Dear Parents and Students,

I would like to welcome all of  you to our Automation and Robotics Classroom! 

This year promises to be challenging and fun for all. Before I explain our class, I would like to introduce myself to you.

I have fifteen years of industry experience in the Engineering field. About nine years ago I decided it was time to share my knowledge and experience. I started my teaching career as a tech lab coordinator, instructing technology courses to adults. Then, I taught 3D Modeling & Design to high school students in upstate NY, and Automation & Robotics to middle school students. Additionally, I have been coaching different levels of robotics teams for seven years. I enjoyed working in different job positions but I really love teaching robotics.

My industry and teaching experience gives me a unique perspective of the progression of education from middle and senior grades, and on to the college level and careers.

I live in Taylors, SC but I am originally from São Paulo. I am the third generation of Japanese descendent born in Brazil. An interesting fact about me is that I am a polyglot; I speak Portuguese, Spanish, English, and I am able to communicate in Japanese.

My goal is to empower students to lead their own discovery!

CTE Innovation Center

Our center is designed with adaptability in mind! Students will have the opportunity to learn in flexible spaces that mimic post-secondary education and the industry atmosphere and take part in work-based learning with one of our industry partners. 

Automation and Robotics Program

I intend to use problem-solving and creativity to investigate science, technology, engineering, and math concepts. Using a project-based learning approach, students will explore materials joining and forming methods, computer-aided design (CAD), and automated systems that transform design concepts into fully developed products. They will explore the use of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and robotic arms to automate manufacturing tasks.  Students will be introduced to a variety of career possibilities and will be prepared for both college and industry professions.

Parent Backpack

It is critical that parents check grades to monitor students’ progress. I assume parents are checking students’ grades and the access to Parent Backpack replaces progress reports. If you responsibly check grades, there will be no surprises when report cards are issued.

If there is a discrepancy in grades between what you view in Parent Backpack, please have students speak with me about it. It is a good experience for them to take care of the issue on his or her own. A great way for students to handle this is to put a post-it note on my desk. I will see the post-it note and I will know exactly what to do.

Communication

I have learned that effective communication between teacher and parent is one of the keys to student success. I know that students 'success is extremely important to all of us", so I hope all of you do not mind doing a couple of things to help us establish a framework for our relationship.

If you have a question about academic progress, please do not hesitate to contact me at emontandon@greenville.k12.sc.us. I will do my best to get back to you within 24-48 hours or call me at (864)452-8016.

Here are a few things things I require each day: sharpened pencils, pens, headphones, and a charged Chromebook. 

Please make sure Chromebooks are charged and ready to work. The assignments and materials will be posted on Google Classroom. 

I am looking forward to working with all of you to make this year a fantastic learning experience.

Thank you so much for your support and I look forward to a fun and successful semester in our Automation and Robotics course!

Erika Shiota-Montandon

CTE Innovation Center - Automation and Robotics Teacher

Get ready for Automation and Robotics!

1- Supplies you will need:

1 Mouse

6 Pencils #2 HB, Pre-Sharpened with Eraser, Yellow

1 Eraser

1 Pen color Black or Blue

1 Permanent marker color Black

1 Highlighter color Yellow

1 Mechanical Pencil 0.7mm (optional)

1 Headphone (optional)

2- Make sure your Chromebook is charged and ready to work. Most of the assignments and materials will be posted on Google Classroom. 

3 - Four things I require each day: sharpened pencils, headphones, charged Chromebook, and closed toed shoes.

Hand sanitizer will be provided. 

Here are some optional things you can do to help our class:

1- Donate Kleenex and paper towels.

2- Bring your own hand sanitizer - travel size (keep it in your backpack).