January 12, 2009

Dear 7th & 8th Dr. Data Computer Class Parents:

Welcome to the world of Dr. Kuzmich (alias Dr. Data and/or Dr. Fix-It). His classes are off to a good start in the PC lab. There will be weekly newsletters about what is taking placing in both the 7th and 8th grade computer classes of Dr. Data. The purpose is to provide insight about the curriculum and what kind of activities the students are engaged in. As you know from the student contract that you signed last week for your child, Dr. Data guarantees that every student will pass their computer class provided the parents and student follow the guidelines posted at: http://www.kuzmich.com/carmody/Success.html. The success of this class is not only measured by the innovative curriculums offered but also by the involvement of both parents and students together along with Dr. Data leadership. Good luck in meeting those expectations. Below are some ten thoughts about how to get off to a good start this semester.

Here are some tips for your perusal.

  1. Grades are usually posted daily before Dr. Data leaves school by 4 p.m. So parents and students can have an intelligent dinner conversation about what the child did in class on a daily basis. Strongly suggest that you use your Carmody's Parent Portal at https://campus.jeffco.k12.co.us/campus/portal/jeffco_IC.jsp If parents don't have a log in for Carmody Parent Portal, you need to to go to the school office in person to obtain because of security.

    Reminder: your child can earn 25 extra-credit points every week if you print out their progress report each week from Carmody's Parent Portal and sign and date the print out. See the above URL.

  2. Reminder: students can earn unlimited extra-credit for every page (2 points per page) if they type assignments for their other teachers. Just have your child submit the graded paper to Dr. Data after being graded. Unlimited number of points!!! So encourage your child to type all school papers and earn credit both the other teachers and Dr. Data simultaneously!

  3. Both parents and their child need to view "Meet Dr. Data" for 100 points at: http://www.kuzmich.com/carmody/Meet_Dr_Data.html. simply sign this page and date it. Be sure to view the video at: View Dr. Data "in Action"by clicking on this link: Meet Dr. Data Videos for Personal Insight! (need to download free Adobe Flash Player 9 at http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash )

  4. Unfortunately, several parents signed the completed "Meet Dr. Data" but they either neglected to include their child's name for the credit or I could not read the signature. Please resubmit for full credit.

  5. Don't take lightly of : Success Guaranteed in Dr. Data's 7th & 8th Grade Computer Classes if Students/Parents Follow These Guidelines! Very important web page for both parents and students. Students can't fail if parents and students do their fair-share! and Dr. Data means that.


  6. Did you know that Dr. Data will be teaching in Europe this summer at the 2009 International Jazz Educator Conference in Lucerne, Switzerland with a web development clinic in July as well as the 2009 International Pulawy Jazz Workshop in Pulawy, Poland this summer?

  7. Suggestion: have your child saved all graded assignments in either their notebook or just leave them in the out-baskets in the PC lab so we can verify any missing assignments. Students tend to throw away old papers. Don't!!!

  8. If you ever need to contact Dr. Data, please e-mail him at: jkuzmich@earthlink.net as his primary e-mail address. Don't get discouraged if you can spam messenger error. He will change the spam blocker to accept your e-mails.


  9. Dr. Data's computer lab classroom is being updated with better server connections so the PC lab should be highly functional thanks to our school tech faculty member, Mr. Josh Whalen.

  10. Students can do makeup work after school on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and most Fridays as well. Just make arrangements with Dr. Data to make sure he is available that day and not in a faculty meeting along with open-lab buses available to transport your children home after 3:15 p.m.


    Must see to believe it! Creativity in the Carmody Computer Program. Dr. Data is now sponsoring many extra-credit opportunities for both 7th and 8th grades to do on computers for Carmody faculty members. When they have finished their daily and/or weekly work, these students can be assigned to undertake special assignments for Carmody staff and to be rewarded extra-credit . Most of the seventeen projects deal with multimedia applications including graphics and layout, such as newsletters, banners, flyers, PowerPoint slideshows, web pages, and much more. For more details, go to http://www.kuzmich.com/carmody/Projects.html for actual samples of work done by our students for Carmody's faculty. Not only a great way to provide valuable services to our faculty, but talented students who participate in these extra-credit projects can also apply to be a student assistants next semester specializing in creative computer generated projects for Carmody. With practice, my 8th grade computer students will gain confidence and real-work experience using computers as they contribute to the Carmody environment. And I already have some qualified 7th grader students who will be doing award certificates for our faculty for Carmody staff as well for extra-credit. If your 7th or 8th grade child would benefit from such experiences , please e-mail Dr. Data about this matter as several faculty members already have projects to be done ASAP! Already several award certificates designed by 7th graders are now posted at: http://www.kuzmich.com/carmody/Projects.html for your perusal.

  11. Eight grade class will began Week 2 instruction on Wednesday at:  http://www.kuzmich.com/carmody/business/Week2.html .  Students are learning to make their business logos this week.

Hope this helps and looking forward to a successful semester.

Till next time,

Dr. Data