Mary Pat Penley
Contact
Schedule
Agendas
Practical English Syllabus 2025-2026
CC Lab Syllabus 2025-2026
What is the role of an Accessibility Educator?
Practical English Year at A Glance
CC Lab Year at a Glance

Mary Pat Penley
Contact
Schedule
Agendas
Practical English Syllabus 2025-2026
CC Lab Syllabus 2025-2026
What is the role of an Accessibility Educator?
Practical English Year at A Glance
CC Lab Year at a Glance

Mary Pat Penley

I’m excited to begin my 13th year teaching in the Helena School District! As one of the Accessible Education teachers at Helena High School, I’m passionate about supporting students in their educational journey and helping them reach their goals.

My teaching career began in 1993, following my graduation from Eastern Montana College. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching in several states—Virginia, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Hawaii. I earned my Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 1997, and a few years ago, I achieved National Board Certification.

I look forward to a wonderful year ahead, creating a supportive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment for every student. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at mpenley@helenaschools.org.

Agendas

CC Lab:

November Agenda for Practical English

Month Focus:

Vocabulary Development & Context Clues
Standards: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.4, L.9-10.6
Skills: Academic and real-world vocabulary, using context clues, written and oral language usage

Week 1: Nov 3 – Nov 7

Focus: Introducing Vocabulary & Interactive Grammar Notebooks

Begin Interactive Grammar Notebook setup: title pages, table of contents, and first section on Parts of Speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives).
Introduce key academic and workplace vocabulary.
Daily warm-ups: Use context clues to figure out unfamiliar words from short texts.
Group activity: Match vocabulary words to real-life situations (school, work, community).
Friday: Notebook check & short quiz on using context clues in sentences.

Week 2: Nov 10 – Nov 14

Focus: Context Clues & Word Meaning in Context

Interactive Notebook entry: Types of Context Clues (definition, synonym, antonym, inference).
Daily reading passages: underline context clues and define highlighted words.
Practice rewriting sentences using different vocabulary words with the same meaning.
Oral practice: students explain vocabulary words in their own words.
Friday: Mini assessment – identify and define unknown words using context clues.

Week 3: Nov 17 – Nov 21

Focus: Applying Vocabulary in Writing & Speech

Interactive Notebook entry: Connotation vs. Denotation – how word choice changes tone and meaning.
Daily writing prompts: use 3 new vocabulary words correctly in sentences or short responses.
Partner activity: vocabulary charades or “Word Detective” (guess the word using context clues).
Grammar review: adjectives and adverbs for word precision.
Friday: Vocabulary quiz & notebook check for completeness and accuracy.

Week 4: Nov 24 – Nov 26

(Short Week – Thanksgiving Break)
Focus: Real-World Vocabulary & Review

Real-world vocabulary practice: job applications, directions, everyday communication.
Review activity: “Vocabulary Scavenger Hunt” – find examples of target words in short reading passages or online articles.
Wrap-up reflection in Interactive Notebook: “3 new words I use now and how they help me.”
Wednesday: End-of-month review game (Kahoot, Quizizz, or team challenge).

Ongoing Throughout November:

Bell Ringer: Context clue practice (5-minute quick writes or matching).
Interactive Notebook: Updated weekly with grammar mini-lessons, vocabulary practice, and reflection pages.
Goal: Build confidence in decoding and using new words in both academic and everyday settings.

Practical English Syllabus 2025-2026

Practical English 2025–2026

Welcome to Practical English! This class is designed to support you in becoming a stronger reader, writer, and communicator. We will focus on building skills in grammar, decoding, and literature in a supportive environment that meets your individual needs and IEP goals.

In this class, we will work on reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing, and communication skills that connect to real-world situations. Our goal is to help you become a confident reader and writer who is prepared for life after high school.

Bengal Expectations

Be a Graduate!
Grading will be based on daily points from participation, effort and mastery/progression of skills.

Be a Graduate – Attendance
Be in class on time and stay the whole period.
Be Involved – Participation
Complete Bell Ringers, Exit Tickets, and class activities.
Be Respectful – Attitude
Show respect toward classmates, staff, and materials.
Be Responsible – Effort
Stay on task, complete assignments, and give your best effort.

What We Will Learn

Practical English will follow state content standards and your IEP goals. This means we will:

Build Reading Skills – practice decoding strategies, fluency, and comprehension using short stories, novels, and informational texts.
Develop Vocabulary – strengthen academic and everyday vocabulary through games, word study, and context clues.
Improve Grammar & Writing – learn sentence structure, punctuation, and grammar through hands-on activities and real-world writing tasks.
Explore Literature – read a variety of texts (classic, modern, and high-interest) to understand themes, characters, and connections to real life.
Communicate Effectively – practice speaking and listening skills in class discussions, presentations, and group work.

