Woodland Elementary School
2025-2026 Syllabus
Mrs. Courtney Makis
Special Education Teacher
cmakis@greenville.k12.sc.us
864-355-0456
Syllabus Overview
I. Class Schedule
II. Description of Students
III. Learning & Developmental Goals
IV. Units of Instruction
V. Instructional Materials & Resources
VI. Evaluation of Student Progress
VII. Student Records
VIII. Homework Policy
IX. Make-Up Policy
X. Attendance & Tardy Policy
XI. Classroom Expectations
XII. Classroom Routines
XIII. Presentation of Rules & Procedures
XIV. Parent Communication
XV. eLearning Guidelines for Inclement Weather
Confidential information—shared individually with families as needed.
Confidential information—individual details are included in each student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
All goals are outlined in your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Copies are provided to parents and emailed to all general education and related arts teachers who work with your child. IEPs are securely stored in the school’s records room.
Instruction is tailored to each child’s needs, and timeframes vary depending on the IEP. Skills are taught using spiral curriculums.
Reading Skills:
Phonemic Awareness & Phonics
Word Structure
Main Idea & Details
Sequencing
Vocabulary Development
Drawing Conclusions & Making Inferences
Cause & Effect
Writing Skills:
Proofreading & Editing
The Writing Process
Narrative, Opinion, and Informational Writing
Math Skills:
Number Systems
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication & Division
Time & Money
Word Problems
Measurement & Geometry
Reading & Language: Spire, Explode the Code, Easy CBM, Making Connections, Wordly Wise, Amira, IXL, I-Ready
Math: Saxon Math, IXL, Explore Learning, I-Ready
Technology & Platforms: Promethean Board, Google Education Tools
Social Skills: Leader in Me, Social Thinking, Zones of Regulation
Students are assessed formally and informally at their instructional level, using the district grading scale. Evaluation methods include:
Classwork & Homework
Projects & Presentations
Teacher Observations & Participation
State & District Assessments (SC Ready, PASS, MVPA, ACCESS) with IEP accommodations
Grading Scale:
A = 90–100
B = 80–89
C = 70–79
D = 60–69
F = 50–59
The School District of Greenville County Grade Weightings
Student grades are based on a mix of daily work, quizzes, projects, and tests. In Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, minor grades (classwork, quizzes, and small assignments) count for 60%, while major grades (tests, projects, and performance tasks) make up 40%, except in Language Arts where major grades count for 30%. Spelling is graded separately and counts for 10% of the total grade. All assessments are designed to reflect a modified curriculum, measure both knowledge and skills, and may vary in format.
Progress reports are sent home quarterly. Annual IEP meetings review student growth and plan next steps. Additional meetings can be requested by parents, teachers, or administrators at any time.
Homework is assigned Monday and due Friday. Work is individualized to support IEP goals.
Missed assignments must be completed upon return to school.
Students are expected to arrive on time and attend daily unless otherwise stated in their IEP. Excessive absences or tardies will be reported to the office, and parents will be contacted.
We follow the Woodland school-wide expectations:
LEADER:
Leading by Example
Achieving Success
Determined and Eager to be Responsible Students
Classroom Behavior Process:
Verbal Warning
Teacher Conference (“Think Time”)
Parent Contact (note or phone call)
Office Referral
Some students may have individual behavior plans as outlined in their IEPs.
Morning: Students enter quietly, unpack, and begin morning work.
Attendance: Taken promptly at 7:45 AM.
Restroom Use: Allowed anytime except during direct instruction (emergencies excluded).
Expectations, rewards, and consequences are taught during the first two weeks of school and revisited after long breaks. They remain posted in the classroom for daily reference.
I value strong home–school partnerships. Communication methods include:
Weekly updated class webpage
Quarterly IEP goal updates
Phone calls, emails, and parent-teacher conferences as needed
Annual IEP meetings and additional meetings upon request
If school shifts to eLearning, students will receive an individualized packet. I will be available via phone, email, and Google Meet to provide assistance.