OVERVIEW

         MacArthur Fundamental Intermediate School emphasizes a highly structured program of academic skills and subject matter. Classroom activities are standard-based and are teacher-initiated, directed, and supervised. A variety of effective methods of instruction is used.  The schoolπs instructional motto is ≥Read: Understand and Use≤.

         The curriculum follows a definite progression, building on skills and abilities acquired at each level. At appropriate levels, the instructional program will include:  language arts (reading, spelling, writing, and grammar), mathematics, U.S., ancient, and world history, science, and physical education. The elective program offers Spanish, Peer Assistance Leadership (PALÆ), music, exploratory program yearbook, journalism, office practice, and computers. Specific information on each class can be obtained from the school.

STANDARDS FOR WRITTEN WORK

All students will be held accountable by teachers for the following standards when turning in written work:

∑      In the upper right hand corner of all papers, students must write their full name, the date, and the class period.

∑      Written work must be on standard-size paper that is in reasonable condition, not crumpled, carelessly folded, torn, or smudged.

∑      Student must write legibly at all times.

∑      Only one side of a paper may be used when writing formal assignments.

∑      All formal assignments must be written in blue or black ink unless otherwise instructed.

∑      Students must always indent paragraphs.

∑      Every sentence must begin with capital letters.

∑      Correct punctuation must always be used.

∑      All words should be spelled correctly.

∑      When using word processing, students should double-space their work and use 12-point type in a font prescribed by the classroom teacher.

HOMEWORK

         There are many changes that occur in the transition from elementary to intermediate

school. The time, effort, and manner of doing homework are some of the most critical of

those changes. Homework is assigned regularly, from Monday through Thursday. Students may also have projects to complete on the weekends. It is suggested that daily study schedule should be followed at home in order to maximize your studentπs learning potential. If assignments are completed at school, students should review homework with parents

each evening. (If work is complete, one hour of silent reading should be established by the parent). If assignments are completed at home, parents should check each assignment to see that all assigned work has been completed.   Students write their daily homework assignments in their agendas and parents should refer to the agenda each night to see what work has been assigned.

         Students at MacArthur participate in the Reading Counts Program.  Students must read for at least 30 minutes every night.  Yearly totals: Grade 6 goal is 500,000 words; grade 7 goal is 750,000 words, grade 8 goal is 1,000,000 words.  Check with your child regularly on meeting his/her goal.  Ask to see his/her individual Reading Counts report.

REPORT CARDS

         Report cards will be issued quarterly and mailed home.  Parents and students will be

informed of the criteria for grading.  An academic performance grade will be given for each subject together with a citizenship grade and teacher comments.  The academic

performance grade will reflect scores on tests, homework, and the quality of daily

participation.  Citizenship grades will reflect the completion of work on time, the studentπs

behavior, attention in class, and participation in classroom discussions.

PROGRESS REPORTS

         Approximately three weeks before the end of a grading period, parents will be notified   if their student is achieving an academic grade below a ≥C≤ or if citizenship is not satisfactory.  Computer progress reports are mailed home each quarter (4 times a year) by the school district office.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

         Parents are always welcome to contact the school at any time. Our teachers will be

glad to arrange a conference with you at a mutually convenient time. Please either send a

note to the school or a call to your studentπs counselor to schedule a meeting.

TESTING

         Students at MacArthur are tested yearly using school, District and State-mandated

tests to measure student progress in the areas of reading, language, and math. The following tests are administered over the course of the year:

             STAR testing (CAT-6 and California Standards tests) - Grades 6-8

             Writing Proficiency Test - Grades 6-8

 Basic Math Skills - Grades 6-8 (All students must know their basic operations in

 addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication by memory.  Does yours?)    

             United States Constitution Test - Grade 8

             State-Mandated Physical Fitness Test ≠ Grade 7

Parents will be notified of their studentπs test results.

PROMOTION/RETENTION

         The Santa Ana Unified School District has very specific guidelines concerning promotion and retention of students. Please refer to Administrative Regulations (AR) 5123. Copies are available in the office.

