important
notes.
Highlight the parts of your
Facts, details, examples are also good

Skip lines to separate information logically

Refine notes after class – use a different color pen to add!
notes that answer your
Write questions, key terms, and summary
questions
Add to or correct info (compare notes with a friend)
Underline key words/phrases
Draw pictures, graphs, charts if helpful
Highlight answers to L1 and L2 questions, definitions
These should ideally be
higher-level questions.

Review! Fold your paper so that you can only see the
questions and key terms. Can you answer or explain
them?
Key Terms
At least 3 key terms go here.
Summary
Your summary becomes a response to the essential question.
Highlight the definitions or
This should be at least 4 sentences:
explanations in your notes!

Topic sentence

3 body sentences (each one addresses a fact from your
notes; start each sentence with a transition word)
Let your parents
know ahead when
you need supplies
for homework or a
project.
Helpful Homework Hint # 2
20
Academic Word Lists:
analyze
approach
area
assess
assume
authority
available
benefit
concept
consist
constitute
context
contract
create
data
define
derive
distribute
derive
distribute
achieve
administrate
affect
appropriate
aspect
assist
category
chapter
commission
Level 2 Frequency Words
alternative
circumstance
comment
compensate
component
consent
considerable
constant
constrain
economy
environment
establish
estimate
evident
export
factor
finance
formula
The most common words in academic text books.
Level 1 Frequency Words
function
identify
income
incorporate
indicate
individual
interpret
involve
issue
labor
legal
legislate
major
method
occur
percent
evaluate
feature
final
focus
impact
injure
institute
invest
item
journal
maintain
normal
obtain
participate
perceive
positive
potential
previous
community
complex
compute
conclude
conduct
consequent
construct
consume
credit
culture
design
distinct
element
equate
contribute
convene
coordinate
core
corporate
correspond
criteria
deduce
demonstrate
document
dominate
emphasis
ensure
exclude
framework
fund
illustrate
immigrate
imply
initial
instance
interact
justify
layer
link
locate
maximize
minor
negate
outcome
partner
philosophy
physical
proportion
publish
react
publish
cycle
debate
despite
dimension
domestic
emerge
error
ethnic
goal
grant
hence
hypothesis
implement
implicate
impose
integrate
internal
investigate
job
label
mechanism
obvious
occupy
option
output
overall
parallel
Level 4 Frequency Words
access
adequate
annual
apparent
approximate
attitude
attribute
civil
code
commit
communicate
concentrate
confer
contrast
academy
adjust
alter
amend
aware
capacity
challenge
clause
compound
conflict
consult
contact
decline
discrete
draft
enable
energy
enforce
entity
equivalent
evolve
expand
expose
external
facilitate
fundamental
generate
Level 5 Frequency Words
generation
image
liberal
license
logic
margin
medical
21
mental
modify
monitor
network
notion
objective
orient
period
policy
principle
proceed
process
require
research
respond
role
purchase
range
region
regulate
relevant
reside
resource
restrict
secure
section
sector
significant
similar
source
specific
structure
theory
vary
seek
select
site
strategy
survey
text
tradition
transfer
Level 3 Frequency Words
react
registered
rely
remove
scheme
sequence
sex
shift
specify
sufficient
task
technical
technique
technology
valid
volume
parameter
phase
predict
principal
prior
professional
project
promote
regime
resolve
retain
series
statistic
stress
subsequent
sum
summary
undertake
perspective
precise
prime
psychology
pursue
ratio
reject
revenue
stable
style
substitute
sustain
symbol
target
transit
trend
version
welfare
whereas
Level 6 Frequency Words
abstract
accurate
acknowledge
aggregate
allocate
assign
attach
author
bond
brief
capable
cooperate
discriminate
nevertheless
display
diverse
domain
edit
estate
exceed
expert
explicit
federal
fee
flexible
furthermore
gender
ignorance
incentive
cite
Academic Language Scripts
Asking for Clarification
 Could you repeat that?
 Could you give me an example of that?
 I have a question about that.
 Could you please explain what _____ means?
 I’m not sure I understood that.
 Could you please give us another example?
 So, do you mean….?
incidence
incorporate
index
inhibit
initiate
input
instruct
intelligence
interval
lecture
migrate
minimum
ministry
motive
neutral
oversee
precede
presume
rational
recover
reveal
trace
transform
transport
underlie
utilize
Requesting Assistance
 Could you please help me?
 I’m having trouble with this. Would you mind
helping me?
 Could you please show me how to do
this…write this…draw this…pronounce
this…?
Classroom Reporting
 ____told me that…
 ____explained to me that…
 ____pointed out that…
 ____mentioned that…
 ____shared with me that…
 ____brought to my attention that…
 ____pointed out something
interesting/intriguing/surprising.
Interrupting
 Excuse me, but…
 Sorry for interrupting, but…
 May I interrupt for a moment?
 May I add something here?
Responding
 I agree with what ____said because…
 You’re right about that.
 That’s an interesting idea.
 I thought about that also.
 I hadn’t thought of that before.
Disagreeing
