NAMES:
Ms. Jones and Ms. Kass
SCHOOL:
Blacksburg Middle School
CLASS:
6th Grade
SCHOOL PHONE:
540-951-5800
MS. JONES
Hello! My name is Karen Jones. I will be teaching your child math and
science this year. I am looking forward to getting to know you and working
closely together to make sixth grade a positive and successful experience
for your student.
Allow me to take a moment to introduce myself. I am originally from
Rockbridge County, which is where my parents still live. I attended Radford
University for both my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. While this is my
third year at Blacksburg Middle School, I have taught for ten wonderful
years in Montgomery County. My husband, Rob, is a realtor at Prudential
Radford & Associates here in Blacksburg. I have two beautiful daughters,
Ali is 4 and Kameron is 15 months. My hobbies include golfing with Rob and
watching the girls grow and learn more each day.
As a classroom teacher, I strongly believe in creating a safe and caring
learning environment. I hold high expectations for all students and stress
the importance of life-long learning. I feel that communication between
families and myself is crucial for the success of your student. Please feel
free to call me at school (951-5800) during fifth period (11:26-12:08) or at
home before 9:00 PM (382-4469). I check my email have throughout the day
(kjones@mcps.org). I also update assignments as often as possible on
TeacherWeb.com.
Students will work with Interactive Notebooks in both math and science.
This is composed of several single subject spiral notebook throughout the
year. The Interactive Notebook is an organizational tool that I have found
to be very effective with middle school students. Everyday we will tape in
assignments and class activities on numbered pages. There should never be
blank pages in your student’s notebook. I will be asking for additional
tape throughout the year as needed (approximately a roll per six weeks).
Mrs. Kass and I would like to meet with you during the first six weeks of
school. This conference would be an opportunity for you to tell us about
your child.
I am looking forward to sharing your child’s sixth grade experience and
showing you and your student my love for learning and middle school aged
students. Please feel free to contact me at anytime for concerns or
questions.
MS. KASS
Hi! My name is Sue Kass, and I will be your child’s Sixth Grade Language
Arts and Social Studies teacher this year. I wanted to take this
opportunity to tell you a few things about the upcoming school year and
myself.
I was born and raised in New Jersey and graduated from Rutgers University.
Except for six years living in Los Angeles, I lived in New Jersey my whole
life before moving to Blacksburg four years ago. I am married and have two
daughters ages 12 and 10. In addition, I have a beautiful Golden Retriever
named Casper. I love spending time with my family, traveling, reading, and
I'm currently training for a sprint triathlon in October.
This is my running partner, Casper.
In my previous life (before teaching) I was a Human Resources professional
for several financial services organizations. But my passion for literature
and history as well as my desire to work with young people drove me to a new
career in teaching. I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm for learning, my
life experiences, and my respect for young minds with your child this year.
I have an exciting year planned for our class. My goal is not just to teach
Language Arts and Social Studies, but also to show students how
understanding history can enrich their lives and how important reading and
writing are in all aspects of their lives. Whenever possible, we will be
reading and writing about the time periods we are studying in Social
Studies. In Language Arts workshops, we will work on skills and strategies
essential in developing strong reading and writing competencies. I want to
help give your child the foundation necessary for success in their future
education and in all their life endeavors.
As a parent, you are a critical part of your child’s education and I look
forward to working together for your child’s benefit. I will need your
support on issues such as homework, academic goals and classroom discipline
and will keep you informed on a regular basis regarding your child’s
performance. By way of a website, regular newsletters and other informal
communication devices, you will be able to follow the achievements of our
class. In the meantime, if you have any questions please feel free to call
me at school at 951-5800, email me at skass@mail.mcps.org or call me at home
at 552-3598 (before 9 p.m. please.) I will respond to you as quickly as
possible. I look forward to working with you and having an awesome year
with your child!!