Welcome to GT!
Class Updates and Information for 2015 - 2016
Hello!
For those of you who are new to my classroom, this is my 15th year to teach and challenge kiddos. I grew up in the country with many animals and life experiences along with my extended family. I was encouraged to try many things and find the answers to my questions on my own, with my family as the expert guides. It did involve a few crazy mishaps with matches and magnifying glasses. However, through all my learning experiences, my family always kept me safe.
I currently live in the suburbs of Fort Worth with my husband, John, and teenage daughter, Brianna. It's so exciting to watch her grow and become her own person. I love to hang out with my family and enjoy our times together doing just about anything. I don't want to miss the small moments. I love going back to the country every chance I get and enjoy that life with my husband and daughter.
I love working with kiddos and helping them to find their passions. I want to see their eyes light up when they figure something out, and their mind expand with all of their own curiosity and questioning of the world. Gifted kiddos come with a wide variety of strengths and weaknesses. It is one of my goals to help them learn what those are and how to use their strengths to overcome their weaknesses. I want to be one of their guides along the road of self discovery!
Each grade level does have specific units and activities that we work on, however I also include independent learning projects throughout the year. I will help each kiddo find their passion, ignite questions, and figure out where to go for answers. The process of learning is key to overall success in life. I want my students to know that they can learn about anything they set their mind to. I start with thinking skills and social/emotional activities and continue with them throughout the year, as they are needed.
Technology is a tool for learning, and it is ever present in our lives today. I will be showing them how to use technology to learn and find their answers, as well as communicate when they know with their peers. I will send home information about the applications that I will be using in class, as well as information on how we are using technology in our class.
I will be sending home updates throughout the year, that will be more specific to your child's academic level throughout the year. They will discuss our current units of study, as well as tips and treasures for both you and the kiddos in that particular grade level. Sometimes being gifted comes with other struggles in life and teaching/parenting through those struggles can be tough. I want to help you anyway I can!
I look forward to an amazing year of working with your kiddos!
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me anytime! Due to my traveling schedule, email is probably the best form of communication to get in touch with me. However, I am always willing to set up a face to face meeting with you, if we schedule it.
Thanks for sharing your child with me!
Donna Hodge
Schedule for Florence Elementary
I will be Florence on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Friday mornings. to see my classes.
Tuesday:
Second Grade: Group A: 11:55 - 12:40, Group B: 10:05 - 10:50
Third Grade: 8:50 - 9:50
Fourth Grade: Group A: 2 - 3 Group B: 10:50 - 11:50
Thursday:
First Grade: 9:15 - 10
Second Grade: Group A:10:05 - 10:50 , Group B: 11:55 - 12:40
Third Grade: 2 - 3
Fourth Grade: Group A: 10:50 - 11:50 Group B: 1 - 2
Friday:
First Grade: 8:10 - 8:55
I will see everyone on Sept. 8th, then the regular schedule will start on Monday, Sept. 14th!
Great Minds in Progress!
We are in Charge of our Choices!
Let's Change for the Better!
Donna Hodge
Florence Elementary
Independence Elementary
Email: donna.hodge@kellerisd.net
Website: http://campus.kellerisd.net/Teachers/12741/default.aspx
Phone: (817) 744-6143
Twitter: @Donna12thman