English
English and Language Arts is the longest part of a middle school student’s day…literally. We have them for two hours each day to tackle reading, writing, speaking, and so much more.
Our class incorporates independent reading, language tasks, writing, and the study of novels and informational texts. We use the state written Guidebooks as our curriculum. Each guidebook unit incorporates the ELA Louisiana State Standards. Students read an anchor text which can be a novel, an informational book, or a shorter text like a speech or article. From there students examine themes and ideas across multiple texts, write essays, and research topics related to each unit. The high level of thinking required of the students is astounding and the discussions we have in class show impressive thinking on the part of the students.
We also try to look outside our middle school and interact with the elementary students at our school. Our middle school students can often be found reading to younger students or helping them at larger events.
EnglishSyllabus2019.pdf
Social Studies
Welcome to Social Studies! Junior high Social Studies has three areas of study: 6th grade is ancient World History, 7th grade is early American History, and 8th grade is Louisiana History. In our classes, I incorporate a variety of learning activities for students such as source analysis, vocabulary games, hands-on projects, art/drawing, and group work. My goal for students is to not only learn the content, but to develop civic responsibility and global awareness. Getting to know our history allows students to critically think and make decisions about the world issues of today. Middle school is a great introduction to these critical thinking skills.
To prepare students for the content and skills on the Social Studies LEAP test, I incorporate practice of essential skills almost daily in our learning activities. The content varies from grade to grade, but the skills remain the same. Examples of Social Studies skills include: writing constructed response, analysis of primary and secondary skills, and developing claims to essential questions. In class, I model the skills, reteach the skills, provide reinforcement, and then the students will be doing these skills on their own by second semester!
Since we live in a 21st century world, our class does much of our work through technology platforms. Google Classroom is our main hub. Here, students and parents can access class notes, class activities/homework, and study tools. Study resources we use more often are Quizlet flashcards, Kahoot, and Quizizz to help prepare for tests. Lastly, all tests are online. This is to prepare them for the LEAP test since that test is also online. All tests are formatted in similar style to the LEAP test: source analysis with multiple choice questions and constructed response writing. Once a test is completed, students and parents can access the test from Google Classroom to review their grade, questions, and answers at any time. Students can access Google Classroom from any device.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me directly. My email is karimc@aep.latech.edu. You can also call the school and I will return your call as soon as possible.
HistorySyllabus2019.pdf
Math
Hello! I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. I’m Amanda Davis, and I teach all of the junior high math at A. E. Phillips. I’ve been teaching for over 25 years and math is my favorite subject to teach. I love watching the progression of learning from 6th grade to 8th grade. Sixth graders will walk in the classroom, see an eighth grade problem on the board and think, ” Oh, I could never do that.” Then, SURPRISE!!, two years and a lot of hard work later they can solve those same problems!
We will work really hard, but if there is a moment we can have some fun we will do that, too. My goal is for you to leave AEP a better person and with the knowledge you need to have a successful high school career.
If you would like to practice the skills needed at each grade level, check out the Monkey in the Middle apps. They provide excellent review or needed skills at each grade level.
I look forward to getting to know each and every one of my students and helping them reach their full potential.
MathSyllabus2019.pdf
Science
Welcome to Middle School Science! My name is Mrs. Blount. I will not only instruct you in Science and STEM, but I am also the Student Council sponsor for AEP. I have 13 years teaching experience in Texas and Louisiana. I’m looking forward to a happy and productive school year.
A few facts about me: I enjoy being outdoors, fishing, biking, gardening, & water skiing. My favorite color is green, but I’m partial to paisley or tie dye patterns. I enjoy science fiction & action movies. I choose a gluten-free diet, but still enjoy sweets like Dr. Pepper, chocolate, and Crunch n Munch!
Parents and students please download the REMIND app on your smartphone by August. All the middle school teachers send messages and homework assignments through this app. You will receive a master list of our codes to sign up.
If you need to contact me for any reason, please e-mail me at: mblount@aep.latech.edu.
Let’s work together to make this the best year ever!