August 26, 2024

Dear 8^th grade parents,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year!  I just want to take a moment to introduce myself.  This is my 30th year of teaching and 16th year at KMS.  I have taught middle school language arts and high school English in many states during my career as a teacher.  I have found that the middle grades are my favorite grades to teach because students are so excited to learn.  While 8^th grade may be a challenging year of middle school, I set high expectations that I am positive all students can meet and exceed by doing their best at all times.

Assignments will be posted daily in Canvas, and students need to keep up with these assignments by using their planners or another way for organization.  Mrs. Shumaker will be sending out the weekly newsletter each Monday.  My goal for 8^th grade is to make students better readers, writers, speakers, thinkers, problem-solvers, self-motivated and self-directed learners, and respectful citizens.  I encourage positive parental involvement so that we can work together to make your child’s experience in 8^th grade positive, successful, and rewarding.

Grades will be calculated the following way.  Homework is worth 25%, Class work is worth 25%, and Assessments and Projects are worth 50%. Grades will be posted in Powerschool weekly  I don’t accept late work as I expect students to turn in their best work on time at all times. 

Students are expected to:

• be respectful at all times.
• come to class prepared with folder, notebook, planner, pencils, homework, and assignments necessary for class.
• come to class on time.
• follow classroom expectations and procedures at all times.
• try their best and put forth their best effort.
• carry out the Cougar Core Values.
• turn in homework, assignments, and projects on time.
• keep the classroom community a positive learning environment for all.
• become part of the classroom learning environment.

Contact Info:  If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding your child, classroom expectations, or assignments, please do not hesitate to contact me via phone or email.  Parent contact and parental involvement is key to your child’s success in school.  I will return phone calls and emails in a timely manner.  Please call me at school at 336-545-3717 or email me at lewisj7@gcsnc.com.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this information with your child.  I know that with your child’s hard work, dedication, and appropriate behavior, we will have a successful school year.

Mrs. Lewis