All lessons will be adapted to your learning style and pace, with built-in support to help you succeed.

Be Involved!

Be an active participant in class! Each day you’ll start with a Bell Ringer (a quick warm-up in reading, writing, or grammar) and finish with an Exit Ticket (a short reflection or skill check). You’ll also be expected to:

Track your reading goals and progress.
Share what you’re learning with your families
Ask for help when you need it—we are here to support you!

Be Respectful!

Come ready to learn—be in your seat when the bell rings.
Phones stay put away during class. Chromebooks are for classwork unless you have earned free time.
Treat others with kindness—be supportive of your classmates.

Be Responsible!

Keep track of your assignments and due dates.
Take care of classroom books and materials.
Do your best work and turn it in on time.
Take ownership of your learning—we will meet you where you are and help you grow, but you are in charge of your success.

Materials

If you need school supplies and are unable to get them, please let me know and I will make sure you have what you need.

Contact Information

If you or your family need to reach me, you can email me at mpenley@helenaschools.org or send me a message on Teams.

Together, we’ll make this a great year of growth, learning, and confidence in your reading and writing!

CC Lab Syllabus 2025-2026

Core Curriculum Lab 2025-2026

Welcome to Core Curriculum Lab (CC Lab). This is a supported study hall where we will work together to help you stay organized, track your grades, work on assignments, and learn study skills to help you become the best student you can be.

Bengal Expectations

Be a graduate!

Grading will be based on 4 total points from participation in daily activities. Grading scale is Pass/Fail.

Your grade in this class will be based on 4 daily points based on our Bengal Expectations:

(1) Be a Graduate- Attendance (Get to class on time and stay in class the entire period)

(2) Be Involved- Participation in Bell Ringers and Exit Tickets

(3) Be Respectful- Follow classroom expectations and show respect towards staff and students

(4) Be Responsible- On task behavior- actively working on assignments

If you need school supplies and are unable to get them for any reason, please come talk with me, Mrs. Penley, and I will make sure that you have what you need to be successful.

Be Involved!

Be an active participant in class. Join a club and/or activity at Helena High. Volunteer in your community. Be involved in this class by coming in on time, participating in bell ringers, and logging into PowerSchool to check for any missing assignments. Each week you will be expected to keep your guardians and case manager in the loop by sending an email with what you need to work on. During the class period you will be working on assignments for your outside classes. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you do not understand an assignment or need help with anything!

Be Respectful!

Be a positive person in class by being enthusiastic, curious, and kind. Be in your seat when the bell rings. Three tardies result in lunch detention. Treat your classmates and teachers with respect. Cellphones are not allowed during class time. Chromebooks are to be used for educational purposes only unless you have been given permission to have free time.

Be Responsible!

Each day, begin class with a Bell Ringer. At the end of class, put all of your materials away neatly and complete the Exit Ticket before leaving. Take care of the classroom technology and equipment. It is your responsibility to complete assignments and turn them in. Be responsible by keeping track of due dates, keeping materials in a safe place, and talking to teachers about missing assignments. We are here to help you succeed, but ultimately it is up to you to be motivated and successful.

If you need to reach me, please email me at mpenley@helenaschools.org or send me a TEAMS chat.

What is the role of an Accessibility Educator?

All accessible education teachers, often referred to as special education teachers or teachers specializing in inclusive education, focus on ensuring that all students, including those with disabilities or learning challenges, have equal opportunities to succeed in the classroom. Here’s a breakdown of what we strive to do:

Individualized Instruction: We create tailored lesson plans and teaching strategies to meet the unique needs of each student. This might involve modifying assignments, using different teaching methods, or providing additional support.
Collaboration: We work closely with other educators, school administrators, and parents to develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans. These plans outline specific accommodations and modifications to help students succeed.
Support Services: We may coordinate with other specialists such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, or counselors to provide comprehensive support for students.
Classroom Environment: We adapt the physical and social environment of the classroom to be more accessible. This might involve arranging the classroom layout to accommodate mobility devices or creating a sensory-friendly space for students with sensory processing issues.
Behavior Management: We use positive behavior support strategies to help students with behavioral challenges. This can include developing behavioral intervention plans and teaching social and emotional skills.
Advocacy: We advocate for the needs of students with disabilities, ensuring that their rights are upheld and that they receive the necessary resources and support.
Assessment and Progress Monitoring: We regularly assess students’ progress and adjust instruction as needed. This involves evaluating both academic achievement and social-emotional development.
Professional Development: We stay updated with the latest research, teaching strategies, and legal requirements related to special education and inclusive practices.

Practical English Year at A Glance

2025–2026 Practical English Class – Mary Pat Penley
Materials for units after October will be determined based on student needs and objectives.

