Aug 7, 2012

Welcome Back to School


Dear Parent(s) or Guardian(s),
            Welcome to a great year of learning about the beautiful world that surrounds us!  I am excited for a new school year to begin and to join with you in educating your student about the wonders of the world.
            My name is Christina Agurcia, and I am originally from Illinois.  I graduated from Lincoln Christian College with a BS in Bible and from Illinois State University with a BS in Biology.  I am certified by the State of Illinois to teach a wide range of science subjects, including biology, chemistry, and physics.  As well, I have taken graduate education courses in zoology, botany, chemistry, and physics.  To continue gaining knowledge about pedagogical technique, I also have participated in teacher workshop events, such as the ones offered by Discovery School and Escuela International Sampedrana in San Pedro Sula, and most recently, this summer, a workshop on environmental education hosted by the Wildlife Conservation Society.
This will be my tenth year in the teaching profession and my sixth year as the eighth through twelfth grade science teacher at Discovery School.  Previously, I taught one year at a private school here in Tegucigalpa and three years at a public school in the United States of America. 
I am looking forward to developing an excellent working relationship with you.  It is important that we keep in close contact about your students’ progress.  Each week I will be updating a blog, which will have information about the material being covered in class, student activities and homework, as well, as upcoming dates for projects and tests.  The blog address is www.dshighscience.blogspot.com.  Students and parents should check the blog weekly to follow your student’s class.   On the blog, you will also find a weekly list of the “In Crowd”  (for Physical Science and Biology, only).  This is a list of students who have turned in all their assignments for the previous week.  Students will receive positive recognition for being part of the “In Crowd.”  If you do not see your student’s name on this list, please discuss the missing work with him/her.  As well, you can follow your student’s progress through checking the online grading program, Engrade.  This program creates a personal, secure account by which you can access your student’s grade and list of outstanding work.  Instructions for accessing your student’s individual account, with their personal access code, will be sent to your email and given out at Open House. 
Classtime is valuable, and therefore, a student should attempt be at school as much as possible.  However, if a student is absent, he/she is responsible to complete all make-up work.  Make-up work can be found in the “make-up” folder for his or her class.  Any missed notes can be copied from a fellow student.  If a student missed a test/quiz/lab, she/he will need make an appointment to complete the work.  For excused absences, students are given one day to make-up work per each absent day.  For one or two day excused absences, the students should be prepared to take any pre-scheduled test or quiz and submit any large project upon returning to school. For a longer absence, the student will not be required to take a test or quiz on the first two days after returning to school.  For preplanned absences, a student is to notify the teacher in writing previous to the absence (at least 3 days).  The teacher will assign work, giving a schedule to work to be complete before the absence.  No credit will be given for unexcused absences or absences due to suspension. 
If you need to contact me individually, the best way is through email.  My email address is cagurcia@discoveryschool.edu.hn.  The office will also take messages for me.  If you would like to meet with me, I would be happy to schedule an appointment with you. 
If your student has any concerns or does not understand a topic, please encourage him/her to see me.  I am available most days during snack and lunch and can also be before or after school, by appointment.
Thank you for entrusting me in joining you in the education of your student!
                                                 Sincerely,
                                          Christina Agurcia

Additional Information:
 Link for school calender- http://www.discoveryschool.edu.hn/calendar.html

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