Salutations and welcome to the 2010-2011 school year at CHIME Charter School! My name is Thomas Fagan and I’ll be returning to 7th grade and teaching Life Science and Pre-Algebra this year. I am also teaching an 8th grade elective called Literature in Media. In this class we will be examining movies, music and advertisements from a literary point of view. Another exciting change is my new co-teaching team including Miss Natalie Melanson. Mrs. Melanson and I are very excited about being here at CHIME and can’t wait to see you all this year.

Biography
I was born in London, England on June 5th, 1971 and moved here to the United States at a very young age. I grew up on the beaches of Florida and loved studying the ocean. At one point I wanted to be a marine biologist so I could study marine life and all the mysteries of the sea. In 1994 I followed my parents and brother to North Carolina, where my father became one of Santa’s helpers. That’s right my dad is Santa Claus. I decided to return to school and I started my academics at the University of North Carolina in Asheville. It is truly a beautiful campus, but very quiet and I felt that I needed more culture and diversity in my life. So I moved here to bright and sunny California in 2002 to complete my Bachelors of Arts degree in Child and Adolescent Development at California State University. I received my degree in 2004, was awarded my teaching credential in 2006. Just like the students I will be teaching, I too will be furthering my education. I chose to study child and adolescent development to help me understand the student’s mind. By understanding ways that children assimilate information, I can modify my style of teaching to better suit the learning needs of the students. I want to create an environment where my students will be successful; I want them to have the tools they need to complete their daily tasks not just in school but in their daily lives, and most of all, I want them to have a good time while they are doing it.

Philosophy
It is my endeavor to create an environment that is conducive to student learning. I will, to the best of my abilities, use all of my knowledge and resources to provide a nurturing place where children will thrive, grow, and explore in the world around them. I will appeal to the various learning styles and intelligences and allow my students time to explore new concepts and ideas. I will challenge my students with critical thinking activities, which will allow them to use what they are learning in their everyday lives. It is my hope that these children will value the nature of my teaching, as well as become intrinsically motivated by the questions and curiosities in their mind. I will involve the family in the child’s education and they will be an integral part in any decisions regarding the child’s abilities in the classroom, including children that are acquiring the English language, children with exceptionalities and children with other needs. I will increase my knowledge and experience by attending professional development workshops and seminars. It is my intention to create responsible, respectful, and educated citizens that will carry their learned knowledge with them and share what they have learned with others. The children I teach will learn, laugh and play in a safe environment. With our guidance and support the students I teach, the children you love and nurture will leave this life experience prepared for the challenges ahead.

This is my endeavor for all children.

Expectations
These are very important to me and as we begin the school year the expectation of the 7th graders will be demanding. I ask that you arrive on time, come prepared to class, have a positive attitude and take responsibility for your actions. Your studies outside of school, homework, should consist of no less than 1 hour nightly. My challenge to you is that you strive for excellence in every way as you prepare yourselves for the road ahead, be an advocate for yourself and take ownership of your scholastic endeavors. Know thyself and you will succeed. Remember you are not alone in this endeavor. We are here as a team to help you achieve your goals.