AVID Junior Year
2012-13
Instructor: Mz. Komitzky
phone: 480.812.7700 x7753
email: komitzky.amy@chandler.k12.az.us
office hours: Wednesday and Thursday 2:15 - 3:15
Tuesday and Wednesday lunch
Overview:
It is during the first semester of the junior year that students learn about the two college
admissions tests (ACT and SAT) and the differences between them. One way for
students to become familiar with these materials is to take not practice tests (the PLAN
and the PSAT) and use the results to prepare for ACT and SAT testing in the spring.
Students also begin to prepare for college admission by gathering materials and
organizing them into “crates” and by reviewing what they have accomplished in their
first two years of high school. This will prepare the AVID student for writing a resume,
a good resource when completing college applications. This is also a time to look at
college entrance requirements and to access a valuable research tool: the Internet.
AVID students may want to consider applying to both public and private schools. One
way to explore the various elements of the college admissions process is to visit a
variety of Web sites. At College Mentor Sites and Higher Education Agency Sites,
students can find more answers to their questions about entrance requirements,
financial aid, career planning, and much more. College admissions representatives who
come to the school can provide additional information.
Financing college education is a concern for many students. In this semester, some key
concepts are introduced, but little can be done in this area until the senior year.
Students can also begin self-exploration to help them determine which college(s) will be
good “fit” for them.
Junior Year First Semester: Continue WICR
Unit I: Testing
Testing requirements, The PSAT and the PLAN tests, national standardized
college tests, college admissions tests, student reports.
Unit II: Preparation
“Crates” Idea, designing the perfect college. data sheet for college-bound
students, the art of the resume, e-mail etiquette, college mentor sites listed by
state.
Unit III: Exploration
Types of educational institutions, web sites for the AVID elective, questions to
ask the college representative of admission officer, exploring college majors.
Unit IV: “Fit” and Finances
Financial aid facts, important dates, self-perceptions worksheet, developing a
“college-going” culture among high school students.
Junior Year Second Semester: Continue WICR
Unit I: Testing
Testing tips, sample SAT and ACT comparison chart
Unit II: Preparation
Calculating a grade point average, common application, college admission essay
topics, college admissions essay tips, top 10 tips for writing the college essay, the
letter of recommendation.
Unit III: Exploration
The college admission game, choosing a college campus, college comparison
worksheet, helpful hints for a campus visit, college/university visit
questionnaire, what do you look for in a college, summer priorities.
Unit IV: “Fit” and Finance
PIN information, scholarship research, scholarship scams, college fair overview,
military scholarships, questions and answers about financial aid, financial aid:
some answers to our questions.
Required in Class Daily:
- Paper and writing utensil
- Binder to hold notes, handouts, assignments, and warm-ups
- Planner
- Binder paper
Attendance
 Each student is responsible for all information, material, and activities presented
in class.
 In order to make up missing work, an absence must be excused.
 The student has the same number of days absent to make up any missing work.
 Students will not be allowed to make up any work for unexcused absences.
 Students can make up work for excused absences during lunch or after school by
appointment.
Final Exam Exemption Policy:
 If you have no more than 4 absences (excused or unexcused) with a percentage
of 75 or better in the class, you may opt out of taking the final exam.
 1 sweep = 1 absence and school-sponsored events are not counted as an absence
for this incentive.
Tardies
 Tardies are unacceptable. Be prepared to come to class on time.
 If you come to class after the final bell, you will be SWEPT. The tardy will be
considered an unexcused absence, and I am not required to give you make up
work.
All students must be present for the final exam, even if the student is exempt from
taking it.
Classroom Policy:
 All of the school rules, guidelines, and policies will be followed in the
classroom, including dress code, cell phone policy (see below), sweeps (for
tardies) and no food or drink allowed in the classroom.
 Use appropriate language and behavior—this includes being a polite
person with manners.
 Show respect to other classmates and teacher.
 Show respect to your school facility.
 Follow classroom procedures.
 No sitting at teacher’s desk OR free-writing on the whiteboard.
 Food and drink (with the exception of water) are not allowed in the
classroom.

Cell Phones, headsets, iPods … all electronic devices will be turned off
and put away PRIOR to the start of class.
*Severe disruptions will result in an immediate discipline referral.
Consequences: Verbal warning, Phone call or letter home, Discipline referral.
Grading System:
Paper/Assignments:
Formal essays and writing assignments will be typed and double-spaced (MLA format).
Late homework assignments will not be accepted.
However, formal essay, assignments, and projects will be accepted late with the
following point reductions:
1st day late = 25% off grade
2nd day late = 50% off grade
3rd day and beyond = no credit
RESOURCES FOR YOU:
Schoolwires:
 All homework assignments are posted on my Schoolwires web page.
 Go to the Chandler High’s Schoolwires’ home page:
http://chandlerschools.schoolwires.net/chs/site/default.aspand locate my page by
going to the faculty section.
 There is a freshman documents page and a daily homework page for you to keep
current with assignments and resources.
 I update my page daily; sign up for e-alerts.
Infinite Campus:
 This resource is web based, so you can check your grades at any time.
 Go to the district website and check the links under parent and student
information