CTE Class Disclosure

Classroom Management

I am a believer in the Love and Logic Classroom Management method. I strive for a very positive classroom environment. In order to make this possible, my classes will have specific rules and procedures. As your child obeys the rules and goes beyond, I will take the opportunity to praise and reward him/her openly. If at any time throughout the year I find that my management system is not working, I will adapt it to meet the needs of my students.

 

8th Grade Digital Literacy

A foundation course to the digital world that provides a broad understanding of key applications, computing fundamentals, and living online. Students will have opportunities to use technology and develop skills that promote creativity, critical thinking, productivity, and collaboration in the classroom and day-to-day life. This course is aligned with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) for Students, the K-12 Computer Science Standards, and industry standards for Digital Literacy Certification. The alignment of these national and international benchmarks will ensure that students complete this course as a prerequisite to transition successfully to the 9-12th grade digital studies courses.

 

Creative Coding

This course is designed to attract and reach a broad and diverse range of students, including those who may have never considered programming. Students learn how to code by working in a real software development environment to design, program and publish mobile apps and games. Learning to code by creating real products, students discover how to make amazing things and have an impact on their world.

 

Intro to Python

Python is a language with a simple syntax, and a powerful set of libraries. It is an interpreted language, with a rich programming environment, including a robust debugger and profiler. While it is easy for beginners to learn, it is widely used in many scientific areas for data exploration. This course is an introduction to the Python programming language for students without prior programming experience. Recommended Prerequisite: Creative Coding

 

Grading & Citizenship

Grading is based on a combination of effort, participation, projects and timings/tests scores. A breakdown of the letter grade scale is available in the Parent handbook.

 

Citizenship will be used in my classes. To see a breakdown of what items are considered, please see the Citizenship section of the Parent Handbook. With the fact that my assignemtns are usually in-class only, the main focus of Citizenship will be on preparedness, participation, and behavior.

 

Homework

Students will be assigned several different assignments and projects throughout the school year. If they use their classroom time wisely, they should not have many assignments they have to bring home. To be prepared for high school and beyond, I would recommend that students practice touch-typing at home for about 10 min, five times a week. Most of this will be completed while doing homework for all their other classes. For those parents that are concerned about computer safety, students can even complete this practice on a used keyboard not actually connected to a computer.

 

Late Work

Students are expected to hand work in on time. Each passing day that work is turned in late, ten percent (10%) will be deducted, to a maximum of three (3) days, as per the Parent Handbook. Extenuating situations will be considered on an as needed basis.

Absences

If your child is absent, he/she will be responsible for making up the missed work. Your child will have three (3) days after he/she was absent to make up the missing work. Missing work will not be accepted if your child’s absence was unexcused. Any typing practice that is done at home is valid make-up for those students in 6th grade. There are many keyboarding activities linked on my teacher website that can be used for this exact purpose.

 

Parent Volunteers

If you would be interested in volunteering in our classroom, please make sure to email me for coordination.

 

Communication

Effective communication between parents, students, and teachers is essential to ensure your student has a successful outcome with my classes. I would like to have a very open relationship with you. If at any time you have questions or concerns, please call me at the school, or e-mail me. The best time to get in touch with me is before or after school.

I am looking forward to helping your children succeed to their fullest potential!