Welcome to Mrs. Blackwood's 8th grade Class Website
August 16, 2017
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
It is my pleasure to have your child in my class this year! The eighth grade year is pivotal for students as they prepare to enter high school. The subjects that I teach are Language Arts and U.S. History; however, perhaps even more importantly, I am working to prepare them to be independent and successful in high school. In order to be successful students need to learn to consistently come to class prepared with their assignments completed according to the stated directions. We all have deadlines in life as well as job performance expectations and consequences when we fail to meet them. Please do not “rescue” your child when they forget an assignment, book, or note at home. In order to discourage “rescue calls,” students will not be allowed to call home regarding these issues. Allow them to experience the consequence and learn from it. It is their responsibility, not yours. Please partner with me to educate your child and to prepare him/her to be successful in the years ahead.
As I am sure you know, all students will have their own Chromebook to use both at school and at home. Students do not need to have internet access at home to complete assignments. All assignments, whether they are on paper or a Google doc, will be posted in Google Classroom. Parents are encouraged to check my assignment calendar on my website, http://blackwoodatmcswain.weebly.com/. This can be accessed either through the school website or through Aeries. You can view my class syllabus, rules, and procedures there as well. I will be sending messages and reminders home through LOOP as needed.
I believe that open lines of communication are crucial to student success. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about this or anything else. I will do my very best to reply within twenty-four hours. I can be reached by email at iblackwood@mcswain.k12.ca.us or by phone at 209-354-2700, extension 115.
Please read the information in this packet thoroughly with your child, complete and sign where it is appropriate, and have your child return those pages by Monday, August 21, 2017. A suggested supply list is also included.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Blackwood
"Only 179 days till graduation. You will need to work hard to finish strong!"
-anonymous