#CJHSpartans #beststudentsever #worldclassengagment #hebisdtheplace2b @KatinaRhodesCJH @BenjaminKirton1 @CynthiaMorganH1 @hebisd @HEBISDpeople

Newsletter:  We’ve made it to Week 6, and the finish line for this grading period is in sight! This is the week where hard work pays off, concepts click into place, and students showcase everything they’ve learned. Let’s take a look at what’s ahead for ADVAC Biology and ADVAC Physics as they wrap up major topics and transition into new material. ADVAC Biology: Finishing Animal System Interactions & Human Body Systems - Our biologists are closing out their unit on Animal System Interactions with a digestion lab and a special day of diagnosis, giving them hands-on experience with real-world biological processes. They’ll also take their third Curriculum Benchmark Assessment on Wednesday, marking a key milestone in their learning. This next phase of study connects directly to medical and health sciences, helping students see the big-picture relevance of these biological processes. ADVAC Physics: Momentum, Impulse & Collisions—Final Presentations & Next Steps - In ADVAC Physics, students are wrapping up their PBL on Momentum, Impulse, and Collisions with final FRQ assessments and project presentations on Thursday and Friday. Their Ancient War Machines PBL has challenged them to apply physics principles to historical engineering, and their final presentations will showcase their understanding of force, motion, and mechanical efficiency. The Final Stretch: Keeping Perspective Amid Pressure - With grades closing, students are feeling the intensity—whether it’s progress reports, GPA calculations, or class rankings. This is the time when stress levels spike, but it’s also the perfect moment to emphasize progress over perfection. Encourage students to: 📷 Stay focused on learning, not just the grade 📷 Recognize effort and improvement as success markers 📷 Take care of themselves—because mental and physical well-being matter too We’re in this together, and as we close out the grading period, let’s remind students that resilience, curiosity, and perseverance are just as important as any test score. Here’s to a strong finish! Let’s make this week count. @hebisd @MikeLawtonCJH #worldclass at #cjhSpartans

#biology Bootcamp starts in 15 minutes! @hebisd @MikeLawtonCJH #worldclass at #cjhspartans

Hey Parents and Students, Happy February! Can you believe we’re already here? Time flies when you’re deep in the trenches of science. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s coming up in both ADVAC Biology and ADVAC Physics. Buckle up! ADVAC Biology: What’s Happening Next Week: We’re jumping into the world of animal body systems and how they work together—because, you know, animals need to stay alive and functional. (Who knew, right?) We'll explore how systems like the circulatory, digestive, and respiratory systems play nice together to keep things running smoothly. So, get ready for some fun stuff! Assessments Ahead:On Wednesday, February 12th, we’ll be diving into CBA 3—all about Evolution and Animal Systems. So, it’s time to refresh that memory and polish those notes! Optional Biology Bootcamp this Saturday, February 8th from 7:00 am - 9:00 am. It’s the perfect chance to ​​review everything you’ve learned in the past six weeks. If you’d rather stay home and nap, no worries! The session will be recorded, so you can watch it ​​later in your pajamas. No judgment here. ADVAC Physics: What’s Happening Next Week: Things are about to get real in Physics as we kick off our PBL—Impetus Rex. This one’s all about momentum, impulse, and collisions—the stuff that happens when things go boom or when you accidentally bump into someone in the hallway. Expect hands-on projects, messy experiments, and lots of "Aha!" moments as we dig deep into how the world works. Important Dates to Remember (Mark your Calendars!): ELA IA on Tuesday, February 4th (Good luck!) End of Grading Period on Friday, February 14th (Half-day! So, technically, we can all pretend to be more productive than we are for half the day). Alright, now’s the time to kick things into gear and get prepared. You’ve got this—no stress, just some good old-fashioned science fun ahead. As always, if you have any questions or need more info, don't hesitate to reach out. Thanks for being awesome and supporting your students through this whirlwind of a semester! Best, CJHScience @hebisd

Ancient War Machines PBL Presentations Today - These #physics students spent the last 4 weeks learning about Work, Power, and Energy. They researched and built their devices, tested, and calculated the work, power, and energy in each based upon simple machines. #worldclass at #cjhspartans @hebisd @hebisdpeople @MikeLawtonCJH #PhysicsTeaching #PhysicsEd #STEMEducation #ScienceTeachers #PhysicsResources #TeachingPhysics #PhysicsCurriculum #STEMResources #EdTech #EducationResources #TeacherTools #EdChat #HighSchoolPhysics #APPhysics #TeachersOfX #FYP #ViralPost #TrendingNow #ExplorePage #EduTok

Introducing #SystemsQuest! Explore the Animal Body System, their interactions, and regulation of homeostasis of all 12 body systems! Building it out now! #TEK12A - #biology #fyp #foryou #foryourpage #teachertwitter

