AVID SYLLABUS
MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL
651-748-6619
2013-2014
Ms. Emily Schmidt eschmidt@isd622.org
COURSE SUMMARY:
In AVID we will develop both skills and content knowledge to begin preparing students to be eligible for acceptance to a fouryear college. In AVID students will develop his or her writing, inquiry, collaborative, and reading skills as the foundation for
success in all their academic classes. Additionally, the student will learn and utilize skills to improve: organization, test-taking,
time-management, and goal-setting.
NIGHTLY EXPECATIONS
In AVID expect to do homework and organization every night.
 Every night:

organize binder by putting everything in the correct place
 check Cornell notes – write in questions and a summary
 fill out agenda for each class
 Monday and Wednesday nights
 go through classes and fill out Tutorial Request Form
STUDENT AGENDA:
Each student is given an agenda in their Mustang Minutes class. Students should fill out this agenda every night. Parents should
also regularly check the agenda for important dates and reminders, as well as for daily assignments. The agenda will also serve as
the student’s hall pass and should be with students at all times while at school.
CLASSROOM MATERIALS:
In order to be prepared DAILY, each student should have:
 Any assignments that are due
 School Agenda
 Correctly maintained binder
BINDER CONTENTS – all binders should contain these things all the time.
Please check every night that you have all the contents
 Good quality 3 ring binder, 2 ½ to 3 inches
 Six or more dividers with tabs
 Zipper pouch to store supplies
 2 or more pens of different colors
 2 or more pencils
 Notebook paper
 Highlighter
UNITS OF STUDY
Organization:
 How can I get organized to positively impact my performance in all classes?
Writing to Learn
 How can I use writing to organize my ideas, figure out what I know and don’t know, and clarify concepts from
class?
Inquiry
 How can I use questioning skills to succeed in rigorous coursework?
Reading Skills
 How can I use reading skills to succeed in rigorous coursework?
Time Management
 How can I take control of my schedule to organize my chaotic life?
Identity
 Who am I and where am I going? How do I know where I want to go and how can I get there?
GRADING AND REPORTING:
Parents and students may access the gradebook to view grades, missing assignments, and attendance. Students will be graded on
the following:



AVID Binder – AVID students are required to keep one 3-inch or larger binder for all of their classes. This binder will be
graded bi-weekly for organization, planning (agenda), and notes.
Tutorials – Tutorials will be held twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday. During this time, students work collaboratively
to answer the difficult questions from their academic classes.
Classwork – The classwork will allow students to show their understanding of the material and work on their academic
skills.
MAKE-UP WORK POLICY
 Students will be expected to make up assignments that they miss. There will be an alternative assignment in place of
missed Tutorials.
PARENT TIPS
Parents may register to receive access to Parent Portal, which can be used to keep up with student progress. I also recommend
visiting my webpage. There are a lot of good resources. It can be found at Students will record assignments and homework in
their agenda. Please feel free to email or call anytime. While at home, parents are encouraged to:
 Set a regular time and routine for doing homework.
 Talk with your student about their daily work and reflect on their agenda to make sure they are on task.
 Remove distractions during home study time. No television, phone calls, or text messaging.
 Insist that homework assignments are completed daily
 AVID students have homework every night!
This plan can be changed to reflect the needs of the students.
Students and parents please sign and return. It will be kept in the front of the AVID section of the binder for reference.
Student Name (print)
Parent/Guardian Contact Number(s)
You may mail a hard copy to:
Emily Schmidt
Maplewood Middle School
2410 Holloway Ave
Maplewood, MN 55109
Date
Parent/Guardian Signature
Email Address
Date