Welcome to 7Th Grade World History. My Name Is Lara Brown, and This Is My 17Th Year Teaching

September 4, 2012

Dear Parents:

Welcome to 7th Grade World History. My name is Lara Brown, and this is my 17th year teaching middle school, and my 13th at Stanwood Middle School. I graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in History Education, and later completed my Master’s Degree in Education.

In addition to World History, I also teach Woodworking here at SMS. I am looking forward to teaching World History because I always attempt to utilize other subjects, as well as simulations and fun activities. I also feel I can bring much of what I have directly learned about some cultures in our world (from travel) into the classroom. We will be studying the geography, government, and societies Medieval Europe, the Middle East, and China.

To prepare for high school, your son or daughter should earn, at the minimum, a passing grade in this class. I hope that you are utilizing Family Access (if you do not know how to begin this process and gain access to your child’s assignments and grades, or have not gotten a code to sign in, please contact the office), and regularly talk with your child about his or her assignments and activities during my class. If a student does not pass this class in the 7th grade, it will be more difficult to understand the concepts in similar classes in high school.

The supplies required will be listed in the class syllabus, provided this week (supplies need to be brought to school by Monday, September 10, 2012). However, students will need a new COMPOSITION BOOK (available at any office supply store, and our school store) for notes, two sharpened pencils (or one mechanical pencil), two blue or black Flair pens, colored pencils or crayons for maps, and a great attitude! If you have any questions, please contact me at the school, 360.629.1350, extension #3336, or by email (). Please be sure to follow class assignments, homework, and other announcements on my Wiki Space (www.smsshop.wikispaces.com). Thank you very much. Let’s have a great semester!

Sincerely,

Lara Brown

7th Grade History

SMS Woodworking