Welcome to computer explorations
The mission of Gompers Preparatory Academy, in partnership with UCSD and our community, is to accelerate academic achievement for all students through a college preparatory culture and curriculum.
Virtual Office Hours: M-F: 8am - 9am and 2pm - 3pm email: sbentz@gomperscharter.org
Classroom2019-20.mp4
If you need help to join a class in Google Classroom, click here for information on how to join. If you need your google classroom code, email Mr. Bentz
August 2020
Dear GPA Parent/Guardian,
Welcome to OUR VIRTUAL CLASSROOM. My class is YOUR class. My name is Mr. Bentz and I am beyond excited to welcome you and your child to Gompers Preparatory Academy (GPA). I will be your child’s Computer Explorations teacher. This is my 12th year at Gompers Preparatory Academy and I consider it a privilege to work with the families of our wonderful school. This year will be much different than previous years as we begin distance learning. It is my hope that we work together to make our class a success. Now more than ever, your role as a parent is so important. In fact, not only are you a parent, but now I would like to think of you as a “Learning Coach” at home. Hi Coach!
How can you help your child get used to distance learning? Here are some tips to help you as a parent and as a learning coach.
8 Tips for Parents as a Learning Coach
Make sure the learner is on time, ready, and prepared to learn every day.
Make sure the computer is fully charged the night before
Make sure the student has dressed appropriately and in GPA attire when participating in live video conferencing.
Know your child’s schedule, start time, and their teachers
Attend Zoom classes as often as you can
Be involved throughout the day.-Check-in-Make sure learner is on task as well as taking necessary breaks-If the student is off task, Asking: What should you be doing right now?
Follow-up at the end of the day. -How did you do today?-Did we meet our goals?-What did you learn today?-See if they finished the assignments or not
Keep in contact with the teachers
PowerSchool for Parents, monitor
Monitor daily progress, making sure students are getting their assignments turned in.
During distance learning, we will use Zoom and other conferencing and virtual meeting platforms, to deliver class meetings, homework, assessments, special projects, and much more to our students every day. In our classroom, the practice of teaching both the skills of the standards-based curriculum and higher-level thinking skills reinforce each other and facilitate deeper levels of knowledge for all learners. Most days we will use the computer to explore Google Apps for Education, Coding, KhanAcademy Math, and ChessKid. I will provide your child with tutorial videos and assignments.
Parents and students will be able to access off-campus learning opportunities through our Google Classroom page. Parents should have their login information, as Google Classroom will be the primary platform for the distribution of weekly assignments.
Expectations for Students
Make sure your surroundings are proper
Leave a respectful digital footprint by not sharing embarrassing, illegal, or inappropriate content.
Adhere to the GPA Code of Conduct handbook
Adhere to the GPA Technology Use Policy (pg. 17)
Adhere to GPA culture, non-negotiables, REACH values, and core beliefs.
Complete and turn in assignments on time
Parents, if your child is ill and will not be able to participate for the day, please email the attendance office at attendance@gomperscharter.or and me at sbentz@gomperscharter.org.
Thank you for your commitment to your child’s education. I look forward to a wonderful school year from a distance. Thank you for being my partner this year as we learn and teach together.
Very Respectfully,
Mr. Bentz
sbentz@gomperscharter.org
And now a word from our Director Riveroll....
Computers - A Days (T/TH) & Computers - B Days (M/F)
Distance learning using zoom
A zoom meeting GPA student in GPA attire, proper surroundings while showing GPA Culture
Zoom ETIQUETTE
Limit distractions
Mute microphone
Turn on Video
Frame your body (Chest to head)
Look at the screen
Smile
When responding to a peer, say "Thank you (persons name)..."
When Honoring say:
"Please unmute your microphone and
with a Smile and Enthusiasm repeat after me
(Good morning - Good afternoon - Thank you), Mr. Bentz
Overview of Computer Explorations
Computer science is about logic, problem solving, and creativity. Be at the forefront of technology! Harness resources that help you to develop thinking skills in all disciplines and to be confident in sharing your knowledge creatively with others!
At Gompers Preparatory Academy technology is a tool we employ to make learning more effective and compelling—and to inspire both students and teachers to innovate. We combine the latest devices and gadgets, strong programs, and curricula and facilities—including the many creative learning spaces of our classroom and library—to ensure our students are technologically literate and prepared for a 21st-century world. We believe it essential that all students have a baseline of computer knowledge and skills to thrive in school, our society's tomorrow's world.
Students have password-protected accounts where they can safely store and access their work from school or personal devices. Also, all Middle and High School students have @GompersPrep.org e-mail accounts.
One goal for each student to develop the skills needed in the field of technology to be prepared for High School work and their future educational endeavors. Computer science is foundational. As students progress through each grade, they are exposed to many applications that allow them to build on their knowledge and ability. Eventually, each student will have a foundation of skills and exposure to many facets of technology.
The 6/7 Computer Explorations is a middle school elective course. It addresses the NET Standards (National Education Technology Standards) and the Performance Indicators for the NET Standards. The projects in this utilize various computer skills and are tied to the California State Standards.
Our class meets one 45-minute period two days a week, T/Th or M/F. We are committed to helping students learn keyboarding skills, become safe digital citizens, develop computational thinking, and explore a wide variety of digital resources while using critical thinking skills to creatively solve problems. Time is provided in class to complete all assignments.
This course is an introduction to Google Apps for Education and code. They will learn how to use Gmail to communicate effectively with peers and teachers, Internet Safety, Internet Researching, and Learning Tools, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and other Google products used on the Chromebook. Students will further learn how to access their school Google Drive account from home, share and send assignments, organize files and folders, and save & upload images. Students will keep a Gratitude Journal over the year, as it promotes empathy and cultivates gratitude.
Key online learning website we will be using this year are:
All assignments, tests, and video instructions will be posted through our Google Classroom page. If students are absent, the first place to look would be Google Classroom for missing assignments. I will post an "Announcement" in Google Classroom explaining what we are covering in class that day.
**During our Distance Learning time together, please check your Google Classroom page or Gmail daily. I will be posting information, videos, and assignments on there. The best way to get in contact with me would be through email: sbentz@gomperscharter.org
Mr. Bentz
2013 Middle School Teacher of the YearComputer, Multimedia and Technology TeacherChess TeacherFirst Lego League Robotics Coach About me
Hi, I'm Mr. Bentz. This is my 12th year teaching at Gompers Preparatory Academy. I graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with the focus on Management and then went on to receive my Masters of Education in Best Practices in Teaching from National University.
Before I was a teacher I worked as a Marketing Coordinator for a Sporting goods company, where I used my computer and design skills. In the 90's I was Intern in the White House for President Bush, helping set up a computer tracking system for the 1000 points of light initiative.
I've lived in Finland, Russia and Washington DC, but have traveled the world, most recently in 2019 to Australia, Japan and Germany. I enjoy playing chess, Minecraft and Pokemon Go. This year I have the privilege of teaching 6th and 7th graders computer skills! I'm excited to work with each of you and I'm looking forward to another successful school year!
sbentz@gomperscharter.org
Enjoy some Photos from OUR INNOVATIVE CLASSROOM ........
OpenHouse.mp4this is going to be an amazing year!