         When a studentπs grades and test scores fall below the set standards, a Board of Review comprised of the counselor and an administrator, meet with the parents to discuss recommendations for promotion or retention. The school will make every attempt to

consult and work with parents to help solve studentsπ academic problems throughout the year.

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Douglas MacArthur Fundamental Intermediate School

Homework Hints

Listed below are some helpful hints for students to use to help establish the habit of homework.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE SCHOOL:

1.  Check your Agenda.  Decide what homework you need to do for the evening.

2.   Get out the materials you will need for your homework.

3.   If you donπt understand one of your assignments, you should ask your teacher about it before you   leave school.

AT HOME:

1.  When it is time to study, go to your study place.

2.  Put on the desk or table, all the materials you will need.

3.  Sit down and begin to work.

4.  Concentrate on your homework

5.  Avoid interruptions.  Do not make phone calls, watch T.V., or listen to the radio until your homework is finished.

6.  Get help if you need it.

7.   When your homework is finished, put your assignments in your notebook.  Place your materials in a special place so that you will remember to take them to school.

The place where you study:

a.     Study at a table or desk.  Sit in a comfortable, straight-backed chair.  Donπt study on a bed, a sofa, or the floor.

b.     Pick a quiet place that is free from distractions.  Donπt study near the television, radio, or stereo.

c.     Be sure that your study place has good light.

The materials you will need:

a.     Keep paper, pencils, pens, dictionary, and other study materials in your study area.

b.     You may wish to keep these things in a box.

c.     Remove distracting things from your study area.

The time when you study:

a.     Pick a special study time on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and over the weekend.

b.     Select a time in the afternoon or early evening so that you will be alert and will be able to finish your homework before bedtime.

c.     Try to pick the same time each day.  This will help you establish the ≥homework habit≤.

Parents, your assistance in helping your student use the Agenda and make the best use of homework time will be appreciated.  Here are a few suggestions for ways in which you can help.

1.  Help your student set up an appropriate time and place to study.

2.  Check to be sure the Agenda is placed at the front of your studentπs notebook.

3.  Assist your student in planning homework by looking for assignments that are due on the following day.

4.  Encourage your student to begin long-term assignments (for example, book reports, and projects) early.

5.  Make sure that all assignments are completed and stored in the correct section of their notebook.

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How Parents can help their students at home

1.READ TO YOUR STUDENT

• ≥Letπs sit down and read together
• Good modeling is the best teaching technique ã let your student see you reading; a book, a magazine, the newspaper, etc.

2.   LISTEN TO YOUR STUDENT READ

• Let me listen to you read.≤
• Let your student know that you are interested and eager to hear him/her read to you.
• Ask your student to tell you the words he/she doesnπt know.
• Help your student with the words he/she doesnπt know.
• With your student, keep a record of the words your student doesnπt know.
• Ask: ≥Did you like the story?≤
• ≥Tell me about the story.≤

3.   PLAY GAMES WITH YOUR STUDENT

• Help your student with following the directions.
• Follow the directions every time you play.

4.   ASSIST YOUR STUDENT WITH HOMEWORK

• Ask:  ≥Would you like for me to help you?≤
• Do one example together.
• Ask your student to read the directions to you OR to tell you what he/she is supposed to do.
• Insist your student try to do the work alone and complete all homework assigned.

5.   LISTEN TO YOUR STUDENT

• Tell your student ≥Iπm listening.≤
• Be interested in what your student is saying.
• Ask questions that necessitate your student to respond.
• Say to your student: ≥Tell me more.≤
• ≥Iπm not sure I understand.≤
• ≥Tell me what you mean.≤
• ≥Iπd like to hear more,≤ OR
• ≥Thatπs exciting (funny, good, etc)~≤ ≥That sounds like a good time.≤
• ≥I like the way you explain things ã go on.≤
• ≥You seem to have enjoyed (like, disliked, etc.) it.≤

6. HOW TO HELP YOUR STUDENT SUCCEED:

• Give simple, clear directions.
• Use language that is understandable, not confusing.
• Put yourself in your studentπs place.

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