 I don’t really agree with you because…
 I see it another way.
 My idea is slightly different from yours.
 I have a different answer than you.
Offering a Suggestion
 Maybe you/we could…
 Here’s something we/you might try.
 What if you/we….?
 How about if you…..?
Expressing an Opinion
 I think/believe/predict/imagine that…
 In my opinion…
 It seems to me that…
 Not everyone will agree with me, but…
AVID Future Focus * High School Graduation
RUSD High School Graduation Requirements (A & B)
A. Completion of 220 credits in grades 9-12, among which shall be:
 English/Language Arts
8 semesters – 40 credits
 History/Social Science
6 semesters – 30 credits
 Mathematics
6 semesters – 30 credits (must include Algebra 1)
 Science
4 semesters – 20 credits
 Physical Education
4 semesters – 20 credits
 Visual/Performing Arts (VAPA)
or Foreign Language
2 semesters – 10 credits ****
 Electives
14 semesters – 70 credits ****
B. Satisfactory competency in the California English/Language and Mathematics Content Standards, grades 9-12, as
measured by the California High School Exit Exam.
**** Check with counselor. Credit requirements for VAPA, foreign language and electives may change due
to RUSD board policy AFTER this Student Planner goes to press!
22
AVID Future Focus * College & Career
University of California/ Cal State Subject (A-G) Requirements
A. History/Social Science
2 years required
B. English
4 years required
C. Mathematics
3 years required, 4 years recommended
D. Laboratory Science
2 years required, 3 years recommended
E. Language Other than English
2 years required, 3 years recommended
F. Visual and Performing Arts
1 year required
G. College Preparatory Electives
1 year required
www.universityofcalifornia.edu
AVID Compare & Contrast:
Understand and express how two or more things are similar & how they are different.
How Alike?
How Different?
With regard to
Signal Words
however
but
same as
-er, -est
Are similar
As well as
on the contrary
as opposed to
share common traits
Guiding Questions
 What is being compared and contrasted?
 What categories of characteristics or attributes are
used to compare and contrast these things?
 How are the things alike or similar?
 How are the things not alike or different?
 What are the most important qualities or attributes
that make them different?
 What can we conclude about these things or items?
 Why are these things being compared/contrasted?
 When did the comparison/contrast structure emerge?
both
unlike
different from
-er than
just like
have in common
difference between
whereas
on the other hand not only
…but also
Sample Sentence Frames
 __________ is __________ -er than __________.
 __________ is the __________ -est when compare __________.
 __________ and ___________ are similar because they are both __________.
 __________ and __________ are different because __________ is _______ and _______ is ________.
 __________ is __________; however,___________ is __________.
 Unlike __________, __________.
 While __________ is different from __________, __________.
 __________ is __________, as opposed to__________, which is __________.
 Not only is __________, but __________.
 Although __________ and __________ have some similar characteristics, they are very different ____.
 While ___________ is able to__________, __________ does not have that capability/feature_________.
 The most important difference is that _________ has __________, while __________ has __________.
 Just as __________, so too __________.
 By comparing __________ and __________, it is clear that/I realized that/I learned that __________.
23
AVID Cause & Effect:
Explain the cause(s) of an outcome. Express why something occurred.
Cause
Cause
Cause
Cause
Effect
Effect
Cause
Signal Words
because
therefore
as a result of
so that
accordingly
thus
because of
may be due to
due to
for this reason
Cause
Cause
Cause
Guiding Questions
since
consequently
this led to
nevertheless
if…then
subsequently
in order to
effects of
the cause was
this led to (caused)
 What is it that happens?
 What causes it to happen?
 What is the effect?
 What are the important elements or factors that cause this
effect?
 How do these factors or elements interrelate?
 Will this result always happen from these causes? Why or
why not?
 How would the result change if the elements or factors were
different?
 What is the cause/effect process the author is describing?
 Why did a cause/effect structure emerge?
Sample Sentence Frames
 __________was caused by__________.
 The __________ because ___________.
 Because of ___________, the __________ is __________.
 __________; therefore, ___________.
 As a result of __________.___________.
 If __________, then __________.
 In order to __________,__________.
 For this reason, __________.
 __________ has been caused by __________, thus __________.
 Due to the fact that ____, it seems evident that ____.
 __________ has led to __________. For this reason I believe that __________.
 If __________ is __________, then I predict that __________.
Helpful Homework Hint # 3
Safety Suggestion …
Go to morning TUTORING with Homework Questions
Set a regular walking route that
your parents know. Walk in
