The first week of school has been a whirlwind for sure. I am still working on matching names to faces, but I can already tell this group of 9th graders is motivated, involved, conscientious, helpful, and kind. I am so excited to get to know them and grow with them throughout the year!
We are only four days in, and I have already introduced your children to three of the major components of our course:
I have also set up a Remind account so that students - and parents - can receive text alerts from me about upcoming assignments, deadlines, or due dates. This is NOT required, but it may be an additional support for students/parents. If you would like to be on that list to receive text reminders, simply text the message @hooperfos to the number 81010. In other words:
We are only four days in, and I have already introduced your children to three of the major components of our course:
- Small Group Instruction. Your students are sitting in tables of ten and working individually, in pairs, and in larger groups already. We're already practicing staying on task while completing different tasks from the other students in the class. They've done a great job helping each other and asking me questions when they don't understand. I am really excited about all of the possibilities this arrangement opens up for us! I have collected information from them about their interests, learning styles, mindsets, and more. I can't wait to build on that knowledge base and use it to plan lessons that appeal specifically to them!
- Our project for the 1st marking period: finding, reading, summarizing, and sharing an academic journal article on a topic of their choice. We went over project guidelines and deadlines Thursday in class, and the students have had time in class to begin selecting five possible topics for research throughout the months of September and October. Their list of topics along with a link to a news story and a list of related search terms is due to me by Thursday, September 3rd. I have reminded students to see me during ACT (Academic Coaching Time) after school if they need any help at any point during the year. I am always in my room until 4 p.m., even on Fridays!
- Technology use in Foundations of Science. Your students have already been on Schoology and have practiced following a link, submitting an assignment, watching a screencast, and uploading a photo to a discussion board - all skills that we will use throughout the year to support the learning process digitally.
I have also set up a Remind account so that students - and parents - can receive text alerts from me about upcoming assignments, deadlines, or due dates. This is NOT required, but it may be an additional support for students/parents. If you would like to be on that list to receive text reminders, simply text the message @hooperfos to the number 81010. In other words:
I hope you will join us this Tuesday, September 1st, at 6:30 p.m. for Open House night. I am in Room 200.