"Reading furnishes the mind only with material for knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read OURS ! ~John Locke

Sixth-grade is a time of changes: lockers, changing schedules, new subjects, and new ideas. Reading class should change as well, reflecting our students' maturity. This year we will certainly be reading and writing, but we will focus on thinking, thinking, thinking! I want my students to respect and appreciate the ideas, insights, and opinions of everyone around them. I'm honored to be given the opportunity to teach children at this important age.

"Wisdom and maturity are seldom the same thing." Unknown

2009- 2010 will be my 26th year in education and my 22nd as a classroom teacher, but each year feels much like the first to me. Every new year brings new challenges, fresh faces, and exciting opportunities for me to learn. This is my favorite part of being a teacher. I love expanding my knowledge, exploring my creativity, discovering new ways to express myself, and forming relationships with new groups of students. I absolutely love my job!

I'm a mother of three adult children; a step-daughter who was an average student, another was a gifted achiever, and the third was learning disabled, dyslexic, and ADHD. I think that this enables me to understand and relate to a wide variety of kids. I like them all.

In my free time, I love traveling, (Europe is my favorite destination), reading novels, especially historical fiction, trying to get my grass to grow, and flowers to bloom, and walking in the countryside. I'm so glad that I live in the Texas Hill Country.

"Those who do not read are no better than those who cannot read." ~Unknown

Each day begins with a focus activity such as: WWWW (Word Wall Word Work), Today's thoughts, Poetry moments, or short writing activities. My students keep a journal all year with their responses, ideas, "good guesses", and definitions. Many, if not all, of the concepts and vocabulary necessary for a successful sixth-grade year are taught and reviewed during the focus activity. Students, make sure that you keep up with your journal. It is worth its weight in gold !

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"

The class motto/rule is RESPECT. A student who respects his fellow classmates, all learning materials, the classroom, and his/her teacher is always welcome in my class. My goal is for all of us to belong to this community of learners.

Students will be graded on many types of work. Generally, daily work counts as 40%, tests are 40%, and journals and homework are 20%. Students have the opportunity to make corrections, complete additional assignments, and finish make-up work, as needed. I believe that kids learn better when they feel successful. Most students think that my class is “easy”, but they all are learning !

Progress reports will be sent home every three weeks, but if your child is struggling, I will let you know sooner.
Please feel free to email me at school. I will make every attempt to reply to you as soon as possible. My email address is: susan.mccollum@comfort.txed.net
The school phone number is 995-6420, ext. 340. Please call for a conference if you have any questions or concerns. I’m here to help !

CMS Vision Statement: Comfort Middle School will provide differentiated instruction
designed to facilitate the desire to become lifelong learners and productive citizens
through excellence in academics and extra-curricular programs
CMS Mission Statement: Using teamwork with an emphasis on superior performance
in academics and athletics, Comfort Middle School staff and parents will guide our
students to become productive citizens in their community.