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, physics, and AP Environmental Science. 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, a workshop on environmental education hosted by the Wildlife Conservation Society. Starting this fall, I will be beginning a
program to earn a Master’s of Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
I have over 10 years of teaching experience in the secondary science classroom, and this will be my seventh year 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.
This year our secondary students, from 7th-11th grade, will be participating in science fair. This is a long term project that will span all of first semester and will involve components in language arts and science. While this is a student-directed project, parents are asked to provide the necessary supplies (as directed by the student’s individual project) and to help their student keep on track with due dates. A list of science fair due dates is provided on the science fair page of thus blog- see the link in the right hand column.
I am looking forward to developing an excellent working relationship with you. Each week I will be updating the 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. From this home page, you will find a link specifically related to your course- see the right hand . Students and parents should check the blog weekly. 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. Personal access codes will be given to each student. From that code, parents can create an account to review student’s scores.
Students will be given homework, as listed in class and on the blog. Students are responsible for turning this homework into my classroom by 8:00 AM on the day the assignment is due. Any work submitted after 8:00 AM will be considered late. Only excused tardies will be accepted as a reason for turning in work after 8:00 AM.
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 for work to be complete. 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 before school, during snack, and during lunch.
Thank you for entrusting me in joining you in the education of your student!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Agurcia
