AVID IV Syllabus and Policies
San Juan High School
Mrs. Durkee, room D-1
Email: rdurkee@sanjuan.edu
Voicemail: 971-5360 x6719
Website: http://tinyurl.com/mrsdurkee
Course Description
The AVID Senior Seminar is the culmination of a student’s years in the AVID program. The course involves substantial
critical reading and writing, and participating in and conducting Socratic seminars. The AVID students will receive
assistance and guidance in applying to college, researching and applying for financial aid, registering for entrance and
placement exams, and preparing for external examinations in the spring.
Course Content
AVID IV students will:
 Complete the “A-G” requirements for entrance to the University of California and/or California State
University.
 Demonstrate analytical writing at a college level in a variety of discourse modes.
 Improve their oral communication skills through a variety of means including presentation, debate, and
Socratic seminars.
 Learn to evaluate their own and others’ writing, using rubrics and scoring guides.
 Select a college area of study, which may lead to an anticipated career.
 Continue tutorials, timed writings, Cornell note-taking, time management, and organization.
 Complete and submit college applications (five colleges minimum).
 Write and revise the college application essay.
 Practice for college placement (EPT, ELM, Subject A) and AP exams.
 Apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA and CA Grant applications.
 Apply for one scholarship per week during the school year (this includes school vacation weeks)—About 25.
 Attend and participate in AVID Family Day.
 Practice for and take SAT I ($52.50), ACT ($54.50), and AP exams.
o Note about AP exams: Due to college acceptance requirements, students must take all AP tests for
whatever AP courses were completed. This means that if a student signs up for an AP course and
completes the course, he or she must take the AP exam for that course. AP exams are $80.00 each
unless the student qualifies for a fee waiver based on parent income level.
 Continue community service. (Each year 20 hours of approved community service is required for all AVID
students.)
 Enroll in and complete all eligible AP courses. (This makes students more competitive on college
applications.)
 Complete placement tests for college once decided and enrolled.
 Register for college orientation.
 Complete a presentation for younger AVID students about personal college pathway and success.
Special Note: All of the above requirements need to be completed in order for students to
officially graduate from the AVID program and receive an AVID graduation sash.
Required Instructional Materials
Students are required to bring required materials daily.
 Paper, pouch, two #2 pencils, and two blue or black pens
 A binder or binders that are large enough to hold all your papers from all your classes for the entire semester.
 Dividers (one per class period)
 School planner (provided by the school)
If a student is unprepared for class one time, he or she will receive a warning. Parents will be contacted each time he or
she is unprepared thereafter.
Grading Policy
Grades will be based on benchmark assignments, test scores, essay scores, homework, class participation and
projects. All assignments are worth between 5 to 100 points. All points will accumulate to determine the final
grade. Students’ grades will be updated and posted on Q every two weeks.
Grades will be based on the following percentages:
100 – 90% = A
89 – 80% = B
79 – 70% = C
69 – 60% = D
Less than 59% = F
Late Work
Half of the credit will be deducted for any assignment submitted after the due date. Due dates are clearly articulated, and
students are required to keep track of assignments and due dates in their school planners and assignment record sheets.
Attendance and Tardy Policy
Make-up work from absences is each student’s responsibility. Parents will be contacted by mail or email when students
have two or more tardies.
Hall Passes
Students are required to have their school planners with them daily. Hall passes are provided in the school planner.
Disruptive Devices
Cell phones, headphones, and iPods must be turned off and out of sight during lectures or instructional time.
Beginning Class Procedures
1. Mrs. Durkee will stand at the door during the passing period and music will play for you to enjoy. When she
shuts the door, class begins and everyone must be in his/her seat ready to learn.
Students who are not in their seats or students who have to be let in the classroom are considered tardy and will
need to sign the tardy clipboard.
2. Students will know when class begins because Mrs. Durkee will stand, make eye contact with you and greet you.
Classroom Expectations
(Rules to be followed everyday for the entire class period.)
