Welcome to Mr. Kell's 8th Grade Class!
I am so glad that you came! Before we move on, a little about me might be helpful.
This is my fourteenth year here at Daisy Gibson; ten of those years teaching 8th grade! My Bachelor's from CSUB is in Liberal Studies and I have just received my Master's from Concordia University in Curriculum and Instruction in STEAM education. I am Google certified, level 1 and have been trained through Project Lead The Way in the following courses: Design and Modeling, Automation and Robotics, Green Architecture, Computer Science, and the elementary Launch modules. I am Daisy Gibson's STEAM Coordinator as well as on both the STEAM and Leadership Committees at our school. I am also the creator and mentor of Gibson's Valkyrie after school program. Finally, I am on the executive board for the Mojave Environmental Education Consortium (MEEC) and a key member of the East Kern Antelope Valley STEM Network. In all, I am coming to you with a diverse academic background that specializes in STEAM education and am looking forward to providing you with unique STEAM opportunities and experiences that will enhance your middle school experience like no other.
This is my fourteenth year here at Daisy Gibson; ten of those years teaching 8th grade! My Bachelor's from CSUB is in Liberal Studies and I have just received my Master's from Concordia University in Curriculum and Instruction in STEAM education. I am Google certified, level 1 and have been trained through Project Lead The Way in the following courses: Design and Modeling, Automation and Robotics, Green Architecture, Computer Science, and the elementary Launch modules. I am Daisy Gibson's STEAM Coordinator as well as on both the STEAM and Leadership Committees at our school. I am also the creator and mentor of Gibson's Valkyrie after school program. Finally, I am on the executive board for the Mojave Environmental Education Consortium (MEEC) and a key member of the East Kern Antelope Valley STEM Network. In all, I am coming to you with a diverse academic background that specializes in STEAM education and am looking forward to providing you with unique STEAM opportunities and experiences that will enhance your middle school experience like no other.
This website is to provide students and parents opportunities and resources to assist and enrich them throughout the school year. You will find information on student courses, schedules, 8th grade events, STEAM events, and most importantly, ways to get a hold of me or my co-teacher, Mrs. Harris.
For starters, in 8th grade, there are no homerooms. No matter where a student is assigned, they will rotate into other classes instructed by either me or Mrs. Harris. As such, we look at 8th grade as a family and tend to have frequent family meetings to provide both information and and advice to assist students in promoting on into high school. Because of this, it is fine to request a meeting with either of us as we will both show up in support of you.
Students coming in to 8th grade will have to know the difference between rules and expectations. Rules are to be followed while expectations are to be met. Rules are set into place to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to learn in a safe and nurturing environment. Expectations are there to promote a growth mindset and skills that increase 21st-century learning skills.
Homework tends to be an issues each year. On our side of the fence, many students do not always finish their homework or they do so hurriedly and with little work effort attached to it. On the home front, many times we hear that students have completed, or have no homework. First, school policy is that every student has homework. Second, students generally have 3-4 types of homework each and every night, sometimes on weekends as well. They are to read a minimum of 30 minutes, study/review their notes/complete any require assignments/work on any extended activities or projects due at a later date. Third, students have a planner and should be writing down their assignments. Even if they do not have any assignments or projects to do, they are to still read and study their notes. Forth, please go over with them what their homework is and have them them explain it to you. If they cannot do so, then have them note it so that they can talk to me about it. Next to homework, participation can be quite difficult from many students.
Supplies are an important issue with some students. A supply list will be given at the beginning of the year. It is our expectation that students are prepared daily when they come to class. This includes the essential school supplies they will need throughout the year. If parents cannot afford basic supplies, they will have to come to us personally (not the student) and let us know. We will be more than happy to then supply thos students with the basic supplies.
All 8th graders will be given a contract throughout the year that discusses the requirements for 8th grade promotion and other 8th grade events. Please make sure you read and understand the contract with your child. If you do not, do not hesitate to talk to us about it.
Finally, both Mrs. Harris and I are always available to our students, either before school, during lunch, and at times, after school. Students can freely walk in to class to discuss or work on assignments before school (provided we do not have morning duty), during lunch (provided we are not stopped for an impromptu meeting), and can talk to us about staying after-school if there is a need..H
Please do not hesitate to talk to either Mrs. Harris or myself should the need arise.
For starters, in 8th grade, there are no homerooms. No matter where a student is assigned, they will rotate into other classes instructed by either me or Mrs. Harris. As such, we look at 8th grade as a family and tend to have frequent family meetings to provide both information and and advice to assist students in promoting on into high school. Because of this, it is fine to request a meeting with either of us as we will both show up in support of you.
Students coming in to 8th grade will have to know the difference between rules and expectations. Rules are to be followed while expectations are to be met. Rules are set into place to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to learn in a safe and nurturing environment. Expectations are there to promote a growth mindset and skills that increase 21st-century learning skills.
Homework tends to be an issues each year. On our side of the fence, many students do not always finish their homework or they do so hurriedly and with little work effort attached to it. On the home front, many times we hear that students have completed, or have no homework. First, school policy is that every student has homework. Second, students generally have 3-4 types of homework each and every night, sometimes on weekends as well. They are to read a minimum of 30 minutes, study/review their notes/complete any require assignments/work on any extended activities or projects due at a later date. Third, students have a planner and should be writing down their assignments. Even if they do not have any assignments or projects to do, they are to still read and study their notes. Forth, please go over with them what their homework is and have them them explain it to you. If they cannot do so, then have them note it so that they can talk to me about it. Next to homework, participation can be quite difficult from many students.
Supplies are an important issue with some students. A supply list will be given at the beginning of the year. It is our expectation that students are prepared daily when they come to class. This includes the essential school supplies they will need throughout the year. If parents cannot afford basic supplies, they will have to come to us personally (not the student) and let us know. We will be more than happy to then supply thos students with the basic supplies.
All 8th graders will be given a contract throughout the year that discusses the requirements for 8th grade promotion and other 8th grade events. Please make sure you read and understand the contract with your child. If you do not, do not hesitate to talk to us about it.
Finally, both Mrs. Harris and I are always available to our students, either before school, during lunch, and at times, after school. Students can freely walk in to class to discuss or work on assignments before school (provided we do not have morning duty), during lunch (provided we are not stopped for an impromptu meeting), and can talk to us about staying after-school if there is a need..H
Please do not hesitate to talk to either Mrs. Harris or myself should the need arise.
