Syllabus

Mauldin Middle School

Mauldin Middle School

• Teacher: Mr. Jeremy Gagnon (pronounced: Gon-yo)

• Room Number: D162

• Email: jngagnon@greenville.k12.sc.us

• Planning Time: Lunch/Planning: 10:04-11:37,Planning 1:11-1:41

• Extra Help Hours:7:30-8:30 AM every weekday  

🌟 Course Focus, Purpose & Description

The English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program is a year-long course designed for students in grades 6–8 with a WIDA proficiency level of approximately 4 or lower. The primary purpose of this course is to accelerate English language acquisition so students can succeed in all academic subjects and future career opportunities. Classes consist of approximately 15 students or fewer to provide targeted, individual support.

🎯 Learning Goals, Objectives & Standards

• General Course Objectives: Develop proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing; expand academic vocabulary; improve reading comprehension; and practice functional communication for real-world and professional settings.

• WIDA Standard 1 (Language for Social and Instructional Purposes): English language learners communicate for social and instructional purposes within the school setting.

• Note: Coursework and individual objectives are aligned with each student’s WIDA ACCESS literacy score.

📚 Textbooks, Materials & Resources

• Textbooks & Online Resources: National Geographic (Inside/Edge Series) and Lexia English

• Required Daily Materials:

  1. Fully charged Chromebook & charger (Charge every night!)

  2. Pencils and erasers

📊 Assessing, Evaluating & Recording Student Progress

Student progress is monitored regularly through informal checks for understanding, digital program tracking (Lexia), quizzes, and major performance tasks. Grades are updated weekly in Parent Backpack / Student Backpack.

Grading Scale (SC Uniform Grading Scale)

• A: 90–100% | B: 80–89% | C: 70–79% | D: 60–69% | F: 59% & below

Grading Breakdown

• 50% Minor Grades: Concept quizzes, English speaking participation, classwork (group/individual), and Lexia participation.

• 50% Major Grades: Unit tests, major writing assignments, and capstone projects.

📋 Classroom Rules, Guidelines & Policies

Classroom Guidelines & Expectations

1. Be Prepared: Charge your computer every night and bring your supplies.

2. Be Respectful: Treat your teacher and peers with courtesy and kindness.

3. Be Courageous: Attempt all assignments, even if you do not understand everything right away.

4. No Devices: Cell phones and personal earbuds are strictly prohibited during class.

Assignment Submission

• Students are expected to submit all assigned work. Assignments that are not recorded in the gradebook are intentional steps to ensure student mastery of standards. 

Missing Work Due to Not Handed In

• Assigned work that is not handed in by the due date will be recorded in the gradebook as a code of NHI. The code of NHI equates to a score or zero in the gradebook. 

Missing Work Due to Student Absences

• Assigned work missed due to an absence will be recorded as MDA in the gradebook. The code of MDA equates to a score of zero in the gradebook.

• Students have five (5) school days after returning from an absence to submit missed work. 

• If a student misses a major assessment while absent, on the first day back, arrangements should be made with the teacher to make up the assessment within five days. 

Classroom Retake Policy 

• Students will have the opportunity to retake major assessments however, essays, projects and performances that are assigned major assessment grades are not eligible for a retake.

• Once grades for the assessment are posted, the student will have five (5) days to complete the school Google Form indicating they intend to retake the assessment. 

• The teacher will provide a reteaching opportunity, and schedule a time for the student to complete the retake. 

• Students must have completed all minor assessments associated with the instructional unit in order to complete the retake.

• An alternate assessment or revised learning task may be used to demonstrate mastery of the same standards measured by the original assessment. 

• The highest score will be placed in the gradebook. 

• All assessments must be completed by the end of the grading period.

📞 Plan for Communicating with Parents

Communication between home and school is essential for student success. I communicate with parents through:

• Email & Phone Calls: Direct contact for updates, questions, or concerns.

• Interpretation Services: For multilingual families, phone calls and messages will be conducted using school district translation/interpretation services.

• Parent Backpack: Grades and attendance are updated regularly online.

MagicSchool Blurb for Teacher Syllabus

This year, students will have access to MagicSchool AI, a generative AI platform built for schools that will help them learn to use the technology safely and responsibly.  

With tools like ChatGPT and Gemini being used in the professional world, it’s important that students learn how to use the technology safely. By using MagicSchool in our classrooms, your students will be prepared for the future of technology in the workforce.  

While students use MagicSchool tools for purposes such as receiving real time feedback, getting their questions answered, and in other exciting ways, I will have access to their chats to ensure that it’s used appropriately.  Rest assured, MagicSchool does not collect or  utilize student data.  All instruction programs including Artificial Intelligence software like MagicSchool meet the requirements contained in GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.   

Generative AI Blurb for Teacher Syllabus

Generative AI tools like MagicSchool and Google Gemini may be used in this course to enhance learning. Greenville County Schools emphasizes the ethical use of such technology. While AI can be used for self-learning and generating ideas, it should not replace your own critical thinking and work. It is important to note that using AI to complete assignments and submitting them as your own is plagiarism. If AI is allowed by your teacher, you must cite it according to the correct citation. Be aware of the potential for bias and inaccuracies in AI-generated content. Use these tools ethically and be aware of their limitations. Generative AI is meant to supplement, not replace, traditional instruction. All instruction programs including Artificial Intelligence meet the requirements contained in GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.   

2026-2027 Teacher Guidance for Administrative Rule IA for Secondary Grades 6-12

GCS Administrative Rule IA

Technology and AI are intended to support instruction, not replace strong teaching, collaboration, and critical thinking. Good instructional planning and delivery require that teaching is the tool, not the lesson. Highly effective classrooms should balance direct instruction, student collaboration, critical thinking, meaningful student engagement, and purposeful technology integration. Teachers should:

Keep Instruction Student Centered:

Prioritize direct instruction and interpersonal collaboration

Balance technology use with discussion, writing, problem-solving, and productive struggle

Avoid excessive dependence on digital worksheets or passive online activities

Ensure students are not on devices for the majority of a class period unless instruction specifically requires technology use (i.e. specific assessments, research projects, creation and collaboration)

Used District-Approved Platforms Only

Use applications approved through the District Software Approval Process

Access approved tools through ClassLink when applicable

Avoid using unapproved third-party websites or technology tools

Resource: 2026-27 Approved Instructional Apps

AI Use Must Be Approved and Purposeful

Teachers may NOT assign unapproved AI platforms to students, but only use District-approved AI tools aligned to instructional goals

Monitor student AI usage carefully and teach ethical and responsible AI use

Clearly communicate AI expectations & include permitted AI usage information in course syllabi

Clarify when AI use is permitted or prohibited for assignments

Protect Student Information

Protect student information by using only District-approved technology tools, entering student PII only into approved platforms, limiting shared information to what is necessary, and adhering to all FERPA, COPPA, CIPA, and district data privacy requirements.