Nancy Vargas
Nancy Vargas, 7th grade, Serrano Middle School
Spotlight: Classroom Culture & AVID
Hello, this marks my 7th year working at OMSD. I teach 7th grade ELA, Social Studies, and AVID elective. I take great pride in my classroom culture by creating a safe and empowering environment for my scholars. I regularly update my walls with their fabulous work to build a sense of pride. I've also set routines in place where everyone feels successful and clear on expectations. This marks my fifth year of teaching AVID and it's my absolute favorite class. I see the benefits of focused-notes, organization skills, reflecting, goal setting and study groups in my students' academic success. I try to incorporate these skills in all of my classes to ensure all of my students are benefiting from these skills.
The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
My Classroom Resources
This 1/2 sheet of paper allows your scholars to turn just about anything into a focus note. The best part is that students turn in their questions & summaries allowing you to continue the lesson or fill in any learning gaps. Don't forget to print it front & back. This is one of my oldies but goodies.
This free resource can be printed or used on Kami. It allows students to tell you about their week while providing the opportunity to make a quick connection with them. It is one of my favorite resources since it is low prep but powerful.
As students walk into my class, I like to always have their agenda displayed on my Smart Board. Students write their homework or "I learned" statement from the previous day, then settle into class. This allows me to take attendance & answer any questions. I've included Monday-Friday just in case you would like to make a copy and make it your own.
