 Comstock is one of a few middle schools in the county who are piloting Chromebooks and the Google Apps environment. We have one teacher, Sasha Oster, who is training to be a Google Apps certified teacher and eventually a trainer. All students will be able to learn on the google environment. This means that much of their work can be produced online, using the latest applications and tools. Further, we have loaded over 100 classic novels onto our students' google accounts. Once they begin working online, they will be able to read these books free of charge at school, at home, and on their mobile device.
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I also attended a summit on the AVID curriculum. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. We offer two electives for 8th graders. Here's a brief summary:AVID PRE-COLLEGE ELECTIVE
Comstock is one of the few middle schools in Santa Rosa with an AVID program for 8th grade students AVID is an 8th grade elective program that helps prepare students for college prep courses in high school and shows them the way to university. Students in AVID are working on refining their skills as students to learn, study and produce a higher level of thinking in all that they do. Eventually, AVID students will see their grades go up as they apply AVID principles to all their academic work. AVID students will: -learn to ask higher level questions about their academic topics in Tutorial -hear outside speakers describing their lives and experiences in and after college -visit university campuses at least four times in the school year -create projects and writings that explore concepts of themselves and the world -build a community in the classroom that supports higher expectations for students -set GPA goals and use a Progress Report to measure achievement -be visited twice weekly by volunteer Tutors in advanced fields such as Engineering -keep a Time Log to learn to effective time management -write reflections about activities AVID students are realizing their potential and learning how to express themselves so they will grow confident as students and become outstanding, contributive students. It is a joyful process and we are honored to be able to offer this course at Comstock Middle School. I attended the GAFE summit this summer with two of our English teachers: Sasha Oster and Sue Cleek. Our minds were opened to all that is possible with technology, creativity and education. We are looking forward to sharing innovation and 21st century thinking this coming year.
We are happy to welcome the +50 additional families who decided to become Comstock Crusaders. We are looking forward to meeting everyone in the months ahead.
I feel truly blessed to be the principal of this wonderful school. The school year started off so smoothly and everyone is happy. Our enrollment is up and so are our test scores. We have increased our API in the past 6 years from 632 to 734 and was ranked a 9 out of 10 compared to schools with similar demographics across the state! This is growth that is rarely seen and we are so proud of our accomplishments. Teachers and staff have worked hard to provide rigorous, high quality instruction for your student. And we are working even more on creating a 21st century school with wireless access, online computer resources, chromebooks and Google Apps for Education. Stay tuned for more information as we move forward this year. |
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