Tamika Dees, Head of Middle School
August 11, 2023
Greetings, Middle School Families,
As I begin my 21st year in education, the month of August is still bittersweet. Bitter in that I can no longer stay up past 9:00 pm, I can’t sleep beyond 4:30 am, and hanging out at Starbucks is a no-go. However, this time is also sweet because it’s an opportunity for new beginnings, a fresh start, and a time to invest in the lives of the students, families, and faculty I serve. As indicated in the salutation, we are a family, and it is my desire to lead the charge to ensure that every member of our family feels valued, included, and appreciated.
Our theme for this year is “All About Positivity” and how we can be “Bucket Fillers.” We believe that in addition to the 3 A’s (Academics, Arts, and Athletics) that social emotional well-being is also vitally important. Therefore, as a Middle School Team, we will go over and beyond in helping our middle school scholars to self-advocate, utilize their unique gifts and talents, and discover their hidden passions.
I am also elated to welcome a great group of talented and passionate educators to our Middle School Team. Mr. Sami Bullion will be teaching Spanish 5 and 6, and Transitional Spanish. Ms. Marnie Foster will be teaching Intermediate and Advanced Writing/Public Speaking. Dr. Alex Frasier will be teaching French and History 6. Mrs. Shannon Grabowski will be teaching Language Arts 5 and Fundamental Writing. Finally, Mr. Jim Randall will be serving in the capacity of Middle School support staff.
As the adventures of summer are coming to an end, we are genuinely extremely excited to welcome our new and returning Owls, and have provided a few reminder links- Virtual Bookstore Instructions, MS Uniform Guidelines, 5th Grade School Supply List, 6th Grade School Supply List, 7th Grade School Supply List, 8th Grade School Supply List, Join Remind/Parent Text Messaging App, and upcoming events.
We look forward to partnering with our middle school families this school year, as we endeavor to continue this amazing new journey.
Sincerely,
Tamika R. Dees
Upcoming Dates & Details:
8.10.23 “All About Middle School” Pre-recorded Video
8.15.23 New Student (5th-8th) & 5th Grade Student Orientation @ 2:00 pm
8.15.23 All Student Middle School Social @ 5:30 pm
8.19.23 Back to School Bash @ 9:00 am
8.21.23 Meet-the-Teacher Night @ 6:00 pm
8.23.23 First Day of School
