Let me be one of the first to WELCOME you to Westwood Middle School and the 8th grade! I will be your English teacher this year, and am looking forward to getting to know everyone. I hope you also will get to know me, so here’s a little background on myself to get you started:  I am a product of DPS, a proud graduate of GW, DCC, Averett University, and Mercy College. You will not find a more dedicated staff member who genuinely cares about the success of each and every student. I work hard to stay in touch with the parents of my students. You can expect phone calls, text messages, and emails regularly -- it’s not about making contact when inappropriate things occur with students, it’s about staying in contact throughout the year to avoid inappropriate incidents.

Eighth grade is not only your student’s last year in middle school, but it is also a very busy year. Students will complete four SOLs --Reading, Writing, Math, and Science. In English class this year, students will read a variety of short stories and novels, work together in groups and pairs, conduct research, and participate in class discussions. Homework will be sent home when necessary; however, I understand students have extra-curricular activities that keep them rather busy and do not intend to overload them with school work. 

Our team works very hard to ensure our students feel as though their classmates are an extended family. We encourage them to collaborate and seek one another for assistance. Also, our students need to BELIEVE they WILL pass ALL of their SOLs this year. It is only with their 100% belief that we can make that possible. 

I am looking forward to a fantastic year!