Carter-Thompson, Vanessa

Ms. Vanessa Carter-Thompson - 4th Grade Teacher (Science Program)

 Main Office (Please leave a message!): 651.767.8540

vanessa.thompson@spps.org

Hello and Welcome! My name is Ms. Vanessa Carter-Thompson, but here at Crossroads, students refer to me as Ms. Thompson.  Let me begin by providing just a bit of information about my background and my views on educating children: After leaving a rewarding career in Food Science, I completed my Master's Degree in K-8 Life Science Education (1999) and accepted a position here, in the Science Program, at Crossroads Elementary School. I truly believe that the interdisciplinary focus afforded by our integration of the STEAM model (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) is what helps to make the Science Program unique. What is STEAM? It involves using problem-solving, critical thinking and decision making skills independently and as a team every day in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Our Roadrunners benefit from the instruction provided by Specialists in Technology, Engineering, Creative Movement (Physical Education) and Art AND, new this year, we'll be adding Science and Music into our specialist rotation!

FAQ: Where will we meet this year? We have moved back into our classroom on the Science side of the building-Room 2310. We will continue to have Breakfast-to-Go in our classroom and lunch in an assigned area of the cafeteria. Recess be on the playground most days, but we'll have indoor recess during inclement weather. Last semester, Ms. Sara, our Media Specialist brought books to our classroom on her rolling/mobile library cart, but I do not have information on what her plans are for Library/Media Center this upcoming year. Stay tuned! As for the Inquiry Zone--our interactive/hands-on/minds-on work area centrally located on our first floor---I will keep you up to date with information on safely reopening that space as well.                                                                                                                                                                                 

Of course Science will continue to be taught in our classroom, as will Reading, Writing, and Social Studies.There is so much more I'd love to share with you, so please check our weekly Thursday Folder for more information. I'd also like to hear your questions, comments, concerns, and/or compliments. Email me at www.vanessa.thompson@spps.org or inbox me on our Seesaw page.  Did I mention that I LOVE SCIENCE and look forward to teaching, learning, and exploring with you and your young Scientist? Well---I do! Thank You!