CONGRATULATIONS! You're a JYMS Charger!
Welcome to the BEST middle school in Suffolk Public Schools- or anywhere else! I'm so glad you're here. Regardless of what class we will work in this year, I am committed to providing an engaging, fun, and brain-destroying positive experience that will set you up for greatness in the years ahead.
Moving on to middle school is not the easiest experience! New responsibilities, materials, teachers, and schedules are just a few of the obstacles WE will overcome as we begin the year. But, nothing is impossible when we work together!
Over first week or two of school, my goal is to get to know my students, set them on a path to creating the environment THEY want to work in, and discussing our expectations for the class. Make no mistake; I am here to work, and we will work. Hard. But, If we're to accomplish all that we need to by June, we ought to create the best place to do that work.
That said, there are lots of resources will be use during the year, like:
This website- videos, songs, links, and homework/announcements will be posted here
Class and home texts
The Internet
Each other, and
That big guy in the middle of the room with the mismatched socks!
Because we will use a flipped classroom this year (description below; 3 minute clip), using technology resources may become necessary. If this is not possible, for any reason (not my business), DON'T WORRY. I've got you covered at school. Let's talk about it, when the time comes. Everyone will get what they need to succeed!
(Note: this is my fifth year of running this program in my classroom; please see me if I can explain specifics.)
Moving on to middle school is not the easiest experience! New responsibilities, materials, teachers, and schedules are just a few of the obstacles WE will overcome as we begin the year. But, nothing is impossible when we work together!
Over first week or two of school, my goal is to get to know my students, set them on a path to creating the environment THEY want to work in, and discussing our expectations for the class. Make no mistake; I am here to work, and we will work. Hard. But, If we're to accomplish all that we need to by June, we ought to create the best place to do that work.
That said, there are lots of resources will be use during the year, like:
This website- videos, songs, links, and homework/announcements will be posted here
Class and home texts
The Internet
Each other, and
That big guy in the middle of the room with the mismatched socks!
Because we will use a flipped classroom this year (description below; 3 minute clip), using technology resources may become necessary. If this is not possible, for any reason (not my business), DON'T WORRY. I've got you covered at school. Let's talk about it, when the time comes. Everyone will get what they need to succeed!
(Note: this is my fifth year of running this program in my classroom; please see me if I can explain specifics.)
Another facet of my instruction that I want to continue is the use of personal devices in the classroom (BYOD- bring your own device). As a pilot school for the program and as a pilot teacher that presents to Suffolk schools on the benefits of BYOD, we will continue to try new methods and resources accessible by mobile devices, with the goal of increasing student engagement and achievement. This is conducted under teacher supervision, after appropriate discussions and training, and any activity conducted is done so with adequate contact with tech resources by ALL students (no haves and have-nots!).
This year brings one more (good) wrinkle to our instructional practice. Pre-Algebra is now a math option for 6th grade students achieving extraordinary scores on last year's SOL test (among other criteria). This is a fantastic opportunity to engage the highest level of learners in the 6th grade, and I'm looking forward to it!
Trivia: Mr. K taught Algebra 1, many many years ago, so this is a great opportunity to "teach" him too!
This year brings one more (good) wrinkle to our instructional practice. Pre-Algebra is now a math option for 6th grade students achieving extraordinary scores on last year's SOL test (among other criteria). This is a fantastic opportunity to engage the highest level of learners in the 6th grade, and I'm looking forward to it!
Trivia: Mr. K taught Algebra 1, many many years ago, so this is a great opportunity to "teach" him too!