Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School

Tools for Middle School Success Syllabus

2014- 2015 School Year
Instructor Contact Information:
Mrs. Crystal Gauna
email: [email protected]
Phone: (808) 241-3200 x261
Website: gaunaschool.weebly.com

Aloha Parents/Guardians,
Welcome! It is the beginning of a new school year for you child here at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School. I
am looking forward to an exciting and productive year ahead.

My name is Crystal Gauna and I will be your son/daughters Tools for Middle School Success teacher. As we begin
the new school year, I will be reviewing the class syllabus with your child. The syllabus will outline the Common
Core State Standards for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects, Common Core State Standards for Speaking
and Listening, and the International Society for Technology in Education National Educational Technology
Standards for Students. The syllabus will also include information on the grading scale, school and classroom
expectations, and the schools discipline policy. Please take some time to review the course syllabus and discuss
the class expectations with your child. In order to maintain a positive learning environment, it is necessary that all
students follow school and classroom expectations.

I am a strong believer in parent-teacher-student communication. If you have any questions and/or concerns at
all, please feel free to contact me with the information provided. My preferred form of communication is via
email. However, please feel free to contact me using any method that works best for you.

Thank you,


Crystal Gauna

CLASS DESCRIPTION
Tools for Middle School Success is a transitions class for incoming sixth-graders. Students will engage in a
student-centered learning environment, where they will be challenged daily to create their own meaning for
learning. As foundational technology skills penetrate every aspect of our society, students will be expected to
apply the basics in authentic, integrated ways to solve problems, complete projects, and creatively express
themselves. This course will also prepare students for success in middle school by developing keyboarding skills
using touch-typing techniques in daily keyboarding curriculum. This course provides a foundation for critical
thinking skills that will be used throughout middle school and to become proficient in technology in preparation
for the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) testing in the spring. Students will also be required to
complete mini performance task assessments in preparation for this assessment.

OBJECTIVES FOR THE COURSE
Tools for Middle School Success has been developed and designed based on the Common Core State Standards
(CCSS) for English Language Arts & Literacy in Historical/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects, as well
as the International Society for Educational Technology (ISTE), National Educational Technology Standards for
Students (NETS). The objectives of the course are to equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in higher-
level courses and to immerse them in a technology-rich learning environment. The goal of Tools for Middle
School Success is to engage and motivate all students in technology and to promote technological literacy to
increase confidence with computers, technology, and the overall transition to middle school.
ITSE NETS STANDARDS
Standard 1: CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION
Standard 2: COMMUNICATION AND
COLLABORATION
Standard 3: RESEARCH AND INFORMATION FLUENCY
Standard 4: CRITICAL THINKING, PROBLEM SOLVING,
AND DECISION MAKING
Standard 5: DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in Literacy
(Reading and Writing) will also be taught in this course.
More information on these standards can be found at
www.corestandards.org

Standard 6: TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS AND
CONCEPTS

CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
Respect all students, adults and computer
equipment.
Come ready and prepared to learn every day.
Listen and participate in class every day.
Complete assignments in a timely manner.
Work together cooperatively in groups.
Formulate and ask questions. Expect some
difficulty, but never give up!

SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS
Be Prepared
Be Prompt
Be Polite
Be Productive


BEHAVIOR CONSEQUENCE SYSTEM
Behavioral Concerns will be addressed as follows:
Incident 1: Verbal warning from the teacher
Incident 2: Conference between student and teacher
Incident 3: Parent will be contacted by the teacher
Incident 4: Administrative referral
TYPING PAL ONLINE
A major component of Tools for Middle School Success is daily keyboarding instruction and assessment. Students
use the program Typing Pal Online as a guide for keyboarding practice.

REQUIRED MATERIALS
Planner
Pens/Pencils
Highlighter
Composition book
GRADING POLICY:
Student assessment is based on performance tasks, test, binder checks, Cornell Notes, class activities, projects, and
other class assessments as necessary. Grading is based on a standards-based approach using a four-point system.
Students in Tools for Middle School Success will be graded on a four point system:

4 = A: Exceeds Proficiency
3 = B: Meets Proficiency
2 = C: Approaching Proficiency
1 = D: Below Proficiency
I = Incomplete
*Note: Students will receive an I for assignments not turned in. Any incomplete (I) marks at the end of a grading
period may result in an F grade lowering the overall grade for the quarter/semester/year.

MAKE UP WORK:
When absent from class, it is the students responsibility, upon returning to school, to get any incomplete work
that will need to be completed. Students will have the opportunity to make up any incomplete (I) assignments
and/or class activities.
SCHOOL AND INTERNET USAGE POLICIES
Students are subject to all academic policies found in the Chiefess Kamakahelei School Student Handbook. You
can find the Internet usage policy on the school website as well. All students in this course must also sign an
Acceptable Use Policy previous to having access to a school computer. Furthermore, it is each students
responsibility to read and follow all academic policies of the school.

Parents/Guardians,

Please fill out this page, detach it from the syllabus, and have your child return it to Mrs. Gauna
as soon as possible.

Please have your child keep the first page in his/her binder in the Tools section.

Thank you!

I have read and understood that I am responsible for my conduct and participation within class.

Student Name: __________________________ Signature: __________________________________

We have read and discussed the expectations for the course and understand the classroom policies and
procedures.


Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________________

BASIC INFORMATION

Tools for Middle School Success period: _______

Primary Contact Information

Parent/Guardian Name: __________________________________________ Relationship: ___________________


Phone: ___________________________ email: _____________________________________________________


The best way to contact me is by (circle one): phone email


Secondary Contact Information

Parent/Guardian Name: _________________________________________ Relationship: ___________________


Phone: ___________________________ email: _____________________________________________________

The best way to contact me is by (circle one): phone email

Questions/Comments: