1. Welcome to Mr. Ensey’s Humanities Plus Class
CONTACT INFO:
(This is the best way to get a hold of me!)
Remind (Daily homework)

2. Brief Bio
Live in Klahanie with Michelle & Quinn (junior at Skyline), but moving!
Maya (junior at UW)
Master’s in ED from UW
23rd year in district (taught 4th-8th)
National Board Certified Teacher
Writing Trainer for ISD
District Instructional Technology Specialist ( )

3. Overview of Advanced LASS
Choice leads to engagement
All about creativity, initiative and independence
Technology as a tool for deeper learning
Higher-level thinking (deep shovel)
Quicker pace (at times), more depth, more rigor, more reading and writing

4. Social Studies Weekly Learning Checks
Ancient Civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome
Focus is on Four Essential Questions:
Legacy-How is your life different today because of ancient civilizations?
Geography-How does where you live affect how you live?
Beliefs-How do your beliefs determine the rules you follow?
Technology-Why do we invent things?
Weekly Learning Checks
Service Learning Hero’s Project! (10 hrs)

5. The Writing/Reading Notebook (WRN)
Language Arts
Writer’s Workshop
Authentic writing/multiple genres
Grammar, spelling in context
Weekly SAT Vocabulary
Reader’s Workshop
Young Wonders
Hero’s Journey
Independent Reading Program
40+ books!
Read 4-5 days/wk in class
Scope Magazine
The Writing/Reading Notebook (WRN)
Authentic reading response and writing practice

6. Technology in Today’s Classroom
Technology to deepen learning
Microsoft Office 365
Google Drive
ONENOTE Classroom Notebook (and maybe Microsoft Teams)
iPads, Macbooks and PC’s provided by Issaquah Schools Foundation grants and Issaquah School District

7. TIPS FOR SUCCESS
SUCCESS INDICATORS: Collaboration, Initiative, Work Habits and Citizenship=Long-term success
Use Remind, my website and ONENOTE
Communicate with me (students first!)
Kindness Matters
Support, but don’t stress, your student!

8. Citizenship
A score of “4” indicates that the student consistently follows rules, respects others and completes work with integrity.

9. Collaboration
A score of “4” indicates that the student consistently participates productively, stays focused, and works well with their peers.

10. Initiative
A score of “4” indicates that they consistently ask questions, seek help, retake tests, and turn in missing work when given the opportunity.

11. Work Habits
A score of “4” indicates that the student consistently comes to class prepared and produces high quality, complete, on-time work. This includes daily assignments.

12. Daily Assignments
Daily/nightly assignments that are PRACTICE. These don’t count against your grade.

13. Assessments What you know and can do. Writing Assignments
Reading Assignments
Test and Quizzes
Yes (A-/A)
Mostly (B)
Some (C)
Not Yet (D)
Missing
3.7/4.0
3.4 (85%)
3.0 (75%)
2.6 (65%)
Deep understanding is obvious
Excellent skill/knowledge displayed
All parts complete and detailed
Good understanding with some minor issues
Solid skill/knowledge displayed with some minor issues
Most parts complete and detailed
A number of issues that show gaps in understanding
A few skills shown, but more needed
Missing parts, not enough detail
Many issues
Shows lack of understanding
Skills not shown
Missing many parts, lack of detail
Projects
Presentations
Scored discussions

14. How You Can Support Your Child in Every Class
Check Remind and website, but let your child solve his/her problems
Provide framework for organizing, but let your child own his/her plan
Give “professional advice” on homework, but let your child DO THE WORK.
Teach your child how to check Student Access

15. COMPASS for 6th Graders! Transition program for incoming 6th Graders
8th Grade Mentors run Orientation
Put on events (Halloween, Hoedown, Period of Service)
Meaningful for leaders and 6th graders
Talk about when you’re a junior how excited you are to see these 6th graders and know them personally when they get to Skyline.

17. “The 8th grade COMPASS leaders foster a sense of big brother and big sister-ness that helps build bonds between the younger and older students.  The fear of older kids is decreased and the desire to support the younger ones is increased.  A win-win!”
~Anne Kiemle, 8th Grade Teacher

18. Please email me if questions arise.
Thanks so much for coming and making your child’s education a priority!