- Slauson Middle School
- Academics & Support
A Culture of Success
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Slauson Middle School is proud to be a charter member of the National Junior Honor Society, a nationally recognized program honoring scholarship, character, and service. Slauson Middle School promotes a safe campus environment where all students have a sense of belonging. Students, parents, and community members are treated with dignity and respect and play a critical role in the school community. Students are at the center of every decision we make. Parents are invited to take an active role in “Panther Parents,” the Slauson Middle School volunteer parent organization.
Slauson Middle School also participates in the nationally recognized W.E.B. Middle School Transition Program for 6th graders. “Where Everyone Belongs” partners new 6th graders with “Panther Pal” 7th and 8th grade mentors who help them be successful in their first year as 6th graders. Panther Pals lead 6th graders in orientation activities, helping them to become comfortable in their first year of middle school. This program reinforces what we expect of students by creating a culture where all students matter.
A.V.I.D.
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Advancement Via Individual Determination is a program for college-bound students. This elective course for 8th graders provides a focus on critical thinking, reading, writing, study skills, and Cornell note-taking. Students participate in small group tutorials twice a week with college tutors; and, field trips focus on the college experience.
Academic Programs
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Additional Instruction
In addition to our many academic and enrichment elective course offerings, Slauson offers additional academic support for struggling students through a variety of programs. Additional instruction is provided in the areas of Language Arts and math. Teachers support English Language Learners through the use of SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol) strategies during instruction.
Students who require additional math or Language Arts support may receive an additional hour of instruction during the school day. Two IPod wireless portable labs and a Google Chromebook cart provide additional technical support for struggling students in math and reading fluency.
The Spanish Literacy elective is offered in fifth and sixth periods for students in preparation for high school Spanish and Advanced Placement Spanish courses.
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Music & Media
In addition, Slauson offers music education classes. In the choir, students learn to read music and receive vocal performance instruction. Students may also choose the band as an elective. Beginning students who are interested will learn how to play an instrument. In advanced band, students will advance in their instrumental skills. Students can also participate in the district mariachi band.
In the Studio 19 Digital Media Program, students learn a variety of multimedia computer applications, filmmaking, editing, and storyboarding using Common Core Standards. Media students create the Panther Press Yearbook and Newspaper using digital technology. Students who are interested in learning how to shade and sketch different art pieces can take the Art class.
Slauson students who participate in the Leadership elective class attend student leadership conferences and plan school-wide student events and activities at lunch and after school, as well as promote school spirit and positive school culture.
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Academic Support
Slauson Middle School provides well-rounded academic support and enrichment to all students. All students receive rigorous instruction of the California Common Core State Standards and are encouraged to participate in an Honors Option program in Language Arts, Social Science, and Science. Students who complete the Honors Option Enrichment Research Projects and earn a B or better in these classes are eligible to earn an Honors Designation on their semester report cards.
Students who are currently in ELD classes are required to be in ELD classes until they are reclassified. Students who need additional support in improving their reading skills can take Reading Intervention. We also offer Math Support for students to improve in their math skills.
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Academic Plan
All Slauson students receive a 6-year Academic Plan, which includes a 2-year Middle School Plan, transitioning to a 4-year High School Academic Plan. Committed to continuous learning, Slauson teachers are highly experienced educators who implement researched and evidenced-based learning, which provides foundational skills for students to succeed in high school and college. Students learn content in the context of real-world situations, project-based learning, and problem-solving through practical application. Students demonstrate knowledge through written expressions, reasoning, and text-based evidence. Slauson learning technology includes three computer labs, two portable wireless laptop computer labs, two IPod portable wireless labs, two science labs, and a Lego Mindstorm Robotics Lab. Classrooms are equipped with LCD projectors and document cameras.
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After School Programs
Slauson provides several after school programs and activities for our students. The AUSD Mariachi Program provides students in elementary through high school the opportunity to participate in this outstanding after school program. Think Together provides after school activities to 120 students, including an opportunity to complete homework and receive tutoring, as well as a variety of activities and sports.
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S.T.E.M.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics electives utilize Common Core standards through hands-on discovery activities; 7th-grade and 8th-grade students explore real-world STEM components through project-based learning experiences. The various STEM course curriculum includes Project Lead the Way Robotics; The Magic of Electrons; The Science of Flight and Space; Computer Programming; and Lego MindStorm Computer Generated Robotics Curriculum.
