Welcome!
Hello!
I am excited for the 2023/24 School Year. I currently teach 8th Grade US History/Social Studies at Trafford Middle School. As part of our curriculum this year in 8th Grade, we will focus on using primary sources & our founding documents over the course of the year in order to bring to life the early history of our great nation.
Google Classroom will be used for delivery of lesson plans, materials, and other important information over the course of the year. Students will sign up for Google Classroom during the first week of school, and parent/guardian invitations will be sent out that first week, so that you are able to have access to weekly parent updates.
My lesson plans can be accessed below:
Click HERE for Grade 8 Fall Plans & HERE for Grade 8 Spring Plans. I will update plans BY Monday morning of the current week (typically they will be updated way before that), and I will update Google Classroom daily/weekly as needed.
You can reach me by email if you have questions or concerns, and I will respond as quickly as possible. You can also reach me by calling Trafford Middle School and selecting extension 204. I will be available daily from 7:15 am-8:00 am and 3:00 pm- 3:15 pm. Please reach out if you wish to schedule a meeting (either in person, via Zoom, or on the phone) at any time. I look forward to open communication this year and will strive to provide an enriching, supportive, and engaging classroom environment for all students.
Penn-Trafford Student Handbook Materials & Parent Sign Off Pages
All students must complete the handbook test, earning 85% or higher (25/30) on this test. If this score is not achieved, students will be required to complete a retake of the test.
Parents/Guardians will use the Family ID site in order to complete the annual required documents -- both the Handbook sign off sheet and the Internet usage policies. Both of these must be completed by Friday, September 8th.
23/24 Handbook
Review Activity -- this will be an in class activity that we will complete along with guided review and discussion about the various portions of the handbook prior to the test.
1st test date-- Wednesday, September 6th; subsequent dates TBA
Expectations
Parents & Guardians will receive a copy of the Classroom Expectations at Open House on 8/16/23, and copies will be distributed on the first day of class.
The final page should be signed and returned to me by Monday, August 28th.
Open House Presentation
I truly hope I get to meet you at our Open House on August 16th, but if for some reason you are unable to attend, you can access the presentation below:
Click to read a little bit about me
I have taught in the district since the 2008-09 school year in the following capacities--
3rd grade, 7th grade Lit/ELA, 7th & 8th Read 180, and 6th, 7th & 8th grade Social Studies
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, visiting my grandchildren, and participating in some of my favorite hobbies: crafting, gardening, canning, quilting, taking motorcycle rides with my husband, visiting historical spots & battlefields (go figure), and learning (always). I also teaching an undergraduate class as a part-time adjunct at St. Vincent I always seek out challenges & new experiences and encourage my students to do the same.
Education:
University of Pittsburgh/Pitt School of Education--
BS & Elementary K-6 teaching certification
Seton Hill --
Master's in Special Ed
St. Vincent --
Master's in Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership
-Coursework completed for Principal certification
-supervision
Internships completed during 22/23 school year & summer 23
Teaching Certifications:
Elem K-6, Special Ed N-21, English 6-8, Social Studies 7-12