Newsletter: As we enter the 4th week of the 6-week grading period, let’s talk about what’s ahead for our ADVAC Biology and ADVAC Physics students—because, honestly, we’re in the thick of it now. This part of the term is where the magic happens… or where everyone starts living on caffeine and sheer determination. Either way, we’ve got some exciting learning opportunities coming up that should spark curiosity and, hopefully, a little joy. In ADVAC Biology, students are wrapping up their unit on Biodiversity and Evolution. This week, they’ll dive into two investigations: one on natural selection and another exploring how genetic drift impacts populations. It’s science in action, with plenty of opportunities for students to see the mechanics of evolution play out (and maybe prove to their families that "survival of the fittest" applies to more than arguing over the last slice of pizza). The unit wraps with an exam on Friday, January 31st, so get ready for a big push toward the finish line. Over in ADVAC Physics, students are nearing the conclusion of their Ancient War Machines Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit. They’ve been applying principles of work, power, and energy to explore how historical engineers managed to turn simple machines into weapons of mass destruction. This week, they’ll complete their FRQ assessments on Tuesday and present their war machine designs on Thursday and Friday. Presentations will be recorded and uploaded because nothing says "I’m a 21st-century student" like creating the siege engine TikTok's (okay, not really, but it’s close). Links will be sent out so everyone can enjoy the culmination of their hard work and creativity. And now, let’s get real for a moment. Progress reports, GPA updates, and class rankings are just around the corner. For many students, this is the part of the term where the pressure ramps up faster than ATP production in the mitochondria. They’ll be striving for those cherished top spots, pouring their hearts into their work, and—despite their best efforts—some may fall short of their own high expectations. It happens to the best of us. (Remember that time you tried to make sourdough during lockdown and ended up with a hockey puck? Same idea.)Perspective is key here. Encourage students to use positive self-talk and focus on progress rather than perfection. Setbacks don’t define their potential—they’re just part of the process. Let’s remind them that success is a journey, not a GPA. Growth, resilience, and effort matter far more than a number or a ranking. Together, we can help them navigate this hectic time with humor, balance, and a healthy dose of encouragement (and maybe some cookies—it’s amazing what a cookie can do). @hebisd @MikeLawtonCJH

Newsletter:  Parents & Students - As we enter the third week of the 4th six-week grading period, I’d like to update you on the exciting learning opportunities ahead for our ADVAC Biology and ADVAC Physics students. This period is full of assessments, hands-on learning, and new challenges that will foster growth and curiosity. In ADVAC Biology, students are beginning their study of Biodiversity and Evolution. They’ll explore the evidence and mechanisms behind how organisms have changed over time, focusing on topics such as natural selection, adaptation, speciation, and evolutionary trends. This unit will offer students the chance to examine the vast diversity of life and the processes that have shaped it. In ADVAC Physics, students are continuing their Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit on work, power, and energy. This project focuses on ancient war machines and explores the mechanics of simple machines, investigating how energy and motion worked in these historical inventions. Students will deepen their understanding of these fundamental principles and their application in both ancient and modern contexts. As we approach the midpoint of the grading period, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible progress many of our students have made. With progress reports coming up next week in HAC, I am so proud to see how much effort they’ve put into staying on top of their work. The amount of missing assignments has drastically decreased, showing their dedication and commitment. This is a huge accomplishment, and I encourage parents to take the time to celebrate this success with their students—it’s a true reflection of their perseverance and focus. While we continue through this term, it’s important to remember that life can sometimes throw us off course—whether it’s sickness, unexpected events, or just the challenges that come with juggling multiple responsibilities. But I have complete faith in our students’ ability to rise above these challenges. Keeping lines of communication open with teachers and staying proactive with assignments and assessments will make all the difference in ensuring continued success. Let’s continue to embrace these challenges with determination and pride. Together, we can make this a truly rewarding and successful term! @hebisd @hebisdpeople @MikeLawtonCJH #worldclass at #cjhspartans

