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    Name: Luis Ricardo R. Arenas II

    Subjects / Classes Taught: English 7-8 & 7-8H

    Degree(s): Bachelor of Art in Secondary Education, emphasis in English

    Email: larenas@phoenixunion.org

    Webpage: Mr. Arenas’ Classroom for the most up to date information and class blog.

    Room #: 8219

    Office Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30am to 8:00am, and by appointment 

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    My Classroom Vision Statement 

    These are my beliefs writ large for all to see. They are the hopes for my students and the goals of my profession. Docendo Discimus, I teach in order to learn.

    My class is a place of neutrality and transparency where all are welcome and safe. We all are students in our own way and as such are rational beings deserving of respect and decency. A classroom is not simply four walls built to minimum city code; it is a sanctuary and haven for ideas, beliefs and opinions. A classroom extends beyond space and time; realize now that every moment and every place is an opportunity to learn. Though we may disagree none may impugn another for what they think. This is primary and sacrosanct before all else: Respect each other at all times.

    Furthermore, I am obligated to assign grades and scores but the measure of learning is deeper. What it means TO LEARN is inherently elusive but certainly deliberate in effort and attainment. The goal then is beyond numerical values; it is the transformation of the mind and evaluation of the self. Thus, do not leave this class hoping merely to pass, this I KNOW you can accomplish and together we will make certain of it. Rather, leave this class prepared to peer deeper into yourself. You are the protagonist of your own life and what you do today is to prepare yourself for a glorious tomorrow. 

    I will ask of you to be open-minded, fair, and rational. What we discuss may be uncomfortable, what we read may be shocking, and the questions raised you may not want to answer. But, answer them we will of that I can assure you. As Carl Sagan said:

    "First: there are no sacred truths; all assumptions must be critically examined; arguments from authority are worthless. Second: whatever is inconsistent with the facts must be discarded or revised. We must understand the Cosmos as it is and not confuse how it is with how we wish it to be."

    I ask this of everyone who enters my class and you have every right to demand it of me. We are partners from your entry through the frame of my door to your exit. I cannot expect you to learn if I carry myself in absolutes. If you are to learn and I am to teach then it is through co-operation alone that we will both succeed.

    If you can abide all of this then we can begin but If you cannot: aut disce aut discede or put simply: either learn or leave.