Welcome!  I am looking forward to a successful school year for each of my students. Students should feel free to see me for extra help before or after school. Please contact me at EXT 2162 if you have any questions. You may also  email me: jlabenz@psdnet.org. Janis Labenz, Room 222.

Here are some highlights of each class I will teach this 2009 - 10 school year. To be successful, students should have good attendance and participate in each class. Each class will include work on organization skills. Each student will be responsible for organizing and maintaining class notes in a file folder. These notes will be used for texams, test reviews and homework assignments. Students will be graded on participation, projects, notebooks, homework, presentations, teacher observation, quizzes, and tests. Please note that homework is a wonderful way for students to practice what they have learned in class and will be assigned and graded on a regular basis. Help is always available so students should see me before, or after school for questions, and, of course, during class.  

 

 
   

Life Skills English

The Life Skills English class will focus on reading and writing skills as applied to everyday life activities. This year PMHS has purchased a new reading program that will afford students individualized reading practice using computer software and a textbook. The program emphasizes one strategy at a time and includes direct instruction as well as practice. Along with reading, and writing, students will practice new vocabulary and spelling words along with grammar and punctuation as they work in journals and participate in various classroom activities.

Computer Basics and Language

This class integrates use of the computer with world cultures and reading. Students will study different cultures while completing computer activities and research. They will read articles, complete presentations,  construct tables and graphs, and a variety of documents using desktop publishing techniques. 

 

Life Skills Math

In their math class students will learn and practice math skills needed for everyday life. They will work with time, money, banking, measuring, estimating, and other math skills necessary to be successful in their lives and careers. Students will practice math by completing homework assignments and working one on one with the instructor and classroom aides. 
Life Skills Science CE Students in the Life Skills Science class will study General Science. Students will read and discuss  the basics of Earth, Physical, and Life Science as well as The Human Body. Students will participate in a variety of reading and hands-on activities that will be further explored through class discussions, Internet research, and review of main concepts.