Academic Support Programs

Academic Language Development (ALD)

ALD is designed to support reclassified English Learners in narrative and expository reading, comprehension, essay writing, vocabulary development, and use of spoken language in the core content areas. Effective organization and study skills will be integrated into the curriculum. The course will prepare English Learners for success in using listening, speaking, reading and writing in high school college preparation (A-G) courses. This class is intended for students who are English Learners or Reclassified English Learner (RFEP) and have been recommended by their teacher or school counselor.

Jedd Bloom teaches ALD.

Click here for more information about PAUSD English Language Development Programs.

AVID

AVID stands for Achievement Via Individual Determination. The AVID elective targets 7th and 8th grade students in the academic middle who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. These are students who are capable of completing rigorous curriculum but may be falling short of their potential. AVID is a year-long class where students learn organizational and study skills, work on critical thinking and questioning techniques, get academic help from peers and college tutors, and participate in enrichment and motivational activities that make college seem attainable. Students are selected through a recommendation and interview process. Academic performance, attitude, and other qualifying factors make a student eligible for the AVID program. Usually, the AVID Coordinator will contact a student and his/her parents directly to participate in the program. More information is available online at www.avidonline.org

Joleen Roach teaches and coordinates Greene's AVID program.

Drama Club

Greene's Drama Club is a troupe of the International Thespian Society: #88306. Students earn membership through participation in after-school productions, seeing shows, & classroom performance. The Drama Club meets every WEDNESDAY during LUNCH in ROOM B-3 to discuss club business, prepare for shows, and do drama exercises. The Drama Club is the official sponsor of all After-School Productions, including a Musical, a large-cast Play, and a Drama Club Play. Students help select the plays, and support productions with fund-raisers and sweat equity. In turn, they earn points toward full Thespian membership or honors. There are opportunities to travel to regional or state-wide Drama competitions and workshops. A banquet in May celebrates and honors all Thespians and their participation over the year. Thespian membership is for life; students can transfer membership into a High School troupe when they leave Greene.

For more information, contact our drama teacher, Mohamed Chakmakchi

JAWS - Now Homework Habitat - Back in the Library

Greene Middle School offers an after-school homework study center known as  Homework Habitat

• Homework Habitat meets in the Greene Library on Mondays/Wednesdays from 2:35-4:45 P.M.

• Students must use their Binder Reminders as tickets for admission into Homework Habitat. Students will need to filling assignments they will be work on, prior to their arrival at Homework Habitat

• Teachers and tutors are available to assist students with their work. Students have access to the library computers and textbooks. 

• A snack is provided to each student participating in Homework Habitat. Students will have an opportunity to step outside and take a snack break. 

• A late bus (4:55 P.M.) is provided for students in the Voluntary Transfer Program (VTP). 

Homework Habitat will hold their first session on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.  Please complete a permission slip and bring it to your first visit to Homework Habitat with your binder reminder.  We look forward to seeing you at Homework Habitat!  Please contact Mr. Benavidez at sbenavidez@pausd.org if you have any questions

LINKS TO PERMISSION FORMS: 

• Homework Habitat Permission Slip 22-23- English
• Homework Habitat Permission Slip 22-23- Spanish
• Homework Habitat Permission Slip 22-23- Mandarin

Leadership

The Leadership class is designed to provide students the opportunity to help create and organize student activities at Greene. Students will be expected to spend time beyond the class period and outside the school day to perform these activities.

Leadership students will analyze important leadership skills throughout the semester. Students will practice organization and planning skills as they work in committees and organize activities. They will examine group dynamics and gain skills in time and stress management, activity planning, public speaking, and self-awareness.

Leadership is taught by Joleen Roach. For more information, visit the Leadership & Activities page.

Math Workshop

Math Workshop is intended for students who may need extra help in order to be successful in their math classes. In a relaxed, supportive environment with no more than 15-18 students and a math teacher who is familiar with their respective grade level program, students will work with 8th grade tutors to help them meet their individual math needs. Through individual and small group tutoring, organizational help, games, and computer programs, students will learn how to succeed in math.

Jennifer Macatangay teaches 6th grade Math Workshop, Kourtney Kientzy teaches 7th grade Math Workshop, and Bonnie Finato teaches 8th grade Math Workshop.

Writer's Workshop

Kara Smith teaches 7th grade Writer's Workshop and Christina Owen teaches 8th grade Writer's Workshop

Read 180

READ 180, an effective reading intervention program, is a comprehensive system of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development proven to raise reading achievement for struggling readers in grades 4-12+. Designed for any student reading two or more years below grade-level, READ 180 leverages adaptive technology to individualize instruction for students and provide powerful data for differentiation to teachers.

The purpose of the class is to enhance student focus, performance, and confidence in the areas of vocabulary, reading comprehension and critical thinking. The class is designed to help in all academic disciplines where reading is required. In addition, it offers an opportunity to improve reading and writing skills before the demands of high school academics.

Class size will range from 5 to 8 students. The environment will be interactive and individualized. Engaging yet demanding activities will show students that reading and writing have value in their lives and beyond the classroom. This class is intended for students who are reading below grade level and have been recommended by their teacher or school counselor. This is a yearlong course being implemented at all three middle schools.

Daryl Richard teaches Read 180.

Resource Programs

Students who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be enrolled in a Study Skills class for both 7th and 8th grade. This class will take the place of one elective course each semester. Study Skills is designed to teach students in the Resource Program the skills and strategies necessary to support organization, to provide support for academic classes and to prepare these students to become self-advocates and independent students. This class is not open to students who do not have an active IEP.

Greene has the following resource programs beyond Study Skills:

• Speech and Language
• Special Day - "Futures" - Classes
• Social Cognitive Class
• Therapeutic Support Class
• Focus on Success

Click here for more information about resource programs in PAUSD.