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Salutations and welcome to the 2007-2008 school
year at CHIME Charter Middle School! My name is Thomas Fagan and I’ll be an
8th grade Algebra, Physical Science and Drama educator in room 3. This year
I am on a co-teaching team with Elia Reyes-Mahoney. Mrs. Mahoney and I are
very excited about being here at CHIME and can’t wait to see you all this
year.
Biography
I was born in London, England on June 5th,
1971 and moved here to the United States at a very young age. I grew up on
the beaches of Florida and loved studying the ocean. At one point I wanted
to be a marine biologist so I could study marine life and all the mysteries
of the sea. In 1994 I followed my parents and brother to North Carolina,
where my father became one of Santa’s helpers. That’s right my dad is Santa
Claus. I decided to return to school and I started my academics at the
University of North Carolina in Asheville. It is truly a beautiful campus,
but very quiet and I felt that I needed more culture and diversity in my
life. So I moved here to bright and sunny California in 2002 to complete my
Bachelors of Arts degree in Child and Adolescent Development at California
State University. I received my degree in 2004, was awarded my teaching
credential in 2006. Just like the students I will be teaching, I too will
be furthering my education. I chose to study child and adolescent
development to help me understand the student’s mind. By understanding ways
that children assimilate information, I can modify my style of teaching to
better suit the learning needs of the students. I want to create an
environment where my students will be successful; I want them to have the
tools they need to complete their daily tasks not just in school but in
their daily lives, and most of all, I want them to have a good time while
they are doing it.
Philosophy
It is my endeavor to create an
environment that is conducive to student learning. I will, to the best of
my abilities, use all of my knowledge and resources to provide a nurturing
place where children will thrive, grow, and explore in the world around
them. I will appeal to the various learning styles and intelligences and
allow my students time to explore new concepts and ideas. I will challenge
my students with critical thinking activities, which will allow them to use
what they are learning in their everyday lives. It is my hope that these
children will value the nature of my teaching, as well as become
intrinsically motivated by the questions and curiosities in their mind. I
will involve the family in the child’s education and they will be an
integral part in any decisions regarding the child’s abilities in the
classroom, including children that are acquiring the English language,
children with exceptionalities and children with other needs. I will
increase my knowledge and experience by attending professional development
workshops and seminars. It is my intention to create responsible,
respectful, and educated citizens that will carry their learned knowledge
with them and share what they have learned with others. The children I
teach will learn, laugh and play in a safe environment. With our guidance
and support the students I teach, the children you love and nurture will
leave this life experience prepared for the challenges ahead.
This is my endeavor for all
children.
Expectations
These are very important to me and as
we begin the school year the expectation of the 8th graders will be
demanding. I ask that you arrive on time, come prepared to class, have a
positive attitude and take responsibility for your actions. This is a time
of preparation for High School and as such, we will be asking more of you as
a student. Your behavior in class and on campus should be a shining example
to the other grade levels. Your studies outside of school, homework, should
consist of no less than 1 hour nightly. My challenge to you is that you
strive for excellence in every way as you prepare yourselves for the road
ahead, be an advocate for yourself and take ownership of your scholastic
endeavors. Know thyself and you will succeed. Remember you are not alone in
this endeavor. We are here as a team to help you achieve your goals.
8th Graders
Start planning for the BIG 8th grade
trip to New York and Boston this year in March. I will be one of the
chaperones and can’t wait to go as there are some awesome things planned for
us on our tour of these two wonderfully historic and cultural cities. I
haven’t been to either city and can’t wait to explore them with you...let’s
make it a blast...
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