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