Definition of a trailblazer: a person who blazes a trail for others to follow through unsettled country or wilderness.

Team Expectations: To give 110% effort and to be an active participant in your education.

Team Rules:

1. Be respectful (respect people and property).

2. Be responsible (Take charge of your education).

3. Be ready (Be in your seat and working when the bell rings).

Trailblazer Team Information

EXTRA HELP:

Mrs. August: Before school, on most days
Ms. VanDuzee: Before and after school, on most days, and at lunch
Mrs. Parr: Before and after school, on most days, and at lunch

In addition to the days specified, students may ALWAYS make individual arrangements with any of the Trailblazer teachers for extra assistance.

Teachers:
Mrs. August – Science
Ms. VanDuzee – ELA
Mrs. Parr – ELA
Mrs. Noreiga – ELL Counselor

English Language Learner Program

Learning a second language is a two-part process. The first part is learning how to speak the language. The second part, which is more challenging, is learning how to read and write proficiently in that language. Your child is enrolled in English language development classes. The purpose of these classes is to strengthen the student’s reading, writing, math, and science skills to:
Prepare the student to compete in classrooms with native speakers
Help the student acquire the skills they will need to be successful adults
Begin preparing the student for the all-important High School Exit Exam

In their ELA and sheltered classes, your child will learn to set goals, to evaluate his/her progress, and to be an active participant in his/her education. He/she will be working to become academically proficient in all subject areas. These are exciting and ambitious goals which can only be achieved through the combined effort of the parents, the students, and the school.

4 Levels of ELA Classes
Level 1 - Basic acquisition and understanding of oral language (Newcommers).
Level 2 - Deeper understanding of oral language, with focus on writing and reading.
Level 3 - Lots of work on written language and comprehension, especially in regards to grammar.
Level 4 - Preparation for transition classes and focus on the grade level Language Arts standards.

Placement
Placement into an ELA class is based on several factors. Students are
initially placed into ELA 1,2, 3, or 4 classes depending on their 6th or 7th grade CELDT (California English Language Development Test) scores, STAR (Standardized Testing and Reporting) test scores, as well as teacher recommendations.

CELDT Test
The CELDT test is state mandated and assesses students listening/speaking, reading, and writing skills. The purpose of the test is to identify new students who are ELL’s in K-12, monitor their progress, and contribute in determining when they can be reclassified as FEP (Fluent English Proficient).

Reclassification from an ELL (English Language Learner) to a FEP (Fluent English Proficient)
Must score a total of “5” on their CELDT exam.
They must also score “Proficient” on their STAR exam
Earn either A’s or B’s in English.
Parent approval is also needed for re-classification, as students will no longer be receiving services.

PELL Meetings (Parents of English Language Learners)
These meetings take place four times during the school year and are set up to inform parents on school issues and involve them in the school community. Please call the school to find out when these meetings will be taking place. The first meeting is at Back to School Night.

ELL Adminstrator: Sherry Rickenbach
ELL School Coordinator: Christine Parr
ELL Counselor: Christina Noreiga

If you need assistance with any school supplies, please see your counselor.