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

Parent Orientation

It was great seeing students, both past and present!  The summer projects impressed once again!  Use this link to access the informational slides shared if you were unable to attend.  I will also be including copies of the brochures that were handed out in your student's ALERT folders.

Welcome to a New School Year!

I am so excited to kick the year off and meet everyone! I have been doing a lot of preparing, however, this year will begin a little differently than most. I will be enjoying my time with a new addition until October 2nd. All of my classes will be in the great hands of Ms. Amy Lytle. The beginning of school welcome letter is included below. I will see everyone at our orientation that will be announced soon!

2017-2018

Dear ALERT Families,

    Welcome to a new year! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve your child in the ALERT program.  This will be my third year teaching ALERT and my 9th year teaching in the district.  I know it will be the best one yet!  

    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 family.  This summer I was blessed to welcome my second son and will be finishing my maternity leave as the school year begins.  I still plan to be involved in beginning of the year preparations.  I will begin teaching in October, but am available for communication anytime.  Ms. Amy Lytle, a veteran teacher and fellow ALERT colleague, will be stepping in during my absence.  

    Ms. Lytle and I am looking forward to sharing an incredible curriculum with your child. This year students will be focusing on our year-long theme of Systems.  In the fall, they will investigate interactions in systems by following the evidence trail from a crime scene to a courthouse.  Students will participate in forensic science labs and visit the Richland County Courthouse.  In the spring, we will look at environmental systems and students will take on the role of environmental detectives studying the impact of changing factors in an ecosystem. A gifted mathematical curriculum, “Digging for Data: The Search in Research” (M3-Mentoring Mathematical Minds) introducing students to research data complements our study of systems.

Communication is the key to a successful year.  Each student will be 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 return any correspondence. I will also keep families informed by the use of a classroom blog that you may check each week for a glance at what we have been up to in class.  You can find the link to your child’s day of instruction at http://hoftalert.blogspot.com/.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call or e-mail us.  E-mail is usually the best form of communication.  My address is jhoft@richland2.org.  You can contact Ms. Lytle at alytle@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 Polo Road Elementary: 419-2226, ext. 30211

* Wednesday & Thursday  Pontiac Elementary: 699-2700, ext. 81302

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

Mrs. Jessie Hoft

ALERT Teacher

Gifted Specialist

Have an ALERT Summer!

The year is done, but the learning opportunities are not!  Consider participating in the ALERT Summer Project.  Follow this link for details.  Students will be able to display their work at our Student Showcase and Orientation at the beginning of next school year.  Have fun and be creative!