Welcome to Sixth Grade!

I want to welcome my students and families to the sixth grade! This will be an exciting year for all of us. As I'm sure many of you have realized, I am new to Scappoose and Otto Petersen Elementary. For over twelve years I taught for the Hillsboro School District and lived in Beaverton. It will be an exciting change to be a part of the community where I both work and live.

The purpose of this blog is twofold. First, it will act as a communication tool for families. I will post weekly to bi-weekly updates on what is happening in our classroom. This includes newsletters, assignments, photos, and videos about what we are working on in sixth grade. I also use the blog as a tool to organize some assignments. I might post links, informative videos, or helpful tips for the class. I invite my students and families to share comments on the blog posts; if you see anything you would like added, please let me know.

What should you know about Ms. Kinsman?

• This is not my first time teaching 6th grade in an elementary setting; I have taught fourth through eighth grade. Yes, that's right, I survived teaching middle school!
• This is not my first move. I lived in over 20 houses and three states as a child. Moving to Scappoose is an exciting and welcome change.
• I love being a teacher. Other than contemplating careers in abalone hunting, philanthropy, and neuropsychology, teaching was always my first choice. 
• I have two children (an eight-year-old girl and five-year-old boy), attending Grant Watts. They are also excited and nervous about our big move 
• I love the reading, the Internet, movies, traveling, and telling stories. I hope to do a little of all with the class this year. 

I also have very high expectations for my students. My goal is to create a rigorous learning environment where all my learners are equal participants. This means I need active and engaged students prepared to take on the challenges of our classroom. As I learn more about the routines, expectations, and culture of Otto Petersen, I will be posting updates about how we can ensure your success in the coming year. 

Thank you for visiting our blog! I look forward to meeting all of you at our "Back to School Night" this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Finally, I hope that my new students might be able to help me think of a name for this blog. I'm open to suggestions!

-Ms. Kinsman