About Me/My Philosophy 

My goals for your child(ren) during the school year are:

Science: 

• to understand that learning is important and is all around them
• to be organized
• Students should learn the why, not just the what and how

Essential Questions for Science:                     
1.  Why study science?                                   
2.  How do scientists do their work?               
3.  What is science?

Important Information:

• My philosophy about homework and assignments.  Students need to spend at least 5-10 minutes five times a week reviewing their notebook; updating and organizing and working toward being able to prove they are proficient on assignments (learning targets/standards).  Most assignments and some quizzes/tests may be redone.  If a student needs to improve a grade (show their understanding has improved), they have several alternatives.  
  The student may: 
       1)  redo the assignment as homework.  Please note:  just doing an assignment does not necessitate a better grade. 
            Students must show that they understand the standards and not just copy work from another student.
       2) Come into the classroom during lunch to receive help and redo the assignment.
       3) Attend homework club.
       4) Make an appointment for a different time like before or after school.
       5) Sign up for AIRE Time (Wednesdays and Fridays)
   
• At least one time per week, I will notify students if they have missing assignments (This usually occurs on Mondays).  Being absent is not an excuse for missing assignments.  If a student is absent, they must come in during lunch, stay after school or come before school to make up their work, do the work at home as homework or sign up for AIRE Time. I also send out weekly emails to parents/caregivers with a progress report and a schedule for the upcoming week (this usually occurs on Sundays).
• Homework club begins in October and runs through May.    
• My expectation for each child is that they learn to think for themselves, not be afraid to make mistakes -most learning happens this way - and to do their best work.  My job is to be available to give additional help when needed, to instruct each child, and to create an atmosphere that ensures each child is successful at Lakeside Middle School.  If you would like to meet to discuss your child's progress, please email me to make an appointment. 
• I also expect students to bring materials on a daily basis, participate in class, observe the classroom norms, follow policies and procedures of the school and classroom, bring and use their planner and to follow the Lakeside Way. 
• I DO NOT give extra credit. I use student work to inform me of how to teach on a daily basis.  We "do" science in class each day and use reading and writing to show our understanding.  Each day missed will affect learning.

 DISTRICT FOUNDATIONS

• I graduated from WSU, Tri-Cities Richland WA, in June 2002.  I have my National Board Certificate in Early Adolescents Science. I graduated from Whitworth University in June of 2020 with my Master's degree in Education - School Counseling.  
• I have three children, Tricia, Adam, and Cody.  Three grandbabies, Dylan and Stella, and Erika.
• I am married to Don Simpson
• I have several animals:  2 Geckos, Baby G and Luigi and a cat named Tux.  We are getting a new puppy in September.  His name is Vincent Nigel Murray.  He is a Basset Hound.  
• My Favorites:

• I was born in Oxnard, CA in 1966
• I am the oldest of 7 siblings (kinda, I have an older sister that was given up for adoption and we have since reconnected)
• I am native, part of the Chickasaw tribe.  
• I have lived in California, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, Washington, and Werzberg, Germany.
• Interesting places I have been:  London, England; Barcelona, Spain; Belfast & Dublin, Ireland, and Werzberg, Germany.  Beaches on the West side of the state and in California.  I love visiting state and national parks too.
• Interesting things you might not know:  I ran a sprint triathalon.  I would love to have been an actress and I hate when people are mean. 
• Something I am good at is trying new things.  Something I struggle with is math.