NEXUS A Freshman Support Class Medford High School

NEXUS: A Freshman Support Class Medford High School Mr. David Ambrose Mrs. Le. Clair September 22, 2016

NEXUS (noun): 1. 2. 3. A connection or series of connections linking two or more things A connected group or series The central and most important point or place

Welcome to Nexus! This class will be all about making connections within our school community during your freshman year. We hope this class will become a true “nexus” – your central and most important point or place here at Medford High School.

Course Overview A support class for ninth graders that meets every school day Will support you to succeed in the high school environment Set goals for ourselves, play team-building games, manage our assignments for our classes, complete our homework, and learn about relevant topics from a variety of visitors A “homebase” where you can check in daily with your teachers

Typical Class Format Introduction Mini-Lesson on Weekly Theme Students Work on Assignments from Classes Check Agendas Students Meet Individually with Mr. Ambrose and Mrs. Le. Clair to Conference on Goals, Assignments, Concerns Wrap Up

Units of Study Setting Goals and Working to Achieve Them Clubs and Activities at MHS/MVTHS Study Skills and Test Taking Prep Essay Writing Organization and Time Management Conflict Resolution Team Building Problem Solving Community Service Making Healthy Choices Resume Writing and Job Applications

Weekly Units So Far Week 1: 2: 3: 4: Team Building Setting Goals Join a Club Respect

A Little About Mrs. Le. Clair 31 years old 10 years teaching at MHS ◦ Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus ◦ Nexus Support Course ◦ MCAS Math Proud mother to Finn and Bodie Bridgewater State University, B. A. Mathematics and Secondary Education American International College, M. Ed. , Moderate Disabilities Class Advisor

A Little About Mr. Ambrose 35 years old, 13 years teaching at MHS ◦ English 10 Honors and English 10 Standard ◦ Nexus Support Course ◦ Yearbook Proud father to Ben and Charlotte UMass Amherst ’ 03, B. A. English and Journalism UMass Amherst ’ 04, M. Ed. Urban Education 2014 Graduation Speaker Accreditation Committee

Other Support Staff John Perella Nicholas Tucci David Blauch Amelia Jensen Stacey Schulman Ben Staines Becca Steinberg Tracey Riley, Rhonda Musikar-Rosner, Kathryn Cook, Lauren Alessandro

Contact Information dambrose@medford. k 12. ma. us mleclair@medford. k 12. ma. us

Index Cards Your name and your child’s name Is there anything you want me to know so that I may be a better teacher for your child? Is there anything you would like to share about your child’s personality, interests, or previous academic experiences? Thank you for coming!