Welcome to 7th grade math at Coopertown Middle School! I have been teaching since the fall of 2001. I earned both my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s degree in Leadership Studies, and my Education Specialist Degree in Middle School Mathematics from Austin Peay State University.

I enjoy spending time with my wife, Sarah, and our two daughters, Charlee and Katherine.

Your child’s progress is important, so I will be keeping you aware of your child’s progress. Here are a few examples of the way I will communicate grades to you. Your child will have a math assignment daily. You can expect graded papers to come home every day or every other day. Please review these with your child. When a student scores below an 69% on an assignment they will be expected to redo the assignment and turn it in the following day.

Students will be responsible for each day’s class work or homework assignment to be completed on time.  This work will be checked daily. For all class work or homework assignments, students will receive full or partial credit according to the number of answers correct. Late papers will only be accepted 1 day past the due date and receive only partial credit.  Work missed due to an absence needs to be completed and returned to school as soon as possible. A student receives one day for each day missed to complete this work. (Example: a student who is absent for three days may have up to three days after their return to school to complete the work.)

These grades will be averaged at the end of the reporting period to determine one cumulative daily grade. Therefore, it is important that your child completes all assignments! Along with the daily grade average, your child will also receive test / quiz grades in math. Students will have a math test every five to seven days. All tests and quizzes are expected to be signed and returned to school the following day. To determine the overall grade for the reporting period, the averages will be calculated as follows: Class work and Homework =  50%, Quizzes and tests = 50%.

Progress reports will be sent home in the middle of the nine week period. Report cards will be sent home at the end of the nine weeks.

If needed, we can schedule a conference to discuss your concerns about your child’s progress. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.  The most efficient way is by email at [email protected] or you can call and leave a message with the office at 615-382-4166.  You can also send a note with your child.  I will do my best to respond promptly.

A good learning atmosphere is one in which a child is free to learn without unnecessary distractions. Simple rules are set up at the beginning of school in order to have a safe, smooth-running classroom. These rules are discussed at school with the students, so that all are understood. There are only two classroom rules in place in my class they are: Be responsible, and  Be respectful.

Sincerely,