Greetings parents and guardians!

It is an honor to teach your child for the 2024-2025 school year, and I look forward to all of the learning, growing, and excitement that will take place daily in my classroom. In my 8th grade English Language Arts and Reading class we learn in a variety of ways to ensure that all learners are reached. Whatever your child’s style of learning may be, I try my best to ensure that their particular style of learning is incorporated into my lessons daily. We use a “Blended Learning” and “Flipped Classroom” method of instruction. Blended Learning incorporates technology, and movement alongside traditional learning. In a flipped classroom students are given content to watch (videos), digital readings, activities, etc. to complete outside of the classroom, so that when they return to the classroom this information is already complete and will be used in that day’s lesson. It is imperative for students in my classroom to ensure they are completing homework assignments in order to participate in the daily lessons and activities. I want to explain to you the rationale for the use of technology in teaching and learning in my classroom. Many ask the question of why should teachers and students use technology in the class? There are many benefits to teachers and students using technology which will be explained. My rationale for the use of technology in the classroom are as follows: Technology use amongst teachers and students helps to transform education in meaningful ways that reach all learners despite disability, economic status, or cultural background. Technology use amongst teachers and students heightens engagement, assists with real-world connections, provides opportunities for collaboration, and promotes higher order and critical thinking skills. The state assessment exam “STAAR” has now gone fully digital, and in the 2025 school year the Texas Education Agency may implement video response questions into these exams. This is another reason it is vital for students to have technology in the classroom, so that it is not foreign to them when it is time for testing. I have witnessed the tremendous learning and growth in students regardless of ability, due to the use of technology being integrated into their daily instruction. Students deserve to know the reason why they are learning something and using technology is a great way to help them make real world connections to content. I have also witnessed technology encourage students to take pride in their culture and want to learn more about it. Society is constantly evolving and progressing which means education should be doing the same. It is imperative that students are motivated to learn with all the major distractions that today’s generation faces. This will be an outstanding school year full of learning, thinking, reading, and fun and I am honored to be granted the privilege of educating your child!

• All Exit Tickets are due BEFORE you leave class. 

• All independent practice assignments are due BEFORE you leave class.

• Missing HW assignments could result in two failing grades, due to the flipped classroom method of instruction.

School Contact information: Cunningham Middle School, 14110 Wallisville Rd., Houston TX 77049;  832-386-4470 

Conference time: Mon-Fri 7th period 2:17-3:03