Keith Ritenour
About Me!
Hi, my name is Keith Ritenour and I am looking forward to a fantastic school year teaching 6th TAPS and Bulldog Leadership at Burnet Middle School! I have over 34 years of experience in education both at the administrative and teaching level. I grew up in South Dakota, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Math, Computer Science and Secondary Education from Dakota Wesleyan University, as well as a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from the University of South Dakota. After teaching in South Dakota for a few years, I relocated to Texas. While in Texas, I have served as a teacher, coach and administrator in Westphalia ISD, Lake Travis ISD and Southwest ISD.
I have been married for 33 years to my wonderful wife Holly, who is the PE teacher at RJ Richey Elementary here in Burnet CISD. We have two daughters. Our oldest Alex, is a Pharmacist in Dallas, and our youngest daughter, Jami, is a 4th grade teacher in Georgetown ISD. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, reading and spending time with friends and family.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns!
Class Schedule
Class Period | Time | Schedule |
1st Period | 8:00 AM - 8:50 AM | 6th Grade TAPS |
2nd Period | 8:55 AM - 9:45 AM | 6th Grade TAPS |
Bulldog Leadership | 9:50 AM - 10:30 AM | Bulldog Leadership |
3rd Period | 10:35 AM - 11:25 AM | 6th Grade TAPS |
4th Period | 11:30 AM -12:20 PM | Conference |
Overview of 6th Grade TAPS
Unit | Technology Focus | Character Traits |
1 | Digital Citizenship | Spirit, Pride, and Honor |
2 | Computational Thinking | Responsibility and Trustworthiness |
3 | Programming and Debugging | Perseverance and Integrity |
4 | Ethics and Research | Self Control and Respect |
5 | Data and Communication | Fairness and Citizenship |
6 | Integration and Media | Loyalty and Gratitude |
What is This Class About?
TAPS is an acronym for "Technology Academic and Personal Success." This course teaches students how to safely and creatively use technology to solve problems, work with data, create digital projects, and become responsible digital citizens. Lessons follow the Texas TEKS (Technology Applications, Grade 6). Additionally, TAPS introduces students to character traits to build and promote personal skills for continued success in middle school. Note: see full class description in BMS Course Guide.
Computer/School Property:
Students will be assigned a desktop computer and expected to report any issues with the computer to the classroom teacher. Misuse or any violations of the Student's Acceptable Use Policy may result in an office referral and destruction of school property will result in an office referral.
How Will Students Be Graded?
- Projects & Presentations - 50%
- Daily Work, Learning.com Lessons - 50%
Classroom Expectations:
Be on time, be prepared for class and be respectful of classmates and the learning environment.
Class Supply List:
Pencils and wired headphones/earbuds for computer use only.