Month	Topic	Materials	Focus	Standards Alignment
August 2025	Course Introduction & Speaking/Listening Skills	The Outsiders, graphic organizers, notebooks	Class expectations, Bell Ringers, Exit Tickets, discussion norms	CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1, SL.9-10.4
September 2025	Speaking & Listening – Novel Study: The Outsiders	The Outsiders, discussion guides, CC Lab support, exit tickets	Oral summaries, collaborative discussions, identifying themes and characters	CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1, SL.9-10.4
October 2025	Reading Comprehension – Short Stories & Informational Texts	Selected short stories, informational texts, graphic organizers	Decoding, fluency, comprehension strategies, connecting text to theme	CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1, RL.9-10.2, RI.9-10.1
November 2025	Vocabulary Development & Context Clues	To be determined based on student objectives	Academic and real-world vocabulary, using context clues, written and oral usage	CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.4, L.9-10.6
December 2025	Reading & Literary Analysis	To be determined based on student objectives	Citing textual evidence, analyzing characters, plot, and themes	CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1, RL.9-10.2
January 2026	Writing & Grammar – Sentence Structure & Punctuation	To be determined based on student objectives	Real-world writing tasks, sentence construction, grammar practice	CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2, L.9-10.1
February 2026	Writing Skills – Informative and Explanatory Texts	To be determined based on student objectives	Organizing ideas, drafting, revising, and editing written work	CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2, W.9-10.4
March 2026	Project-Based Learning – Integrated Reading, Writing, & Communication	To be determined based on student objectives	Creating presentations, written projects, connecting literature to real-world contexts	CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.2, RL.9-10.1, SL.9-10.4
April 2026	Presentation Skills & Public Speaking	To be determined based on student objectives	Delivering projects, oral summaries, self-reflection, peer feedback	CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4, SL.9-10.5
May 2026	Final Projects & Review of Reading/Writing Skills	To be determined based on student objectives	Consolidating skills, demonstrating growth in reading, writing, and communication	CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1, W.9-10.2, SL.9-10.4
June 2026	End-of-Year Wrap-Up & Assessments	To be determined based on student objectives	Review, final assessments, reflections on progress	CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1, W.9-10.2, SL.9-10.4

CC Lab Year at a Glance

Helena High School – Core Curriculum Lab 2025-2026 Year at a Glance – Mary Pat Penley
Materials for units after October will be determined based on student needs and goals.

Month	Topic	Materials	Focus	Transition/Life After High School Connection
August 2025	Course Introduction & Organization Skills	Notebooks, planners, CC Lab login info	Bell Ringers, Exit Tickets, setting goals, classroom routines	Introduce importance of organization and time management for work or postsecondary training
September 2025	Checking Grades & Tracking Assignments	PowerSchool, planner, assignment sheets	Learn to check grades, track missing assignments, develop weekly plan	Practice self-monitoring skills needed for college/work environments
October 2025	Study Skills & Time Management	Graphic organizers, CC Lab checklists	Prioritizing tasks, breaking assignments into steps, managing time	Build skills for independent study and meeting deadlines in future training or jobs
November 2025	Communication & Email Skills	Email access, templates	Writing professional emails to teachers, guardians, case managers	Develop workplace communication skills, including professional messaging and advocacy
December 2025	Review & Reflect	Completed work samples, reflection sheets	Reflect on academic progress, adjust study strategies	Encourage self-reflection and planning for postsecondary success
January 2026	Mid-Year Goal Setting	Goal sheets, planners	Set academic and personal goals for second semester	Connect goal setting to career planning and life after high school
February 2026	Independent Work & Accountability	CC Lab checklists, assignment trackers	Work independently on assignments, maintain progress	Reinforce skills for independent work expected in college, trade school, or jobs
March 2026	Transition Planning Introduction	Career interest surveys, Pathful lessons, vocational planning tools	Explore postsecondary options, trade school, or career pathways	Begin planning for life after high school, including jobs, training, or college
April 2026	Skill Building & Application	Study guides, checklists, work samples	Practice applying academic skills to real-world tasks	Prepare for workplace expectations and independent living tasks
May 2026	Final Progress & Reflection	Final assignments, reflections, planners	Review year, reflect on growth, complete final check-ins	Solidify skills for transition to postsecondary life and future careers
June 2026	Wrap-Up & Future Planning	Reflection worksheets, CC Lab portfolio	End-of-year reflections, finalize plans for summer or next steps	Confirm readiness for next steps after high school; summer skill-building or job prep

Weekly Component:

Pathful Vocations Lesson (completed once each week, integrated into monthly focus).
Weekly PowerSchool check-in & guardian/case manager email to build communication, accountability, and advocacy.