I want to welcome you  to the 2019-2020 school year here at Temecula Valley High School (TVHS). I am very excited to take this amazing journey with you this year as we embark on a digital media adventure. I would like to take this time to introduce myself and share with you some information about the curriculum and organization of the course. In addition, I look forward to developing a strong partnership that supports learning in our class.

My name is Kim Randall and this is my 15^th year teaching in the Temecula Valley Unified School District. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. I hold a single-subject teaching credential in Industrial and Technology Education and a Master's Degree in Career and Technical Education (CTE) Leadership. I am currently the Department Chair for the Career and Technical Education department here at TVHS. I have two children of my own that are currently in TVUSD schools. As a result, I have both a professional and personal vestment in making our instructional school programs the best educational experience for all students.

I have a strong educational belief that with the right support all students can learn. The tools I promise to provide are strategic curriculum planning and development, well-designed instructional lessons utilizing research based instructional strategies, and opportunities for students to learn and engage in highly rigorous, collaborative student activities. I hold my students to high expectations that I feel confident they can meet. In addition, I strive to create a classroom environment where students feel respected and safe enough to take risks and challenge their thinking. I want them to know that their creativity, ideas, and contributions are valued and encouraged.

It is very important to me to develop an open line of communication with parents and families. Research has shown that when parents are actively involved in their child’s education, student learning increases (Danielson, 2007). At the beginning of each semester I will post a syllabus that explains how the class runs, an overview of what the students will be learning, as well as the rules and expectations of the class. I ask that you read through this and discuss these together. I also have this classroom website that I update each week that explains what topics we will be covering that week, links to any files or resources used in class, and all assignments for the week. Our district offers each parent and child the ability to manage and review student grades using the Infinite Campus student/parent portals. Here grades will be posted and kept up to date. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at krandall@tvusd.k12.ca.us. I will respond back within 24 hours.

The instructional curriculum is based on the California CTE Model Pathway Standards for the Arts, Media, and Entertainment industry as well as the Common Core State Standards in Literacy and Math. This course is a project-based learning curriculum. Students will work on mastering a combination of career and technical skills. In addition to academic content, this CTE course will also work to teach your child career skills such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, time management, critical thinking, etc. Each student will be expected to dress in career attire two times a month. On these Career Dress days, we will be working on how to network, fill out job applications, create resumes and cover letters, interview skills, and create a portfolio. Infused into both the career and technical skills lessons will be collaborative learning activities that will support literacy standards. Students will conduct research, comparing and contrasting various text sources on a topic, writing activities, and give oral presentations on various topics. .

My ultimate goal is to provide an educational CTE program that assists in getting students college and career ready for the 21^st Century jobs and workforce. I am confident that with parental support and the efforts of the student, together we can support every student in meeting these standards successfully.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Kim Randall