Media – Research – Mrs. Slater

Dear Families,

During the Media Research class we are incorporating the use of iPads, educational apps and exceptional coding resources to help students learn, express their creativity and bolster their critical-thinking skills. Mrs. Atkinson, the Media Specialist, and I work closely with the classroom teachers to incorporate technology into the curriculum. The students’ grades for the Media Research class will reflect media and technology as a combined grade.

During the fourth quarter, students will be learning new skills for working with spreadsheets. In addition, each of the middle school grades will be learning some aspect of coding.  Sixth graders will begin with block coding, seventh graders will begin working with the Sphero robots and eighth graders will advance their skills with the Sphero robots and dive into Swift playgrounds where they will learn Swift coding.  Learning coding skills promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are invaluable for all life-long learners.

Please help your student(s) remember the C-O-D-E that will lead them to success in class.

C  – Come to class prepared!  Bring your charged iPad and any assignments that are due.

O – Observe – Be observant of your classmates, the classroom expectations and the learning environment.  I will be using a “Shout Out” system that students can nominate fellow students for kind, respectful actions.  Each week one student in each middle school grade will receive a “Shout Out” for a kind or thoughtful act!

D – Demonstrate Respect – speaking with teachers and fellow students in a respectful manner means not talking or socializing while the teacher or a fellow student is talking. Demonstrating respect also means actively listening to instruction and focusing on learning.

E – Excellent behavior – starts with an excellent attitude!  Arriving on time to class, focusing on the learning opportunities and contributing on topic responses to class discussions.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.  God bless you,

Mrs. Slater