7th Grade Language Arts

I have taught Middle School Language Arts since I began teaching in 2005.  Books are my passion!  My sincere hope is that students will leave my class having read at least one book that they loved. 

I believe that the goal of Language Arts is communication.  In our technological world, the ability to communicate effectively is essential.  Many times, we are judged by what we write (or post) online before anyone actually meets us.  Often, it will determine whether or not we ARE met!

I have enjoyed the privilege of teaching in two school systems prior to joining the Saraland family.  Both systems helped to form me into the instructor and person that I am.  My participation in the Curriculum Development team with the Catholic School System and Mobile County Public School System led to a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.  I have endeavored to become a leader in every position I've held.  Currently, my classes are focused on incorporating digital learning within the classroom on a day-to-day basis.  I truly feel that I have found my home here at SMS.

My husband, Paul, and I have lived in the Saraland/Satsuma area for our entire married life of 30+ years.  We have one son, Patric, who is a student at the University of South Alabama.  Even as an adult, he keeps us fairly busy!

GRADING:  Please take a look at the Syllabus Tab, a breakdown of how your student will be graded is there.  Also, tests are typically given on Fridays with a cumulative Vocabulary Test every other Friday (on calendar).  

Each student in 7th Grade is responsible for 10 points in Accelerated Reader.  They can only achieve 3 of these points using the short-reads found in MyOn or in very small chapter books; the remaining 7 points should come in "chunks" from the larger class novels that we read together or more challenging novels from the library.

CLASS CONTACT: Class updates will be posted on the Remind App.  Just text: @gotgram

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ROBOTICS: For more than 13 years I have (with the assistance of my husband!) sponsored the BEST Robotics Team and have taken them to the Regional Championships 5 times.  We are excited to join forces with the successful team here at SMS and keep the winning going! 2022 gave us our first BEST category ranking at South's BEST Championships.  We choose to be Spartans!

FBLA: In 2022, I began working with SMS's FBLA Team.  It was a whirlwind with 4 State Conference winners, 3 bids to the National Conference, and ending with Saraland City School's first ever nationally ranked student!  Take a look at the FBLA tab and see if you might enjoy joining us this year.