Welcome to Mr. Patterson's teacher page! Here you will find some basic information on the instructor as well as the courses taught this year at VCMS-BR.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course, students will learn essential computer science and digital literacy concepts. Students
will explore a wide range of topics, including digital citizenship, keyboarding, spreadsheets,
presentation tools, graphic design, internet safety, coding fundamentals, and the ethical use of
technology.
APPLICATIONS
Students will use the following online applications:
● Typing.com
● Google: Classroom, Gmail, Forms, Sites, Drawings, and Drive
● Coding: Code.org, Ozaria
TEXTBOOK/CURRICULUM
Students will use the following online applications:
BE Publishing EReadiness including but not limited to, Learn-by-Doing Google Apps 4E, Google Apps for Learning Digital Citizenship, and Web Design with Google Sites.
SUPPLIES
Wired earbuds or headsets - a working pair must be kept in a student's backpack every day.
Students will receive a step in the behavior plan when they do not have their headphones.
Students who need a pair can purchase headphones for $1 from the office during homeroom.
ASSESSMENT
Students’ grades will be determined by using the following categories and percentages:
Practice -- 30%
Consists of homework assignments, bellringers, lesson activities, daily work, etc.
Performance (Mastery) -- 70%
Consists of any assignment or assessment that measures student mastery of content standards. Some examples include chapter and unit tests, quizzes, projects, lab reports, etc.
Grading Scale: A (90-100) B (80-89) C (70-79) D (60-69) F (0-59)
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS/RULES
1. Be on time and where you are supposed to be. (Prompt)
2. Be prepared and on task. (Prepared)
3. Ask for what you need. (Positive)
4. Strive for excellence and always do your best. (Productive)
5. Respect the rights, responsibility, and property of others. (Polite)
You are responsible for reading and following the student handbook, as well as the classroom procedures and rules. When you make a choice that violates classroom and/or school rules, disciplinary consequences will be implemented. Please refer to the following documents found on the tvcs.org website under “Administration”, “Forms and Documents”, and “Middle School”.
VCMS Student Handbook
26-27 Classroom Behavior Management Plan
MR. PATTERSON’S CLASSROOM PROCEDURES:
To complete your assignments by the due date, you need to pay attention to the instructions you are given and use your time wisely. This requires you to respect the classroom rules, classroom procedures, the teacher, and your classmates.
Beginning of class:
Place your backpack in the designated area - both students’ cell phone must be turned off and placed inside backpack.
Sign in to your computer and work quietly on your Bellringer.
Be in your assigned seat with your materials before you hear the tardy bell
During class:
Follow all the expectations, guidelines, procedures, and policies set by the School Handbook.
Do not touch anyone or anyone else’s computer, keyboard, mouse, bookbag, materials etc. Borrowing and lending fall into this category. No borrowing and no lending. Additionally, unplugging another student’s computer intentionally will be considered technology misuse.
Internet access is only permitted with Mr. Patterson’s expressed approval. This includes games, music, and downloading files.
Work quietly and independently unless you are working in a group or if the Teacher has acknowledged you to speak. It is important to wait your turn to speak, respectfully listen to whoever is talking, and speak when you are acknowledged by the Teacher.
Raise your hand if you have a question or want to leave your seat. Only talk when the Teacher has acknowledged you to speak.
Dismissal at the end of class:
Close all computer applications that you have used and sign out; DO NOT SHUT DOWN.
Leave your area clean. Put things back when you are finished, including papers, the keyboard, mouse, and your chair. Leave your area better than how you found it.
When the classroom is in order, wait at your desk for the Teacher to dismiss you.
Daily Required Materials: Wired earbuds (no Bluetooth capability) and pen with blue or black ink. No colors and no red.
Google Classroom:
Students will utilize Google Classroom to access and submit assignments. It should be checked multiple times a day. Due dates will be posted in students’ Google Classroom under “To-Do” or “View My Work”, Google Calendar, and my Teacher Connection page calendar located on the school website www.tvcs.org. Also, if students are absent or find themselves behind, they can access their work at home through Google Classroom. This will allow them to stay caught up.
Make-up Work:
Absent students must turn in missed work upon returning to school the number of days missed plus one. To clarify what an excused absence refer to the VCMS Student Handbook.
Late Work:
Practice assignments turned in 1 day late will be accepted for a maximum of 60% and those turned in 2 or more days late will receive a zero. Mastery assignments must be completed, however, a late penalty may be applied.
ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE AND COMMUNICATION
I am available to any student or parent requesting additional assistance or needing additional information. If you choose to email me, please remember to put “Student” in the subject line so your email will reach me through the VCS web filter. If you prefer to contact me by phone, please call the school office and leave a message requesting me to return your phone call. If I need to contact you, I will first try to contact you through email unless you have indicated a preference for phone contact on the return form.
ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE PAGE
Please view the Electronic Signature Page posted in the student’s Google Classroom using the student's assigned Chromebook.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course, students will learn essential video production skills. Over the course of the school year, students will learn how to operate cameras, create a consistent and clear editing workflow, and collaborate with others in a variety of different production roles. They will be responsible for the morning broadcasts and other video activities on behalf of the school.
APPLICATIONS
Students will use the following online applications:
● Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop)
● Audacity (audio editing software)
● Google: Gmail, Classroom, Drive
SUPPLIES
Wired earbuds or headsets - a working pair must be kept in a student's backpack every day.
Students will receive a step in the behavior plan when they do not have their headphones.
Students who need a pair can purchase headphones for $1 from the office during homeroom.
ASSESSMENT
Students’ grades will be determined by using the following categories and percentages:
Practice -- 30%
Consists of homework assignments, bellringers, lesson activities, daily work, etc.
Performance (Mastery) -- 70%
Consists of any assignment or assessment that measures student mastery of content standards. Some examples include segments on morning shows, individual editing challenges, etc.
Grading Scale: A (90-100) B (80-89) C (70-79) D (60-69) F (0-59)
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS/RULES
1. Be on time and where you are supposed to be. (Prompt)
2. Be prepared and on task. (Prepared)
3. Ask for what you need. (Positive)
4. Strive for excellence and always do your best. (Productive)
5. Respect the rights, responsibility, and property of others. (Polite)
You are responsible for reading and following the student handbook, as well as the classroom procedures and rules. When you make a choice that violates classroom and/or school rules, disciplinary consequences will be implemented. Please refer to the following documents found on the tvcs.org website under “Administration”, “Forms and Documents”, and “Middle School”.
VCMS Student Handbook
26-27 Classroom Behavior Management Plan
MR. PATTERSON’S CLASSROOM PROCEDURES:
To complete your assignments by the due date, you need to pay attention to the instructions you are given and use your time wisely. This requires you to respect the classroom rules, classroom procedures, the teacher, and your classmates.
Beginning of class:
Place your backpack in the designated area - both students’ cell phone must be turned off and placed inside backpack.
Sign in to your computer and work quietly on your Bellringer.
Be in your assigned seat with your materials before you hear the tardy bell
During class:
Follow all the expectations, guidelines, procedures, and policies set by the School Handbook.
Do not touch anyone or anyone else’s computer, keyboard, mouse, bookbag, materials etc. Borrowing and lending fall into this category. No borrowing and no lending. Additionally, unplugging another student’s computer intentionally will be considered technology misuse.
Internet access is only permitted with Mr. Patterson’s expressed approval. This includes games, music, and downloading files.
Work quietly and independently unless you are working in a group or if the Teacher has acknowledged you to speak. It is important to wait your turn to speak, respectfully listen to whoever is talking, and speak when you are acknowledged by the Teacher.
Raise your hand if you have a question or want to leave your seat. Only talk when the Teacher has acknowledged you to speak.
Dismissal at the end of class:
Close all computer applications that you have used and sign out; DO NOT SHUT DOWN.
Leave your area clean. Put things back when you are finished, including papers, the keyboard, mouse, and your chair. Leave your area better than how you found it.
When the classroom is in order, wait at your desk for the Teacher to dismiss you.
Daily Required Materials: Wired earbuds (no Bluetooth capability) and pen with blue or black ink. No colors and no red.
Google Classroom:
Students will utilize Google Classroom to access and submit assignments. It should be checked multiple times a day. Due dates will be posted in students’ Google Classroom under “To-Do” or “View My Work”, Google Calendar, and my Teacher Connection page calendar located on the school website www.tvcs.org. Also, if students are absent or find themselves behind, they can access their work at home through Google Classroom. This will allow them to stay caught up.
Make-up Work:
Absent students must turn in missed work upon returning to school the number of days missed plus one. To clarify what an excused absence refer to the VCMS Student Handbook.
Late Work:
Practice assignments turned in 1 day late will be accepted for a maximum of 60% and those turned in 2 or more days late will receive a zero. Mastery assignments must be completed, however, a late penalty may be applied.
ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE AND COMMUNICATION
I am available to any student or parent requesting additional assistance or needing additional information. If you choose to email me, please remember to put “Student” in the subject line so your email will reach me through the VCS web filter. If you prefer to contact me by phone, please call the school office and leave a message requesting me to return your phone call. If I need to contact you, I will first try to contact you through email unless you have indicated a preference for phone contact on the return form.
ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE PAGE
Please view the Electronic Signature Page posted in the student’s Google Classroom using the student's assigned Chromebook.
If you need to reach out to me at any time, feel free to call the school at 352-259-0044, or send me an email at ridge.patterson@tvcs.org.
Me visiting a koala in Brisbane, Australia
I have a background with Video Production and Computers going back to my time in college. I worked in marketing for several years before becoming a computer and video teacher here at VCMS in 2025. I love reading and spending time enjoying the outdoors in Florida and wherever else my travels take me. I look forward to having a fun year with my students!
A list of upcoming assignments and tests can be found on the Google Calendar here or in Google Classroom.