SHMS

2015-2016

​

I am thrilled to be your teacher this
year!  Yes!  You!  Right there!  You are
incredibly talented!  I have taught middle
school for many years, and 8th grade is
my favorite.  Your 7th grade teachers
all spoke so highly of you that I can't
wait to meet you myself!  

 

At the beginning of the year, when
students were assigned to their teachers,
they chose all of you to be in my class
for a reason.  You are amazing.  It's
true.  I promise I'm not making this up.  I am a tough teacher.  I expect the best out of my students.  That's why I only get students who are up for it, who are able to be incredible.  That's you.  

 

So welcome!  

 

Eighth grade is going to be a wonderful year for you.  This year, you are the top dog - or Top Knight, in this case.  You are the expert.  You are the role model and the one the younger kids look up to.  You have a lot of influence; remember that.  It will be another 4 years before you are top dog again - and that will be when you are about to graduate from high school.  Enjoy it.  It's nice to be on top.

​It's also the last year of middle school.  Next year, high school begins.  You probably feel some excitement and some anxiety about that.  (High schoolers!  Yeah!  Um...high schoolers.)  That's perfectly normal, but here's why it's important:  Just like the expectations were more when you moved from 5th grade to 6th grade, you will meet much more of a challenge when you walk into your 9th grade classes.  That's okay.  You can meet those challenges.  It's a part of growing up and growing into the young adult you are becoming.  You will find that I will treat you more like high schoolers than middle schoolers, becuase that is what you are about to be.  And this is the year that the good habits you need to succeed in middle school are put into practice.  This is the year to get it right, so next year will be even easier.

 

On that note, here is what you can expect from me:  I will challenge you.  I will not let you slack off.  I will make you think more and harder about things you might never have thought of before.  I will always be here to help you whenever you need it.  I will expect you to show me your incredible side.  I will help you prepare for the bright future you have at your fingertips.  

 

This year will be amazing.  And I can't wait to start it with you!