Newsletter:  Dear Parents and Students, As we enter the second week of the 4th six-week grading period, I’d like to update you on what’s ahead for our ADVAC Biology and ADVAC Physics students. This is an exciting time, with a mix of assessments, hands-on learning, and new challenges that will continue to foster growth and curiosity. In ADVAC Biology, students are wrapping up their genetics unit and preparing for an assessment this Wednesday. The focus has been on Mendelian genetics, the structure and function of DNA and RNA, and genetic mutations. Students have explored these concepts through Punnett square analysis, DNA modeling, and case studies, and will soon apply this knowledge in the assessment. Afterward, we’ll dive into biodiversity and evolution, studying the mechanisms of natural selection and adaptation, speciation, and evolutionary trends. This will provide an opportunity to examine the vast diversity of life and the processes that shape it. In ADVAC Physics, students are beginning their PBL (Project-Based Learning) on ancient war machines, which will include a study of simple machines and concepts of work, power, and energy. They will explore how these principles relate to the mechanics behind ancient inventions, deepening their understanding of how energy and motion work in both historical and modern contexts. As we continue through the second half of the grading period, it’s important to stay organized. Life events, sickness, and other unforeseen circumstances can occur, so I encourage all students to develop a clear plan for managing their time and coursework. Keeping open lines of communication with teachers can make a huge difference when you miss class, and it’s vital to stay on top of assignments and assessments during busy times like these. This term offers many opportunities for learning and growth, and with careful planning and determination, all students can succeed in these challenging yet rewarding topics. #worldclass at #cjhspartans @hebisd @HEBISDpeople @MikeLawtonCJH @CynthiaMorganH1 @BenjaminKirton1 #fyp

Using @figma for my #biology classes today - Nonmendelian Genetics warmup and closure! Have immediate feedback for the lesson and the students gauge their knowledge level. #worldclass at #cjhspartans @hebisd @EdtechHeb @HEBISDpeople @MikeLawtonCJH @CynthiaMorganH1 @BenjaminKirton1 #fyp #teachertwitter #foryourpage

Teachers - Thank me later if you struggle to come up with visuals or graphic organizers for your students! #teachertools #TeachersTwitter @hebisd @EdtechHeb

Dear Current and Former Students, As the holiday season unfolds, my family and I find ourselves reflecting on the countless memories and moments of growth we’ve shared with you. Whether you’re a student sitting in my classroom this year or someone I had the privilege of teaching in the past, please know that you hold a special place in my heart. To my current students: thank you for your curiosity, your courage to ask questions, and your willingness to embrace the challenges of biology and physics. Watching you grow, learn, and discover is a daily reminder of why I love teaching. To my former students: wherever life has taken you, know that I continue to cheer you on from afar. Your journeys, achievements, and resilience are a constant source of pride and inspiration. You’ve left a lasting impact not just on me, but on this classroom and the future students who follow in your footsteps. This holiday season, I hope you take time to celebrate all that you’ve accomplished, to cherish the people who support you, and to dream boldly about what’s ahead. From my family to yours, we wish you a season filled with joy, love, and endless possibilities. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your extraordinary stories. I am so grateful for each of you. Happy Holidays!

Dear Parents and Students of Advanced Academic Biology and Physics, What a semester it’s been! From exploring the microscopic world of cells to bending your minds around the laws of motion, you’ve all shown incredible resilience and determination—and yes, I noticed the occasional eye rolls during my “punny” science jokes. It’s okay, I’m used to it. To my extraordinary students: You’ve braved some of the toughest academic content out there. Advanced Biology and Physics are not for the faint of heart (or those allergic to lab reports), and you’ve handled it like champions—sometimes tired champions, but champions nonetheless. Now, it’s time for a much-needed break. Rest those overworked brains, recharge your batteries (metaphorically—unless you’re studying electricity), and enjoy the holidays. And if you can’t resist applying science to your life, try explaining Newton’s Third Law during a snowball fight or diagramming osmosis as you drink hot cocoa. Your family will love it. To my heroic parents: Let’s be honest—you deserve a standing ovation. Supporting your students through the ups and downs of advanced academics is no small feat. Thank you for being their cheerleaders, tutors, snack providers, and occasional lab assistants. And thank you for your faith in Central Junior High, HEBISD, and, most importantly, your kids. I know some of these concepts (and deadlines) might have made your heads spin, but you stuck with it. You’re the glue holding this whole academic adventure together, and we’re all better for it. This holiday season, let’s celebrate everything we’ve accomplished—even the small victories like mastering one more chapter or surviving an especially tricky exam. Take time to laugh, relax, and remember that life, like science, is best approached with curiosity and a good sense of humor. Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a New Year filled with laughter, love, and maybe just a little less homework (you’re welcome, parents). Thank you for making this semester such a success—I couldn’t ask for a better team. With gratitude, sarcasm, and holiday spirit, #worldclass at #cjhspartans @MikeLawtonCJH @hebisd @HEBISDpeople

Winter break is a fantastic time to explore science in fun, hands-on, and creative ways! Below are optional activities that inspire their curiosity about the natural world. Whether they are indoors by the fire or enjoying the crisp winter air, there’s something here for everyone. I put this together: @hebisd @MikeLawtonCJH #worldclass at #cjhspartans

#spaghettibridges in #physics today! #fyptwitter #fyp @MikeLawtonCJH @BenjaminKirton1 @CynthiaMorganH1 just

Door Decorating! “My kids are different!” #worldclass at #cjhscience @MikeLawtonCJH