COURSE INFORMATION

WELCOME

Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome to Mr. Jackson's Autism Class Website. I am excited to begin my 16th year at Explorer Middle School, I look forward to getting to know you and having a fun, rewarding, and productive experience that will enhance the growth of my students, staff, and myself. In order to achieve our goals for the year, I will be implementing learning activities that are aligned with the Arizona State Standards as well as individualized educational, social, and communication goals and objectives. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to call or email me at anytime.

Curriculum:

Curriculum areas we will focus on this year include Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Social Skills, Life/Functional Skills, and language development will be integrated throughout the daily curriculum.

**More information is provided under "COURSES."

Homework:

Students will be assigned homework packets on Monday and should be completed and turned in by Friday (or the following Monday, if you require the weekend to complete). Homework is sent home to give students further practice to maintain the skills they have already learned. As students acquire and become more comfortable with new skills, homework will be given in those areas as well.

Homework should not take more than an hour per night. If your child is having difficulties or is spending a great deal of time with this, please contact me so we can adjust the amount/level of the work.

Also, homework is not a requirement:

If you do not want your child receiving homework, please let me know (I know that homework can create ANXIETY and wouldn't want to increase more for the already anxious).

Contact Information:

Mr. Mike Jackson, M.Ed.
Explorer Middle School
- - 22401 N. 40th Street
  - Rooms 204/205
(602) 449-4200, ext: 34211
Voice LINK #: 72105
email: mijackson@pvlearners.net

ABOUT MR. JACKSON

I am an Arizona native, born in Phoenix, but grew up in Tempe, AZ. I currently reside in Arrowhead Ranch with my dogs Kylie and Dani. I also a desert tortoise named Dezi" and numerous fish, including our class pet, a Betta named Bruno.

I graduated from Arizona State University with a Master’s Degree in Special Education with a background in Psychology (B.A.). In February of 2008, I began working here at Explorer Middle School. Before working in the Paradise Valley Unified School District, I spent time working in the Scottsdale Unified District as well as teaching in an alternative school for “at-risk” students.

Philosophy: I believe that we are all unique individuals with special talents, abilities, and specific ways of learning. As an educator, it is my job to embrace my students' individuality, help them discover and enrich their talents/abilities, and create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment in which WE ALL learn!

I really enjoy working with students within this unique population. I am excited for the opportunity to get to know you and look forward to a happy and productive school year!

More About Me:

Name: Mr. Mike Jackson

Birthday: December 27th

Interests:

Activities: I enjoy traveling, photography, hiking, music, movies/theater, cooking, and spending time with friends/family.

Music: Extremely eclectic tastes. I enjoy staying on top of current music in most genres. I am an avid theater and concert goer.

Books: Mystery, Suspense, Adventure, and of course, I keep up with young adult popular fiction titles.

Food: I love to eat and try out new restaurants. Favorites include: Asian and Mexican food.

Restaurants: PF Changs, On The Border, Macayo's, and Red Robin, YUM!

Pets: Based on the menagerie listed above, I am obviously an animal lover.

EXPECTATIONS

You are expected to respect others, use appropriate words, and follow the classroom rules.

Classroom Rules:

1. Raise your hand to ask/answer questions

2. Stay in your seat and work quietly

3. Keep hands and feet to yourself

4. Listen and follow teacher directions

5. Wait your turn to speak

6. Stay on task and do your best work

P.R.I.D.E.

Here at Explorer, We "Ride With PRIDE!"

POSITIVE: strive to see the best in yourself and others

RESPECT: treat others the way you want to be treated

INTEGRITY: do the right thing, even when no one is watching

DETERMINATION: take the steps you need to succeed

EMPATHY: appreciate the differences of others and respond with kindness

GRADING

Due to the individualized nature of our program, student progress towards individual IEP goals will be reported on quarterly progress reports. Student progress will be evaluated based on class work, quizzes, and homework completion (if applicable). Letter grades will be assigned using the following grading curve.

Grading Curve:

A = 89.5% -100%

B = 79.5% -89.5%

C = 69.5% -79.5%

D = 59.5% -69.5%

Here is a recommended list of school supplies that your child will need when we return to in-person instruction. Please scroll down to read the list. Wish list items are also included.

Materials Needed:

Personal Materials:

1. 70-page spiral notebook

2. Two-three Portfolio folders (various colors/styles)

3. Homework folder

4. 1 pack of colored pencils/markers

5. 1 pair of scissors

6. 1 pack of dry erase markers

7. 12 or 24 pack of pencils

8. Pair of headphones for use on computer, audio books, etc.

9. PE Clothes: If your student is taking PE, You will be able to purchase Gym clothes (Shirt and Shorts). Details will be sent home soon.

*It is recommended that students at least wear a shirt.

10. Snacks: As a part of our day, we do incorporate a snack time to help keep our minds and bodies stimulated throughout our academic day. Please bring in a snack appropriate to your child's diet.

**reminder: We are a peanut free campus, so please no items containing peanuts. Thanks!

On-going Wish List for Community Items (Things we all use and are nice to have on hand):

1. hand sanitizer

2. sanitizing wipes for the desks

3. boxes of tissue

4. copy paper

5. washable markers

6. dry erase markers

7. dish soap

8. individual bottles of water or juices (ie: Capri Sun, etc.)

9. snacks: We also welcome donations for snack (ie: microwave popcorn, graham crackers, goldfish, etc.**)

10. Gift Cards to: Target, Amazon, Walmart

**reminder: We are a peanut free campus, so please no items containing peanuts. Thanks!

District approved Cleaning supply donations are listed below:

Items must be from this list:

Other products that are acceptable but will not be supplied by the district.

○ Any other hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol (per CDC).

○ Purell disinfecting spray SDS

○ Purell hand sanitizing wipes SDS

○ Clorox disinfecting wipes SDS

○ Simple Green disinfectant spray SDS

○ Germ-X Hand sanitizer SDS

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