8th Grade Tech Parent Page

Hi Parents and welcome to 8th Grade Tech!

This will be the place where you can come to get an overview about what our goals for the year are, to get an update on what they'll be working on each week, or to view the end result of their work, along with occasional photos of them hard at work!

This year, we'll touch on a variety of topics, including: Social media use, blogging, online story telling, word clouds, podcasting, vlogging, graphic design, and 3D printing. We'll also work on how to debate issues online, focusing on bias & stereotypes, and understanding the importance of seeing both sides of an issue before coming to a conclusion.

Your student will also be using the links found on this page to self-report, if they fail to turn in a Tech homework assignment, fail to complete an in-class assignment for behavior reasons, or have an in-class behavior issue (that doesn't quite rise to "infraction level"). In the case of the first two, if a student fails to complete an assigned task, they fill out a self-report form, and a copy will be emailed to you that day, so, if you choose, you can follow up at home. In the case of a behavior self-report (for low-level disruptions, such as continued talking after being asked not to), the student will fill out the form, but it wont be emailed home if the student is able to correct their behavior. However, if they are asked to self-report 3 times in the same week, all self-reports from that week will be emailed home, so you can follow up with the student. All of these self-report links are found under the "8th Grade > Missing Homework, Classwork & Behavior links" link above.

On the positive side, in addition to receiving Gold Slips, middle school students also receive "Break Out Points" for positive behavior. These points can be used by students to "break out" of the class before Extra Gym 5 or 10 minutes early, to get a head start!

The "Weekly Lessons" page is an overview of what e'll be working on each week; however, it is subject to change, and likely will evolve as the year goes on.

The "Assignments" page is where homework assignments will be posted (as well as on Edmodo).

The "Links to Student Pages" page is where you'll be able to access the individual student websites. You will be able to view your student's blog, podcasts, graphic design work, along with many other products here.

Additionally, I'll also post photos and videos of 8th grade gym class from time to time, on the 8th Grade Gym page. I'm looking forward to a great year, and if you have any questions, please feel free to email me at CBentley@Stjohnschoollgv.org!