1.Don’t attempt to sleep in this class. If your head is down and your eyes are closed you are not on task. Mrs. Durkee
will be offended and you will miss valuable information.
2.Use fearless communication with Mrs. Durkee. She cannot read your mind and will always help you, but you need to
communicate with her about what you need or do not understand. If you don’t want to talk during class, send her an email
and she will make time to meet with you privately.
3.Remember your class materials daily. Mrs. Durkee will not be happy if you aren’t prepared for class,
and people around you will get tired of you asking to borrow their items.
4.Keep all handouts given, notes, tests, essays and worksheets until the end of the semester. You never know when you
might need it to study or if something may be allowed to use during a test.
5.Everyone deserves respect. Remarks about other’s race, gender, sexual orientation, or ability will not be tolerated.
6.Engage in class activities. Do not think that you will be able to sit and say and do nothing in this class. Everyone is
expected to participate and work with others on a daily basis.
Other Considerations:
* Clean up after yourself. Mrs. Durkee did not go to college to be a custodian. Eating, drinking and gum chewing is
allowed, but you must take responsibility for your food and trash. Do not allow it to be disruptive or become a
distraction. If your eating becomes a problem, you will lose this privilege.
* Do not use racial or homophobic slurs in Mrs. Durkee’s classroom. Specific words and phrases such as the N word
and “That’s gay!” will not be tolerated. Be aware: This is Mrs. Durkee’s #1 top irritation!
* Do not use phones, iPods, or any other electronic devices while Mrs. Durkee is teaching. Mrs. Durkee will be
offended and you will miss valuable information. All phones and iPods are to be placed in the front storage area. There is
a charging station there if you need it. Towards the end of the period, you may get your electronic devices and use them
during the last few minutes of the class. Mrs. Durkee reserves the right to confiscate electronic items, turning them into
the Vice- Principal. You will have to get them afterschool. Be aware: This is Mrs. Durkee’s #2 top irritation!
Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior
1st Offense: A request for courtesy. Mrs. Durkee will make a note of the offense committed. This information will be
shared a parent conferences.
2nd Offense: Parent call and/or conference. The student and Mrs. Durkee will attempt to call the student’s parent
regarding the offense committed.
3rd Offense: Office referral.
Positive Rewards
1. Positive note or phone call to parents.
2. A student from each class is selected periodically to reward for improvements, overall excellent behavior or
academic achievement.
3. Special treat or activity.
4. End of the year award ceremony and celebration.
Communication with Mrs. Durkee
All AVID seniors are required to have an appropriate email address to use for all college and financial aid processes. Mrs.
Durkee will also use this to communicate with the class regularly. Students are required to check their email daily.
Students will also periodically receive text messages, reminding them of important college deadlines. Mrs. Durkee
is usually available everyday during lunchtime, but if an unexpected meeting arises, and she is not available, email
communication is the best method. You will receive a reply as timely as possible.
I generally pride myself on being a fairly reasonable person. I have high expectations of you, but if you ever have a
problem with the way I do things or with the way you are graded, please do me the courtesy of coming to me after class
or sending me an email. I assure you that I will make time for you and we will talk to work things out in a reasonable
manner. I cannot read minds, so I will only know you are unhappy if you communicate with me.
If you have read and agree with the above syllabus and policies for Mrs. Durkee’s AVID IV class, please
print and sign your name below.
Student name printed ___________________________________________________
Student name signed________________________________
Parent/Guardian name printed _____________________________________________
Parent/Guardian name signed____________________________
Parent/Guardian Home Phone: _____________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Cell Phone: ______________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Email address: _____________________________________________
How would you prefer to be contacted regarding your child’s attendance, grades, and behavior in this class?
Please circle first choice: Cell Phone Home Phone Email Postal Mail
Parent Comments:
____________________________________________________________________________
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