2015 Fall Newsletter
Welcome to 8th grade, parents and students!
New Year, New Grade!
Meet the Administrators
Donna Walters
James Heathrow
Laurie Smalls
Stay up to date! 2015-2016 School Calendar
About Me
I am Laura Colville, your student's eighth grade science teacher and homeroom instructor. I graduated from University of Houston with a Bachelors in 4-8 Education. Second grade was when my love for science began. I came home and told my mother I was going to become a paleontologist! Boy was she surprised when a six year old even knew the word paleontologist! Things spiraled from there until I ended up in college as a Chemistry major. It was there I found my love for teaching science. This put me where I am today, your student's 8th grade science teacher. I also have spent five years teaching English abroad in Korea, Japan, and Chile. I love learning new languages and cultures just as much as I do science. Feel free to teach me new things! I believe, as a teacher, I should learn just as much as my own students. Life is all about learning!
I hope this eases some concerns you may have about me. If there are any more questions, please contact me with the information below. I want to build a two way street. Communication about your student is always valuable!
Email: lauracolville@teacher.com
Website: teacherwebsite.com
Phone: 281-281-2811
My Ideal Classroom
I structure my classroom to be student-centered. This means that teaching and material will be based off on students' progress and understanding, as well as interest. Few students get anything out of me just lecturing. Thus, I tend to take a guiding role while they choose the path. Much like a sailboat, I am the rudder guiding, while my students are the sails. They catch the needed material to progress themselves forward in the direction they want to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
The class is divided into three learning sections: Earth/Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science
How will you respond if or when my child struggles in class?
Children learn and grow at different rates. This should not be concerning. However, if I do see a child that is struggling, there are always office hours and times before and after school for more help. I, of course, will contact you, the parent, when I see problems arise and we can discuss a plan of action.
What kinds of questions do you suggest that I ask my children on a daily basis about your class?
Ask about what their favorite part of the day! If you ask about their day, they are reflecting on what they have learned. If they say their favorite part is P.E., great! If it is something specifically from my class, even better! This is what teachers are here for, to promote learning and their strengths, no matter what they may be.
What will by student be learning first?
Our first unit of study will be in our Earth/Space Science section. We will be focusing first on the water and nitrogen cycle, along with rocks and minerals. Later in the section, students will be choosing either a planet or galaxy to study and will be presenting their findings to the class on the last day of this unit.
Look What is Coming Up!
Important Dates
Science Fair!
If at first you don't succeed, try another experiment!
Questions? Contact me at laura.colville@teacher.com