Into Focus
February 2013
January Spotlight on Staff
Jessica Hassell, High School English Teacher
College: Texas A&M University
How do you include innovation and technology in your classroom?
I try to seamlessly integrate innovation and technology into my classroom by allowing my students to use tools that they are comfortable with and teach them new ones that are exciting and cutting edge.
What is your goal for your students this year?
My goal for my students this year is to gain a new appreciation and motivation for their personal education. I want my kiddos to walk away with the skills necessary to successfully collaborate and problem-solve in any given situation.
What are your favorite technology devices, applications, and/or websites that you like to use in your classroom?
My classroom is now BYOT and I have a small amount of iPads checked out for the students to share. I have enjoyed implementing Edmodo into my classes. The kids get really excited about not having to do "paperwork," but I am still able to collect the same amount of data through digital questioning methods. I also use Remind 101 to send quick reminders to students and parents. Glogster, Smore, Prezi, Poll Everywhere, Discovery Education, Quizlet, and many other Web 2.0 tools and websites have become integral parts of my classroom environment.
Kristi Bracewell, 5th Grade Science and Social Studies
College: Sam Houston State University
How do you include innovation and technology in your classroom?
On most days we use google docs, forms, web quests, edmodo, response systems, as well as interactives that relate to our content.
What is your goal for your students this year?
My goal for our students this year would be for them to learn how to successfully navigate & utilize current technology while effectively working with others, plan, & solve problems based on our content.
What are your favorite technology devices, applications, and/or websites that you like to use in your classroom?
Ipads! Edmodo, qwiki, google docs/forms, numerous interactive apps for science (just depends on the concept)!
January Spotlight on Support Staff
(Left to Right) Melissa Ojeda, Julie Yargo, Jan Oneill, and Claudia Alvarado
Anderson-Shiro JR/SR High School Cafeteria Staff
Spotlight on Students
Casey Bailey, Junior
Samantha Dewberry, 7th Grader
Slade Carey, 3rd Grade
Slade is in Mrs. Wetuski's 3rd grade class. His favorite subject in school is science. When he grows up, Slade wants to own a reptile store. Mrs. Wetuski said, "Slade is a hard worker even when the content is difficult for him. I admire his perseverance. He refuses to give up. Slade truly is an amazing kiddo!"