pairs and watch for distracted
drivers who may NOT see you.
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AVID Sequence:
Relate steps in a process. Express time relationships & actions within a larger event.
Topic:
Signal Words
first, second
next, later, then
before/after
beginning,
middle, end
initially
eventually
during
since
while
now
finally
earlier
previously
following
prior to
preceding
meanwhile
Guiding Questions
 What is being described in the sequence?
 Why did a chronological order pattern emerge?
 What are the major steps in this sequence?
 What details should be included (people, places etc.) with
each step?
 Is there a part in the sequence where the events are more
important than the others?
 Is there a conflict in this sequence? Where does it get
resolved?
 Why is the sequence important?
Sample Sentence Frames
 First, __________. Then, ___________. Next, there was __________ and __________.
 In the beginning/middle/end (you choose), __________.
 After (insert action), __________ .
 Before __________, __________ .
 Initially__________, then __________ .
 Immediately after __________, __________ .
 Meanwhile __________ was taking place.
 Once __________ happened, then __________ .
 As a result of __________, __________ happened.
 Following __________, __________.
 Previously, __________ .
 Initially __________, then __________ .
 Preceding the events of __________, __________ .
 Meanwhile __________ was taking place/occurring/happening.
 First, __________ happened. Then __________ occurred and __________. Eventually, __________ .
 For the past __________ (set time frame), __________ .
 Immediately following the __________, the__________ took place/occurred.
Keep a regular schedule of
study time. Reward
yourself with a small
snack, break or stretch
after 30 minutes of honest
effort on homework 
Helpful Homework Hint # 4
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AVID Elaboration/Description:
Describes attributes, qualities, characteristics and properties
Explains relationships of objects in space
Defines level of frequency
Signal Words
includes
to begin with
for instance
also
for example
to illustrate
another
first
in other words
identified by
between
characterized by
explains
shows
in fact
in addition
such as
furthermore
reflects
second
most important
associated with
near
among
Guiding Questions
 What is being described?
 What are its most important attributes?
 What are the characters, places, and objects in the text
passage?
 Why is this description important?
 What is the concept?
 To what category does it belong?
 How does it work?
 What does it do?
 How are the pieces related or connected?
 What are the functions of its pieces?
 What are examples of it?
 What are examples of things that share some but not all of its
characteristics/attributes?
Sample Sentence Frames
 __________ shows __________ .
 __________ can be described as __________ .
 Usually, __________ .
 __________ is called __________ and is related to __________ .
 __________ is used to illustrate __________ .
 Characteristics of __________ include __________ and __________ .
 __________ can be characterized by __________ .
 __________; in other words __________ .
 __________ can be defined as first __________ and second as __________.
 __________ is __________; for instance, __________ .
 __________ happens __________ .
 An example of __________ is __________ .
 __________ rests among __________ and near __________ .
Helpful Homework Hint # 5
Turn in homework on
time.
Make sure it is neat
and clean –something
you are proud of 
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AVID Position/Claim & Evidence:
Defend an opinion. Explain reasoning. Justify a position.
Position/Claim
Argument
Evidence 1
Evidence 1
Counterargument
Rebuttal
Signal Words
believe
suggests
reasons
for example
states
position
proposes
evidence
asserts
claims
defends
the question is
one answer is
therefore
nevertheless
persuades
opposes
argues
refutes
against
Guiding Questions
 What is the position/claim?
 Why is this important?
 Who will this impact?
 What evidence is given to support the position/claim?
 What reasoning is given using the evidence?
 What might an opponent say against this position (rebuttals)?
 What arguments can be made against the rebuttals
(counterarguments)?
 What are the consequences or benefits of this position?
Sample Sentence Frames
 I believe that __________. I believe this because __________.
 I disagree with __________ because __________ .
 The evidence suggests that __________.
 __________ proposes that __________ . She/he supports her/his position by __________ .
 It is clear that __________; therefore, __________.
 According to __________, __________ is an important issue/serious problem.
 __________ justifies this position by __________.
 While she/he tries to persuade us that __________, the evidence suggests __________.
 Nevertheless, the evidence strongly points to __________.
Helpful Homework Hint # 6
Make sure you check with the teacher and
other classmates to get missing work whenever
you are absent. Then do the work and turn it in 
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