James Thomas

7th Pre-AP: Introduction to Algebra

Teacher Bio

Hello, Bobcats!

I hope everyone is safe and healthy! I'm excited to meet all of you and look forward to an exciting year of learning!

Welcome to Berry Miller Jr High!

I was born in South India but grew up in Mumbai. My educational background is in Physics, Computer Hardware & Networking. I was also a Math tutor in India for over 10 years. Many of my students come from poor, illiterate family backgrounds. Yet they went on to become businessmen, engineers, entrepreneurs, nurses, politicians, real estate agents, sailors, salesmen, teachers, etc. Eventually, I moved to the United States of America in 2003 and received my Bachelor's in Education.

This is my tenth year of teaching at Berry Miller! I love taking pictures, drinking coffee, online shopping, and traveling! I used to play cricket and kabaddi back then, but now I'm a big fan of baseball and football! Go Astros!! What an achievement! I am so proud of my team!

Degrees & Certifications

St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, India

Houston Community College

Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX

Adv. Diploma in Comp. Hardware & Networking
Associates in Science
Bachelor in Interdisciplinary Studies
TX EC-9 Generalist certified

Supplies

Charged LAPTOP
Personal Planner (to help with the organization)
One and a Half inch Math Binder. We will have a HW tab within the binder. So no need for a separate HW folder
Five tab divider
#2 pencils (mechanical is fine if you can bring your lead refills)
Eraser
Adult scissors (Kids' scissors will jam growing fingers, just saying)
One Highlighter
Red pen (for checking homework)
Black or Blue or any other dark-colored pen (for taking notes)
Hand sanitizer (we always run out by March, so please be generous!)
Tissue box

As you all know, teachers all over the United States spend a lot from their pockets on maintaining a great classroom.

If you are willing and able, I appreciate your and your family's contribution to your child's class and his/her success! Please click on my WishList to help us have a great year!

COMMUNICATION & E-LEARNING

Welcome to e-learning!

I will check and answer emails throughout the day. You can email me anytime but I'll answer during business hours.
Download the Band App and join the class group.
Messaging through Band App is the quickest way to answer a simple question. But Band App is not our official means of communication, email is.
If I don't answer right away, please be patient, I might be helping someone else, may not have a definitive answer, or I'm in a meeting!
Students will have access to Canvas courses, assignments, and calendars.
The Skyward grade is always reliable.
Canvas grades sometimes don't pass over or get updated. Please don't panic if it is not updated on Skyward. I'll sort it out with the student.

My Schedule

1st period: Pre-AP Math

2nd period: Pre-AP GT Math

3rd period: Miller Moment

4th period: Pre-AP GT Math

5th period: Pre-AP Math

6th period: Pre-AP Math

7th period: (2:15 to 2:45 PM)

Lesson Planning / Team Meetings/ Parent Conference/ Substitute when short of staff, etc.

8th period: Pre-AP GT Math

Tutorials (Click here for Department Tutoring Schedule)

Monday PM: 4 to 4:30 PM

Thursday AM: 8 to 8:30 AM

Friday AM: 8 to 8:30 AM

Other times are strictly by appointment only. *If I am unavailable for tutoring, you may visit any other math teacher's tutorials for help. Ms. Kelly, Mrs. Laird, Ms. Akin, Mrs. Arthur, and other math teachers on campus are always happy to help you.

TEXTBOOK LOGIN

Click here for ALL PISD Textbooks: For Math Use myHRW

Contact Info

Email: thomasja@pearlandisd.org
School Phone: (281) 997- 3900

Conference Time

7th period: (2:15 to 2:45 PM)

Clubs & Activities

Future Problem Solvers Club Coach

Quick Access (links to frequently used resources)

Campus Calendar: Public info on what's going on (need to create a new link)
Skyward: Schedules and Grades
Canvas Student Guides: Answers to frequently asked Canvas questions