Student Showcase and Parent Orientation

Thanks to everyone who came to our Parent Orientation.  I hope you enjoyed seeing our students display their fun summer learning projects!  I know I did!  Here are a few of our own!  You can click this link to see the presentation if you were unable to attend.

You're Invited!

2018-2019 Welcome!

Welcome to a new year! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve your child in the ALERT program. This will be my fourth year teaching ALERT and my 10th year teaching in the district. I am originally from the midwest where I received my B.A. from the University of Missouri. I moved to South Carolina in 2008, attending graduate school and receiving my MAT from Columbia International University. I love being in the classroom, doing craft projects, and relaxing at home with my husband and two sons.

This year students will be learning about the overarching concept of, Exploration: The Progression of Science, Technology, and Societies. We will begin the year Exploring through Historical Discoveries where students will look into the past by understanding and applying the practice of archaeology. We will use research to look at how scientists understand the progression of past societies through artifacts. Students will have the opportunity to delve into what life was like in ancient China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. We will also participate in field studies to two state historic sites where students will use their skills to dig up clues about our own past in South Carolina. In our second unit of study, students will Explore through Problem Solving. This will focus on inventors and inventions as well as models and design. Students will have the chance to visit Discovery Place in Charlotte and get their hands on some design projects of their own. Our curriculum is strengthened by a gifted mathematical curriculum (M3-Mentoring Mathematical Minds). It complements our study of Exploration as students use numeration to Uncover the Secret of the MoLi Stone.

Communication is the key to a successful year. Each student has been given a take home folder as one way to keep information organized. Any notes, papers, and assignments will be placed in the folder. Please take the time to check your child’s ALERT folder each week and use it to send me any information. I will also keep families informed by the use of a classroom blog that you may check for a glance at what we have been up to in class. You can find the link to our day of instruction at http://hoftalert.blogspot.com/.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call or email. E-mail is usually the best way to contact me. My address is jhoft@richland2.org. I look forward to getting to know you and your child as we work together to make this a great year in ALERT!


* Monday & Tuesday Pontiac Elementary: 699-2700, ext. 81611

* Wednesday Polo Road Elementary: 419-2226 ext. 30602

* Thursday Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary: 736-8730 ext. 3128

* Friday Jackson Creek Elementary: 790-3800, ext. 38428

ALERT @ 45

Happy Birthday, ALERT!  Thanks to everyone that was able to attend the celebration!  We had a great turn out despite the rain!  Here's to many more years of creativity!

Carnival of Creativity!

I hope you can join us!  We will have booths of all kinds providing hands on experiences for the whole family, prizes, and concessions!

Mark Your Calendars!

All Systems Go!

Over the next two weeks, STAR Testing will be conducted for the district and students will not be pulled for their regular ALERT classes.  During that time I wanted to continue to give students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge.  I have created a short project to engage them over the break. We covered the project options in class and I sent home materials and instructions as well as a systems cheat sheet if needed.  The project is due the second week on March, when we return to class.  It is meant to be as simple or complex as your student chooses to make it.  Please don't let this be a burden or stress to your family.  If you are unable to participate I understand.  I hope it is a fun way for your child to bring their learning home to you!  Please let me know if you have any questions!

Here are the links to the project resources if the paper copies don't make it! :)

Systems Overview

System Project Choices

Poster Contest Rules