Teacher contact information

Mr. Austin Zavala:

Email- austin_zavala@notes.k12.hi.us
zavala.menemac@gmail.com
Office: G201
Description
Our freshman MeneMAC program seeks to provide students an understanding of the
basic literacy skills through core subjects with the integration of media technology.
Language Arts will provide a different perspective on the themes of empathy and
interdependence, integrating these perspectives to help students understand our
common humanity using reading and writing skills to achieve that.
The Language Arts curriculum approaches these themes through literature that provides
different worldviews and through writingpersonal, expository, creativeto develop
students abilities to use language to craft and clarify their own view of the world.
Through different novels, writing activities and non-fiction texts, the students will be
exposed to the power of language to find commonalities and connections within their
immediate peers and also surrounding environments. They will articulate their
understandings of this interdependence through expository and creative writing
assignments.
Activities
Fall Semester: Writing Focus
o Daily journals
o Writing process (expository, personal, descriptive, narrative,
argumentative)
o Self and peer critiquing, following the 6 Trait Process
o Research
o Essay writing
o Student Portfolios
Spring Semester: Literature Focus
o Novel study: Of Mice and Men, Anthem (subject to changed)
o Outside reading of 1 novel
o Drama: Shakespeare (Merchant of Venice)
o Poetry: imagery & figurative language, lyric poetry
Oral Communication/Technology
o Video production
o Webpage production
Vocabulary
o To enrich our reading experience

o To empower our writing

Grading
Grading will be based on achievement of reading, writing, and oral
communication standards. Progress will be assessed throughout the
quarter in practice exercises and assignments. The teacher and
classmates will provide feedback. At mid-quarter and at the end of the
quarter, exams and projects will be evaluated and graded, according to
rubrics based on the standards adopted by the DOE (Common Core
Standards).
All grades given on assignments and assessments are based on
attainment of targeted standards and benchmarks. Rather than just
giving a letter grade, grades are chosen on whether or not the student
as has exceeded, met, or approached the standard/benchmark.
ES

Exceeds standards (4)-meets with excellence, in-depth inferences,

insights, and applications that go beyond what was taught.
M Meets standards (3)-meets proficiency, no major errors or
S
omissions regarding any ofthe information and/or processes that
were explicitly taught.
AS Approaching standards (2)-approaches proficiency, no major errors
or omissions regarding thesimpler details and processes but major
errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and
processes.
AS Well below proficiency (1)-with help, a partial understanding of
some of the simpler details and processes and some of the more
complex ideas and processes.
AS Failing (0) -even with help, no understanding or skill
demonstrated. There was little to no effort when trying to achieve
the goal.
These grades are translated into letter grades:
ES(4)
A
MS(3+) B+
MS(3)
B
MS(3-)
BAS(2+) C+
AS(2)
C
AS(2-)
CAS(1+) D+
AS(1)
D
AS(1-)
DAS(0)
F
LATE ASSIGNMENT POLICY: Deadline for any late work is ONE
WEEK after the assignment is given. It will not be accepted
after the summative assessment is given. Turning in

assignments/assessments will result in a 10%

deduction(dropping of one letter grade on the assignment).
All students will be able to check their progression and achievement through
JupiterGrades.
**The school-wide grading policy is also in place**
Attendance
Attendance Policy (as specified in MOHS School Rules & Regulations)
Special Note for Media Communications: Attendance is especially important in this
class. Media production teams are working with an intense and demanding schedule and
teams depend on each member to fulfill his/her responsibility in order for the team to
maintain its production schedule. Due to the nature of media production work, time lost
to may need to be made up by work in the learning center during non-school hours.
G-201 Expectations: All MOHS School Rules & Regulations apply
REMEMBER: Our one purpose here is learning. Respect the rights of the learners,
the learning environment, and the learning time.
1. Think actively and be willing to express your thoughts in speech and writing,
continuously trying the hardest in everything.
2. Participate in all activities with a genuine effort.
3. Respect, listen, and encourage all students, using appropriate language at all
times.
4. Trust in yourself, take risk, and always be honest.
Guidelines:
1. Clean up after yourself, immediately and consistently. All classes will be required
to clean desks, counters, floor, etc., including scraping gum off tables and floor, if
necessary.
2. Use tutorial periods, recesses, or after school for make-up assignments and extra
help.
3. Shared class lockers may be signed out by pairs of students who each have their
own cameras and a lock.
4. Only MeneMAC students are allowed in G-201. Unless permission is given by
the teacher.
5. ALL food and food containers are to be disposed of in the trash can outside of G201; NEVER in the classroom. NO EATING ON COMPUTER DESKS.
6. Do not write on the whiteboard without specific permission.
Classroom Supplies:
1. One roll of paper towels
2. Pen and/or pencil & folder paper
3. Composition book
4. Binder in which to organize all materials; plastic sheet protectors for important
papers
5. At least one SD card for video project raw footage
6. Flash or jump drive highly recommended (student media projects are usually large
and external drives help students keep their work organized, accessible, and secure)

* IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT STUDENTS HAVE THEIR OWN VIDEO

CAMERAS WITH WHICH TO COMPLETE PROJECTS BECAUSE EQUIPMENT IS
LIMITED.

Computer/Internet Access
Does your child have computer access at home? YES___ NO___
Does your child have Internet access at home? YES___ NO___

_____ I GIVE permission for my child to view video(s) with the class.
_____ I DO NOT GIVE permission for my child to view video(s).
Parent/Guardian
name:_________________________________________________________________
______
Parent/Guardiansignature___________________________________________Da
te:________________
We acknowledge that we have read and understand this syllabus. I, the
parent/guardian, agree with the objectives, grading and classroom
procedures. Otherwise, I will inform the teacher of any objections.
_____________________________________________
Student Print Name
_______________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian signature
date
Parent/Guardian: Please provide email address, home, cell, and work
numbers.
Email:
Home#

_________________________
_________________________

Cell#

_________________________

Work#

_________________________